Fleet driver safety training program: strategies and components

Safety should always be at the forefront of fleet management’s mind. “In 2021, 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes.” These accidents happened most often in rural areas (54%) and on interstate highways (26%).

Additionally, 83% of fatal accidents occurred during the workweek. Undoubtedly, a typical commercial trucker’s workweek is dangerous. This is why managers need to ensure their drivers’ safety and the company's productivity.

However, creating and maintaining a comprehensive fleet driver safety training program is easier said than done. Learn how to effortlessly build a strong template for safety programs for your fleet.

Safety strategies fleet managers can use immediately

These strategies are easy for fleet managers to implement without spending a lot of time or effort. 

1. Use advanced tools

Cutting-edge technology that used to be out of reach for fleet companies has become easily accessible. At this point, companies are expected to provide various safety tools to drivers.

Every driver should have access to basic safety tools such as:

• Driver and road-facing cameras
• Forward collision warning system
• Electronic stability control
• Hands-free devices
• Driver monitoring systems
• Lane-changing assistance
• Vehicle monitoring technology

2. Create detailed driver training 

Commercial truck driving training no longer involves learning the basics in a classroom, shadowing experienced drivers and then driving on one’s own. This process has showcased too many knowledge gaps.

Instead, companies are investing in more extensive fleet driver safety training - sometimes at the demand of the drivers. 

Driving simulators 

Driving simulators have been a significant reason for this shift in how training is done. Driving simulators allow users to practice and make mistakes in a safe environment. 

Continuing education

Training also extends past driving vehicles. Companies are offering continuing education on fleet driver safety topics such as:

• Dangers of distracted driving
• How to manage fatigue
• Signs of burnout

Understanding learning styles

Another aspect of extensive training is the understanding that people learn differently. Originally, the generic classroom setting was the best way to teach multiple drivers. 

That’s no longer the case. There are many different types of learners, such as:

• Auditory learners
• Kinesthetic learners
• Text learners 
• Visual learners

Now, training programs have a layer of flexibility that caters to each learner within a group of drivers. 

3. Use data to change the future

Since data collection is due to the Internet of Things (IoT), companies are using real-time driver data to improve fleet driver safety. Data that can be collected include:

• Driver performance
• Road conditions
• Vehicle maintenance status
• Vehicle speed

For example, if companies note that many drivers end up in accidents in a certain area, they can create new routes to avoid troublesome areas. 

Seven essential components to build a fleet safety program

Here are the seven essential components that make up a fleet safety program template for your team of drivers. 

1. Communicate clear safety requirements

First and foremost, you must clearly state your company’s safety expectations. If your drivers do not know what safety measures to take, they will not do them.

Do not forget to state the obvious, like not texting while driving or not carrying unauthorized passengers. These rules may seem obvious, but you never know your drivers’ experiences with other fleet companies.

Communicate safety requirements to employees through the employee handbook, posters around the office and a pamphlet within each vehicle. Communication should be fluid, however. As you notice different behaviors and bad habits rising, hold meetings with your fleet to point them out and emphasize the importance of safety.

2. Rate drivers on safety 

Monthly performance evaluations help your drivers understand how seriously you take safety. These evaluations can include safety scorecards that rate drivers on their behaviors. 

You might include the standard safety tasks or customize the scorecard for each driver. The latter might be a more practical choice if you notice drivers developing bad habits. 

You can also reward drivers who showcase excellent safety behaviors as part of performance evaluations. This effort will encourage your fleet to be safe and create healthy competition to see who wins the prize. 

3. Take advantage of technology

Even the safest drivers make human mistakes. Counteract that by providing the latest technology to assist them. You can also use technology to better monitor drivers, which will inform the performance evaluations you give drivers.

Finally, invest in better training technology, such as driving simulators, to hone each driver’s skills in a safe environment.

4. Set goals for your safety program

You will not know if your fleet safety program is successful if you do not set and track goals. These objectives may relate to the initial program or address specific problems within the fleet. For example, a focus could be minimizing traffic violations or ensuring everyone follows your company’s safety procedures.

Depending on the size of your fleet, goals may change quarterly or annually. If you do not meet a goal, you must determine why and adjust for the next goal. 

5. Establish an accident response plan

While the point of a safety program is to prevent accidents, it is not foolproof. You also need an accident response plan, which outlines what the company will do after an accident.

If the driver is the cause of the accident, will the driver require additional training before returning to the road? Does the accident response plan have multiple paths depending on the cause of the accident? Will training be available for those who are nervous to drive after an accident?

Answering these questions will help create a detailed plan for various situations.

6. Offer continuous training

Training shouldn’t stop after a driver fully integrates into the company; it should be a regular part of the job. Continuous training is essential, whether drivers need to refine skills or break bad habits.

Using a simulator from Driver Training Solutions for training benefits new and seasoned drivers. Our simulators feature difficulty scales and scenario customization, so each driver can experience a scenario that challenges them.

7. Maintain fleet vehicles 

The final aspect of a fleet safety program is vehicle maintenance. Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to break down and endanger drivers.

Part of a driver’s performance should include how well they maintain their vehicle and whether they follow the pre-trip checklist.

Why choose Driver Training Solutions' simulators 

1. Provides an immersive experience

Our simulators provide an immersive experience by engaging the senses and muscle memory. They have real-time physical feedback in the steering column and chair, so users feel what’s happening on the screen.

It also has all the physical levers and foot controls to mimic the feeling of being in a commercial truck's cab.

For example, if a new driver is using our simulator, they’ll feel the physical resistance of a large truck and have to learn how to compensate for it - all while in a safe environment. 

2. Caters to a wide range of learners and skill levels

Due to our simulator’s scenario customization feature, instructors can easily accommodate people of all skill levels and learning styles. Thus, one simulator can easily train your entire fleet.

Experienced drivers won’t be bored while training, and new drivers won’t feel overwhelmed. 

3. Allows drivers to safely make mistakes

Simulators also allow repetitive training without wearing out equipment. Drivers can repeat a scenario over and over until they complete it successfully. Learning through experience and repetition makes better drivers.

Learning through experience and repetition makes skill-based learning easier - which is perfect for learning how to operate a large vehicle. 

4. Features built-in instructor tools

Fleet driver safety training is only as effective as its instructors, so TranSim™ comes with an instructor station. Providing instructors with all the necessary tools means continuous instruction levels across various instructors.

Tools such as scenario replayability allow instructors to replay a driver’s experience and pinpoint where a mistake is made. Trainers can then explain why it is a mistake and how the driver can correct it.

Scenario manipulation allows instructors to keep drivers - especially experienced drivers who think they know better - alert. Instructors can add more vehicles, pedestrians and surprise events within a simulator, even if it is live.

Finally, there’s an entire set of tools to help track performances and create performance-based lessons. 

Safety is always the number one priority 

To keep a fleet running smoothly, you need drivers who act responsibly on the road. The best way to ensure this is by emphasizing safety at every level of your company and providing the best training possible.

Investing in a driving simulator like TranSim™ will increase your fleet drivers’ safety and confidence. You can cater to different learners and skill levels without wearing out vehicles and equipment.