For every fleet, success depends on driver performance. Safe driving practices are essential to fleets running efficiently and effectively. Behind the wheel training is key for drivers, teaching them the best practices for driving a business-owned vehicle.
For commercial fleets or companies with a large fleet of vehicles for sales reps, having properly trained drivers is as important as keeping vehicles properly maintained and in top running condition. Drivers make all the difference for fleets, not only for successfully conducting business but also for improving fleet risk management. That includes both veteran drivers needing to freshen their skills and at-risk drivers who require remedial fleet driver training.
Why Behind the Wheeling Driver Training Is Important
No matter what type of organization owns a fleet, drivers are the most important asset. In addition to managing the safe and timely delivery of a company’s products, they also typically interact the most with customers.
At the same time, due to the dangers of the job, drivers also represent the biggest risk. Behind the wheel training for drivers is a way for companies to proactively improve safety, reduce risk and lower costs.
The safety of all drivers is a paramount concern for all fleets. Also, better driving practices result in fewer costly accidents. Those costs range from $16,000 to $75,000 depending on the damage to the vehicle. Those costs increase greatly if a crash involves a serious injury or fatality.
The Choices Available for Driver Training
Behind the wheel training, done in-person with an expert driving coach, is more effective than online simulators or virtual driver courses (although they also are extremely effective in specific circumstances). With behind-the-wheel training for fleet drivers, coaches give personalized training that allows drivers to apply what they learn in real-world situations.
Driving Dynamics offers a host of behind-the-wheel training services called DriverAdvantage. Companies can choose the training that best suits their needs. The training covers some highly sought-after training areas.
- Vehicle control and crash-avoidance techniques
- Skills training and exercises blended with behavioral training
- High risk driver training programs
- Job-specific and vehicle-specific courses
- Manager’s training for ride-along coaching
With behind the wheel training, drivers learn core driver safety competencies, the benefits and limits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the behavioral issues that impact driving performance.
Specialized Programs to Meet Fleet Needs
Fleets also benefit from behind the wheel training for fleet drivers that focuses on specific areas where they might experience challenges. For example, training can focus on managers, improving their ability to coach drivers. Programs also are available for corporate-sponsored teen driving courses and community events.
At-risk drivers are a special area of concern for most fleet managers. Drivers who have engaged in dangerous driving behaviors or been involved with a crash can still learn the skills needed to improve performance. At Driving Dynamics, the focus is on four cycles of remedial training.
- Unconscious incompetence. Driver is unaware that a skills or knowledge gap exists. In other words - you don’t know what you don’t know.
- Conscious incompetence. Driver is aware of the skills gap and understands the importance of closing that gap.
- Conscious competence. Driver learns new skills, but putting them to use requires hard work and focus.
- Unconscious competence. Drivers learn new skills so well that they apply them without consciously thinking about it.
Behind the wheel training for fleet drivers offers fleets the best method for improving the most important part of their business: the performance of drivers. It’s an investment that provides multiple returns in improved safety, better operational efficiency and fleet risk management.
