Having skilled and safe drivers is crucial for the success of businesses that manage fleets. While targeted training after an incident can help to address specific behaviors before they lead to a crash, a comprehensive driver training program that goes beyond just remedial training is necessary for the safety of everyone on the road and the success of the company. In this blog, we discuss how a strong focus on fleet defensive driving training is critical in ensuring drivers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to avoid incidents – before they occur.
The Power of Comprehensive Fleet Safety Training
Prevention is Key
The first and perhaps most crucial reason why a driver training program for fleets should include more than just remedial training after an incident is prevention. Remedial training only addresses an issue after it has already occurred, whereas a comprehensive training program should focus on preventing incidents from happening in the first place by providing drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate challenging situations. This means providing ongoing education on topics such as defensive driver training, avoiding distractions, winter driving safety and others alike.
Reduced Liability and Costs
A driver training program that goes beyond remedial training can also help to reduce liability and costs for companies. If an incident occurs, and the driver has only received remedial training, the company may be held liable for not providing adequate training. Furthermore, incidents can be costly for companies, both in terms of direct costs such as damage to vehicles and indirect costs such as lost productivity and increased insurance premiums. A comprehensive training program works to reduce the overall frequency and severity of incidents, resulting in cost savings for the company.
Compliance with Regulations
Many jurisdictions require companies to provide regular training to their drivers. A comprehensive training program can help to ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid any potential fines or penalties. In addition to complying with regulations, a comprehensive training program can also help companies to exceed regulatory requirements and set themselves apart from their competitors.
Promote a Positive Reputation
Incidents involving company vehicles can damage a company’s reputation. A comprehensive training program that emphasizes safe driving practices can help to promote a positive image for the company. Customers and stakeholders will view a company that prioritizes safety as being responsible and reliable, which can help to attract and retain customers and employees.
By prioritizing safety, companies can achieve greater success and become leaders in their industry. And by including a focus on defensive driving, companies can ensure that their drivers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the road safely and avoid incidents before they occur.
Download our Free White Paper:
“Why Companies Must Maintain a Fleet of Defensive Drivers”
7 Critical Training Topics for Fleet Defensive Driving
In today’s rapidly evolving world, driving has become more complex than ever before. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated safety features, while traffic on the roads is becoming denser and more unpredictable. In response to these changes, companies that operate fleets of vehicles must prioritize the implementation of a driver training program that emphasizes modern defensive driving skills.
The question is, where do you start when it comes to teaching drivers effective defensive driving techniques? To help companies get started, SambaSafety created “PRO-DEFENSE”, consisting of seven fundamental principles of effective fleet defensive driver training.
Distractions
Advances in safety, comfort and technology may lead drivers to believe that they can take their focus off the road. However, drivers must remain aware of the proper use of these features and the potential dangers they can present.
Effective Communication
Drivers must use their turn signals, lights, horn, speed and other cues to ensure that the vehicles around them know what they intend to do before making any maneuver.
Fatigue Management
Drivers must learn to understand and identify the early symptoms of fatigue. Doing so will help them know when to take a break before it affects their ability to drive safely.
Evaluating Space
If drivers can maintain proper space around their vehicle at all times, they can better protect themselves, their vehicle and eliminate the likelihood of future collisions.
Navigating Hazards
The number of hazards on the road is growing quickly, and drivers need to be confident in identifying and appropriately reacting to them when they occur.
Speed Management
Speed management is more than just obeying the speed limit. Drivers need to operate vehicles at a speed that allows them to handle any situation that arises.
Essential Planning
Anytime a driver gets behind the wheel, they need to have a plan. This proactive mindset will help eliminate many of the issues that arise throughout the trip.
As new technologies and potentially adverse conditions continue to weave their way into everyday life, it’s more important than ever for companies to implement a driver training program that emphasizes modern defensive driving skills. By focusing your fleet defensive driving topics on the seven “PRO-DEFENSE” fundamentals, companies can help ensure the safety and success of their team.
Want to dive deeper into the seven fundamentals of fleet defensive driver training? Download our free white paper, “Why Companies Must Maintain a Fleet of Defensive Drivers.”
