Is a Fleet Safety Course Worth It? | Risk Management Pros, Cons

Good drivers are the backbone of every successful fleet. They also represent a great deal of risk for fleet managers. When trying to decide whether a fleet safety course is worth it, fleet managers should look at all the factors that apply to their particular fleet.

Taking the time to assess the potential benefits of fleet safety training is the only way to determine if the time is right to put your drivers into a fleet safety training course. Only you can decide what is right for your fleet. 

While every fleet is different, certain common factors typically lead a fleet manager to consider fleet safety courses.

• Too many drivers not meeting standards for good driver behavior
• Lowering the risk of crashes and collisions (the number of crashes may even have crept up lately)
• Decreasing insurance rates
• Saving on fuel costs
• Making operations more efficient and effective
• A need to address driving issues during particular times of year (such as during winter weather)

Reasons Why a Fleet Safety Course Is Worth It 

Most fleet managers, once they start researching the issue, quickly determine that a fleet safety course is worth it. High quality fleet safety courses can substantially lower the risk of crashes, which in turn lowers fleet costs for repairing vehicles while also improving driver safety. These reasons alone compel most fleet managers to put their drivers through a fleet safety course. 

Safety courses also are more convenient than ever. Fleet managers can choose from online self-paced courses, instructor-led video courses or in-person driver training (all of these are offered through award-winning Driving Dynamics programs and services). This is a significant “pro” for fleet managers who want to schedule fleet safety training in a way that is the least disruptive to operations. 

Other pros include:

Identifying driver needs. By focusing on the kinds of training each individual driver needs, fleet managers become more familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of their driving team. That also helps them target each driver with the training they need to improve behind the wheel, as opposed to generalized programs that often don’t speak to each driver’s needs. 

Using training in different situations. By understanding the variety of fleet safety programs available, fleets can implement the right type of training for onboarding new drivers, boosting or refreshing the skills of veteran drivers, and addressing at-risk drivers who have issues in specific areas.

Addressing a wide variety of issues. A fleet safety course can address a wide variety of driving-related issues. 

• The uses (and limitations) of ADAS systems
• Competent vehicle control (hard-wired basic skills and maneuvers)
• Distracted driving
• Risky driver behaviors such as speeding, abrupt braking, taking corners too fast, and not maintaining proper distance between vehicles
• Better decision-making skills in a variety of driving environments
• Self-awareness (understanding how one’s own personality and emotions impact driving)

Saving money. Fleets can save money in different ways by investing in risk management, particular in fleet safety courses. They can lower the costs of crashes (the average fleet crash now costs about $26,000), save money on potential litigation, potentially reduce insurance costs, and get a great return on investment (typically a $4 return for every $1 invested in fleet safety).

Any of these reasons show that a fleet safety course is worth it for managers who want to better manage risk. Whether working with new or veteran drivers, fleet managers can improve safety and reduce costs by investing in high-quality training for their drivers.