Driving training is a formal class or program that prepares new drivers to obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license. It may be conducted in a classroom, in a vehicle or online.
A successful driver training program should emphasize learning skills, teaching risks and developing self-evaluation. It should also address motives and goals related to driving, such as social pressures.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is a set of driving techniques that helps to minimise the risk of being involved in an accident by keeping your vehicle and all those around you safe. The technique teaches drivers to look out for other vehicles, be aware of their surroundings, and to react quickly to avoid dangers on the road.
The skills and techniques that defensive driving involves are crucial for reducing the number of accidents that occur on the roads. They also ensure that everyone on the road has a safer driving experience and can enjoy the journey without having to worry about their safety.
When you drive, you have to be aware of many things at once – the weather, road conditions, traffic density, signs and signals, and more. This means that your brain and reflexes are always processing through a lot of information, which can be quite difficult when it comes to defensive driving.
This is why it is important to take defensive driving courses that will teach you to recognise potential hazards on the road and to act quickly when it becomes necessary. It is also vital to stay focused on the driving task at all times.
Drivers who are prone to distractions such as eating and drinking while they drive, or being in an unsuitable mood, can be put at risk of causing an accident if they do not keep their attention on the road. This can be especially dangerous for school bus drivers, who have to be on the lookout for children and other passengers at all times.
Teaching your employees about the importance of defensive driving and its techniques can be a good way to help them stay safe while driving on the road. It will not only help them avoid accidents and injuries, but it will also mean that they can reduce their insurance costs and avoid any claims for third party damages from other drivers or pedestrians.
It is also essential to follow the basic traffic laws, such as not tailgating other cars or turning right in front of another vehicle. This is a common mistake made by drivers that can easily be avoided.
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is a crucial aspect of driving training that should be taught at an early age. Having your children understand the basic functions of their car and how to identify problems before they become large and costly is a valuable skill that they can use throughout their life.
Whether it’s checking tire pressure or changing oil, learning about how their car works before it’s too late can save them money down the road. It’s also a good way to teach them to be prepared for emergencies and respond calmly when things go wrong, rather than panicking and getting into trouble.
Many vehicles require certain preventative maintenance services at fixed intervals, such as every 3,000 miles or so. These can include routine oil changes, brake inspections, and wheel alignments.
Drivers may have different preferences for the frequency of these services, but it is important to keep them up to date on their vehicle’s maintenance requirements, so they can be sure their car is performing at its best and that they aren’t putting unnecessary mileage on their tires.
It is also important to have drivers complete a pre-trip and post-trip inspection of their vehicles, which can catch small issues before they become major repairs down the road. A thorough pre-trip check should consist of an inspection under the hood and in the cabin to look for fluid levels, loose nuts or bolts, corrosion and any signs of wear.
For example, if a driver’s air conditioner isn’t cooling properly or there is an abnormal sound coming from the engine, they should take it to their service center as soon as possible to avoid a costly repair down the road.
DiSalvi says that it is critical to provide drivers with a single point of contact at their service centers, so that they can ask questions and receive an accurate estimate on repairs. He says that at Schneider, they have what he calls an “estimator” who will answer drivers’ questions and assess the vehicle’s need for service before scheduling any work.
It is also important for fleet managers to have a written vehicle maintenance policy that outlines the company’s proactive efforts towards maintenance scheduling, record keeping and driver training. This policy can help mitigate the risk of stranded drivers and increase driver confidence in their vehicles, resulting in improved vehicle uptime.
Compliance
Compliance is a term that refers to the ability of an organization or individual to adhere to certain laws and regulations. It is an important part of business, as it helps ensure that employees are not putting their own interests before the needs of the company or its customers.
Companies across the world have to comply with a variety of different laws and regulations that are set out in their jurisdictions, including environmental protection, labour law, price fixing, and corporate codes of conduct. Failure to follow these guidelines can have a serious impact on a company’s reputation and could lead to fines or other penalties.
Having an efficient compliance system in place is key to making sure that your business remains in good standing. This requires that your policies and procedures are revised regularly and that employees are thoroughly trained on them.
Another important aspect of a compliance program is the ongoing monitoring and tracking of violations. This ensures that your company is in compliance with all rules and regulations, and that any errors that occur are caught and corrected before they can become larger issues.
It is also important to keep records and documentation in an organized format, so that they can be accessed easily in the future. These documents can serve as critical evidence in the event of an audit or litigation.
One way to help your company stay compliant is to provide driving training that covers the latest federal and state regulations. This can help improve your drivers’ knowledge of their job and increase their safety on the road.
Drivers can be taught on a variety of topics, including defensive driving, hours of service requirements, vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol testing. This type of training can also teach them to follow specific routes and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
The FMCSA recently introduced a new requirement for entry-level drivers to complete a prescribed combination of theory and behind-the-wheel training prior to taking the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test. This new rule will go into effect on Monday, March 4.
The new requirement is expected to improve the safety of new CDL holders and reduce costs for fleets by reducing the number of unqualified drivers. It will also improve the retention of your drivers, as they will be more prepared for success and happiness in their new job.
Safety
When your employees are entrusted with company vehicles, it is essential to train them in how to drive safely. Whether your drivers are repairmen, utility workers, pest control specialists or any other employees that require driving skills to perform their duties, safety is the key.
Drivers who are well-trained in the safest methods of operation will be able to minimize their risk and save both themselves and your organization time, money, and stress. They will also be able to provide valuable information to your safety team.
Choosing the right instructor is critical to employee training success. An experienced and skilled trainer will be able to keep the class interested, open up the floor for participation and convey core safety messages with competence.
The National Safety Council (NSC) provides a comprehensive selection of courses and resources for your organization. NSC courses focus on preventing and reducing accidents. They go beyond instruction on traffic laws to include defensive driving strategies.
Courses can be delivered in the classroom, on-site or online. NSC driver training courses are available in a variety of formats including full-screen narrated video and interactive scenarios to keep your employees interested and engaged.
In addition to driver training, employers should consider other aspects of workplace safety such as health and safety. This will help to prevent employee injuries and illness and reduce the risk of worker compensation claims, which in turn, can save your company money.
Employers should make sure that employees have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes hard hats, eye protection, ear plugs, gloves and shoes to avoid injury from workplace hazards.
Having the proper safety procedures in place will allow your employees to perform their duties with the highest levels of efficiency and confidence, which in turn will increase productivity. Additionally, employees who are reassured of their safety will be more likely to stay with your organization longer, which can also have a positive impact on the bottom line.
The importance of safety can not be overstated. It is a fundamental component of every business and it must be addressed and implemented to ensure the health and well-being of both your employees and your business.