Are We Doing Enough Providing Our Drivers Safety Education?

As the years pass by I often question successes and wonder if I took the extra steps needed to provide my drivers with the education needed to proceed on a pick up or delivery fully prepared to Drive Defensively, Remaining always a professional behind the wheel and prepared with concise information that should assist them in their every changing environment.

As much as my love of the industry has remained steadfast the truthful answer to my thoughts would be no. As a professional in the safety profession you quickly learn that our industry is ever changing, and provided with more information that a person could fathom.

You may ask why would an individual would be interested in entering a career that is well known for its long hours, intense regulations and a commitment that is as big as all the other requirements mentioned.

Speaking for my 48 years of service it is quite simple. It's the concern and respect for the drivers out on the road that are equally as committed as anyone to providing a service in a timely and safe manner. It is also our concern that our skills remain on such a level that insures the safety of the motoring public.

I am proud that I had the opportunity to work for several carriers that truly understood the importance of a strong relationship between operations, maintenance, the supporting staff and the drivers. Solidly built we were able to enjoy a lower accident per million miles and several safety awards as well. On the other hand I also had a few carriers that due to their ownership's culture exhibited little to no serious concerns about their safety department and it showed in their scores, driver retention and accidents.

What more could we as an industry do to insure that our drivers and companies do not have to face charges of negligence or suffer not only monetary losses but injuries, and deaths involving the motoring public? Insure the hiring criteria is being followed with consistency. Managing your drivers through exceptions will destroy any validity you have.

I have a few ideas that I would like to share but would also welcome your input so as an industry we can learn and utilize your ideas among others

1. Provide your attendees a schedule of the materials being presented. This should include not only courses but break times and lunch.
2. Each segment of training should be followed up with testing to insure all attendees have comprehended your subject matter.
3. Become fluid with your training materials and under no circumstance read to your drivers. Speak to them utilizing eye contact as you present the materials. Your drivers will pay closer attention to the materials when they are confident that the trainer has a clear understanding of the materials being presented.
4. Insure that participation is utilized. Ask several questions during the class and welcome all feedback. Involvement is the key to success.
5. During the maintenance segment it is good to have a unit available. Working along side maintenance enlist the assistance of a maintenance supervisor that has prearranged multiple violations for the class to locate and report. Have the maintenance department relocate these violations to the next class.
6. At the end of the classroom segment perform an overview with the drivers and answer any and all question before the test is given.
7. In the event you are a hazardous material carrier it will be important the you are aware if function specific training is required. It is equally important to insure the trainer is a certified as well.

There us much more that can be done. Please forward me you thoughts and/or ideas to be included as well.