From novice commercial drivers learning the ropes to seasoned veterans navigating complex routes, each level of experience brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for improvement. Ensuring safety and compliance across a commercial fleet is an ongoing task and a critical component of business success. While some fleet managers have developed successful company driver training programs, there is still room for improvement, considering the 14% increase in auto claims since 2020. Commercial insurers, especially those who have invested in telematics and alternative data resources, are uniquely positioned to meet this need for fleets.
The Impact of Driver Experience on Business Risk
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), roadway incidents involving motorized vehicles were the leading cause of work-related deaths in 2022. Data like this has helped fleet managers realize that drivers need different types of training depending on their level of experience in commercial driving. The skill gaps that a novice driver in a fleet may have are very different from where a seasoned driver might need coaching.
A fleet’s risk factors can also vary due to its industry, vehicle types, route timing and driver demographics. Lytx recently published a study that highlighted afternoon driving (4 to 7 pm) as three times riskier than morning driving (5 to 8 am). The study also revealed that near collisions surged 226% across commercial auto. Considering that distracted driving has also increased, costing commercial carriers $395 billion in 2023, insurers need to work with fleets in their book to combat roadway risk more proactively.
Importance of Tailored Company Driver Training Programs
We have seen policyholders who leverage a combination of monitoring and training experience a 77% reduction in violations within one year. Reducing risk so significantly can shift a book of business from struggling into profitability.
Learn How SambaSafety Drives Success with Customized Training Programs
When it comes to commercial driving, experience matters. Novice drivers, while eager to learn, often lack the practical knowledge and reflexes developed through years on the road. This can lead to higher accident rates and increased insurance costs for businesses. On the other hand, experienced drivers bring invaluable skills, but their confidence and familiarity with routes can lead to more distracted driving.
Run-of-the-mill company driver training doesn’t cut it for fleets anymore. Tailored driver training programs are necessary to both attract talent and meet commercial drivers where they are once onboard. The National Private Truck Council (NPTC) recently reported that private fleets have increased their recruitment focus on training from 7% in 2023 to 74% in 2024. They also report an increased investment in entry-level driver training (ELDT), increasing from 17% in 2023 to 37% in 2024.
A few essential requirements for a tailored commercial driver training program include:
- 3D visuals and shorter courses to increase driver engagement and cognitive retention.
- A mastery-based approach with periodic quizzes and exercises to ensure skill proficiency.
- Assigning relevant, incident-based courses to address specific behaviors.
Training Strategies for Different Experience Levels
The most effective training strategies are both timely and tailored to meet the specific needs of drivers at different experience levels. Investing in a tailored approach to training can help your clients cultivate a highly skilled workforce and develop a culture of safety, benefiting an insurer’s long-term stability and profitability.
Below we share our recommendations for how carriers can approach training at each driver stage:
Novice Drivers
Documentation, such as a suspended or expired license, is a common violation for novice drivers and should be monitored closely.
Focus on foundational skills such as vehicle operation, traffic laws and basic maneuvers. Simulations and real-world scenarios help build confidence and readiness for newer commercial drivers.
Intermediate Drivers
Advanced training in defensive driving techniques, navigating complex routes and handling adverse weather conditions prepares intermediate drivers to anticipate and mitigate risks proactively.
This segment of drivers is more likely to receive violations for driving under the influence.
Experienced Drivers
Experienced drivers have an increased likelihood of receiving maneuver violations, such as phone use or texting, and benefit from coaching that prevents distracted driving.
Ongoing education on emerging technologies, regulatory updates and best practices ensures that seasoned drivers remain at the forefront of safety and efficiency.
Continuous evaluation and feedback loops are crucial to refining skills and adapting to evolving industry standards.
Partner with Fleets for the Best Safety Outcomes
Leading commercial insurers prioritize proactive collaboration and innovation with clients through their training programs and the technology they use. Effective training plays a pivotal role in elevating cutting-edge technology like telematics, which most fleets are already using for operations and continuous driver monitoring.
Company driver training is not just a legal requirement for fleets in your book – it's a cornerstone of risk mitigation and financial safeguarding for commercial insurers. By understanding and providing solutions for fleets’ diverse needs, commercial insurers can reduce risk exposure and help their clients foster a culture of safety across their driver populations.
Click the link below to discover how to enhance risk management with SambaSafety’s Driver Training Solutions.
