One of the very first blogs we posted (a few years ago now) was “Driver training: how do you decide who needs it?”. Spoiler alert – there was no hard and fast answer to that question included!
But it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t consider the question again. And it may even be easier to find an answer now organisations have become aware of their culture of safety, and the importance of a more holistic approach to the wellbeing of their people.
Driver training works. Higher-level skills driver training works even better.
The following stats come from three different organisations using Fleetcoach who recorded: a 54% drop in the total cost of vehicle related incidents; a 75% reduction of speeding infringements (in just three months!); and the best percentage – 100% reduction in serious injuries while driving!
It makes sense to implement driver training into your organisation, but who should be part of that training? Below are some of the drivers our current customers have considered:
• Drivers who spend a lot of time on the road
• Drivers who drive in difficult conditions
• Drivers who drive in busy traffic
• Drivers who are new to the country they are driving in
• Drivers who have prompted negative feedback about how they drive from others
• Drivers who have recorded events through Telematics
• Drivers who drive a tool of trade vehicle
• Drivers who drive a pool vehicle
• Drivers who drive their own vehicle for work
Think there’s something missing from the above list?
What about drivers who have already had incidents, I hear you ask. Well, we love to see organisations thinking proactively, but if there has already been an incident then it’s too late for that driver in that particular situation. However, the focus should be on making sure that an incident is not repeated, so be sure to add those drivers to training too.
Fleetcoach training focuses on the driver so it can help everyone who is driving, for any reason, make better choices. This means safer roads, less incidents, less time off the road for vehicles (and maybe drivers), less cost involved in the maintenance/repair of your fleet and a better culture of safety at your organisation.
Lastly, is driving recognised as a critical risk in your organisation? A risk that could extend from the top down? Then ask those at the top to lead by example. When those up the ladder train it not only adds to the number of safer drivers which make the roads safer, it also sets a good example and shows that driver wellbeing is important to the whole organisation. Add them to the training list!
So, how do you decide who needs driver training? Maybe there is a simple answer – choose anyone who drives.
Not sure where to find the driver training solution that's best for you? Download our guide to choosing the best training.
