Strength in Numbers, Shared in Purpose



Thank you to every NETS member, sponsor, and partner who joined us in Indianapolis for the 2026 Strength IN Numbers® Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference. The energy throughout the week reflected what makes NETS special: people willing to share what is working, talk openly about what is difficult, and help one another advance road safety.

A central theme was that employers are a road-safety force multiplier. Through policy, training, technology, procurement, coaching, culture and leadership, employers can turn safety goals into practice.

The Agriculture, Insurance, Pharmaceutical, Supply Chain/HGV and Utility sector meetings were a highlight, giving members time to go deeper with peers facing similar risk and safety challenges. They reinforced the value of trusted spaces where members can compare approaches.

Again and again, the value of NETS showed up in the trust at the table. Companies that may compete every day were willing to share lessons learned and practical ideas because road safety is bigger than competition. Some of the best conversations began with, “Here is what we tried, what we learned, and what we would do differently.”

The general sessions carried a consistent message: fleet safety is changing quickly. Technology helps us see risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Data helps us understand those risks. Training and coaching help change behavior. But leadership determines what we do with that knowledge. As Gabriel Kardos of Johnson & Johnson reminded us, safety should be a value, not simply a priority. Priorities change. Values guide decisions.

The emotional center of the week was the Road Safety Awards Dinner at the Indiana Repertory Theatre Ballroom, where we recognized this year’s Road Safety Award winners and honored Susan Hipp with her family present. The award created in her honor reminds us of the leadership and connection she brought to NETS.

Mike Lutzenkirchen’s message about his son, Philip, stayed with many of us. Philip was much more than a football player. He did good things when nobody was watching and made himself available to young people who needed him.

The breakout discussions provided valuable member feedback to help guide the continued development of Strength IN Numbers®. We are considering that input as we explore ways to strengthen the benchmark and deliver greater value to participating companies.

Thank you again for making Indianapolis such a productive conference. We are excited to announce that the next NETS Strength IN Numbers® Conference will be held in Phoenix in September 2027. We hope to see you there!