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Drivers encounter countless potential distractions on the road every day. While many newer vehicles have built-in safety features, drivers can still fall victim to common distractions and become impacted by avoidable accidents. To help combat this, transportation companies must prioritize the implementation of a driver training program that emphasizes modern defensive driving skills.
But where do you start? What defensive driving tips can you pass along to your drivers? Our partner, SambaSafety, created “PRO-DEFENSE,” consisting of seven fundamental principles of effective fleet defensive driver training.
Distractions
Distractions on the road impact drivers of any caliber. New and seasoned drivers alike may think they can multi-task when driving due to advances in safety, comfort and technology. It is crucial to remain focused on the road while driving—limiting distractions when possible.
Effective Communication
Truck drivers must use tools available at their disposal to communicate with others on the road. These tools include turn signals, lights, horn and other cues to signal to other vehicles on the road.
Fatigue Management
Identifying the early symptoms of fatigue is a must for truck drivers. Taking breaks is also a vital precaution in preventing fatigue on the road.
Evaluating Space
Truck drivers should understand the immediate space around their vehicles. Doing so can help them protect their own safety and the safety of others on the road, lowering the likelihood of a collision.
Navigating Hazards
Identifying potential hazards on the road is a key to defensive driving and pivotal in preventing collisions. Truck drivers should develop the ability to identify hazards and make a plan to react quickly.
Speed Management
Obeying the speed limit is critical to avoiding speeding violations, but there is more to speed management than simply following the law. Truck drivers must learn to use appropriate speeds depending on their environment, the weather and the potential hazards on the road.
Essential Planning
Having a proactive mindset will help drivers prepare before embarking on a trip. Having a plan can help routes run smoothly.
As the distractions on the road continue to grow, transportation companies need to champion a safety-first culture emphasizing defensive driving. We have made providing your drivers with industry-leading safety training easier than ever. With driver monitoring software from SambaSafety through TVC Pro-Driver, you can watch for violations year-round and tailor your assigned training based on what each driver needs to improve.
TVC Pro-Driver is partnered with industry leader SambaSafety to connect our members with top services, including:
- Video Safety Training: Receive discounted pricing to drive a safety-focused workplace culture.
- MVR Reporting: Identify drivers needing additional safety training, manage solutions and modify driver behavior with near real-time alerts.
- CSA Monitoring: Access an easy-to-use dashboard featuring a complete overview of CSA events, a carrier scorecard, vehicle maintenance report, driver essentials report and driver scorecard.
Safety training and protocols are crucial for truck drivers to reduce accidents and liability. Managing a safety program can sometimes feel overwhelming, but leveraging resources and training solutions can ease the burden while driving a safety-first culture.
Interested in learning more? Email us at services@prodriver.com or call (844) 939-2823. Be sure to ask about all of our SambaSafety offerings available.
