Driver Safety Training

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of worker injuries and death.¹ Driver safety training is a protective measure against crashes and helps protect drivers and other people on the road, resulting in fewer lives lost and reduced lost time on the job.

Driver safety training is included in any commercial driver's license (CDL) training program. However, drivers operating trucks weighing less than 26,000 are not required to obtain a CDL. Additionally, a truck driver without a CDL may also tow a single-axle trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 10,000 pounds. These are substantially larger vehicles than the average driver is accustomed to operating and therefore potentially hazardous, and driver safety training can be beneficial even if not required.

For drivers that are new to an organization and whose primary job responsibilities are driving on public roadways, a structured drivers training program should be in place. Also, anytime new vehicles are introduced into the fleet, drivers training specific to the new vehicles should be conducted. Additionally, driver refresher training should be conducted at regular intervals. Driver safety training is a continuous process and keeps drivers from becoming complacent when it comes to safety.

Driver's training should include components such as:

1. Vehicle characteristics, capabilities, and limitations
2. Vehicle instruments, controls, and safety components
3. Vehicle preventative maintenance checks and services
4. Company driving policies and procedures - seat belts, distractions (including drowsy and impaired driving), aggressive driving and speeding
5. Defensive Driving
6. Vehicle Backing

For drivers who drive occasionally for work in their privately owned vehicle (POV), a less structured approach may be sufficient. Driver's training programs should be scalable to meet the organization's needs.