Previously, we presented steps 1–5 in the recommendation of OSHA and its partners for driving safety. Now here are the last 5, with our own recommendation of a program for easy and effective driver training. .
It’s one recently addressed by a coalition composed of OSHA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. The group’s recommendation comprises 10 points to keep your employees safer behind the wheels.
Have your vehicle operators teach themselves defensive driving with BLR’s Interactive CD Course: Defensive Driving. Completely self-contained and usable anywhere. Try it at no cost or risk. Click for details.
Yesterday, we looked at points 1–5, which included management support, written safe-driving policies, written contracts with drivers, preemployment driving record checks, and strict reporting procedures whenever there is any kind of accident or incident, no matter how minor. Now, here’s the balance of the group’s recommendation:
6) The vehicle element. It’s well accepted that road safety has three components: the driver, driving conditions, and the vehicle itself. The organizations suggest purchasing models with “best-in-class” safety ratings from the DOT, then fully implementing the makers’ preventive maintenance schedule. This should be supplemented with a complete mechanical inspection at least annually, with all maintenance records kept on file. Insist that personal vehicles used for business also be carefully maintained.
7) Discipline. The organizations recommend a structured program of disciplinary actions based on a pattern of violations or incidents, with known penalties along the way. Some companies use a point system for this.
8) Rewards. The other side of the disciplinary coin is to reward safe driving. The groups advise building driving safety into the overall job performance evaluation, with rewards or incentives.
9) Compliance. Be sure all drivers know the law, as spelled out by various agencies, including NHTSA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which regulates commercial trucking, the US. DOT, and other agencies.
10) Training. Because it’s a skill so commonly used, most people think they already know how to drive safely. A solid defensive driving training program can show how much they have yet to learn—likely one reason the organizations recommend repeated training, supplemented by constant reminders.
To do this training both quickly and effectively, we’d like to bring to your attention BLR’s Interactive CD Course: Defensive Driving. It’s a 50-slide presentation on CD that:
- Defines defensive driving and demonstrates its characteristics
- Demonstrates the characteristics of driving defensively, such as the “2-second rule”
- Focuses on handling dangerous conditions such as winter driving, poor lighting, or heavy rush-hour traffic
- Warns against engaging with aggressive drivers in incidents of road rage
- Explains the effects of alcohol and sleep debt on driving
- Emphasizes importance of following company safe driving policy
Try BLR’s Interactive CD Course: Defensive Driving at no cost or risk. Click to read how.
Because your drivers are likely in and out on varied schedules, the program is completely self-directed. It can be used anywhere there’s a computer and whether or not you are present.
Motivation is built-in through a wide variety of interactive features that have your drivers doing “hands-on” tasks that make learning interesting. Similarly built-in quick quizzes, block progress until the material is learned. When it is, the program prints out a completion certificate. We’ve seen very few safe driver training programs as engaging and effective as this one.
You can see for yourself how well BLR’s Interactive CD Course: Defensive Driving works as we’ve arranged for Advisor readers to evaluate the program at no cost or risk for up to 30 days so you can try it with some of your own “road warriors.” Just click here and we’ll be happy to set things up.