Should I Provide Driver Training?

In today's fast-paced world, it's more critical than ever to train your employees on safe driving practices. Reflecting on my early 20s, I, too, once thought that having a driver's license meant I knew all there was to know about driving. My perspective has since drastically changed.

Here’s an eye-opening experience I had a few years ago: As a licensed Class 1 driver with long-haul experience, I transitioned to a local delivery company operating what I considered to be small 5-ton trucks. I was unfamiliar with the tail swing due to the vehicle's overhang, navigating downtown cores (since I was used to freeways), and specific vehicle operations. The organization did not provide training or pre-hire assessment drives to evaluate my capabilities. This lack of training and due diligence exposed the company to significant risks, including vehicle damage, liability, employee injury, and equipment damage. Luckily for both the company and myself, no motor vehicle incidents occurred. Looking back at it now, that gamble is one I wouldn't take as an owner or safety manager.

Reflecting on this as a safety professional, it’s evident that training employees is essential to mitigate such risks. Here are key reasons why training your employees to drive is vital:

Licensed Does Not Mean Qualified

This is a crucial topic and one that deserves extensive discussion. Simply passing a road test and holding a license does not equate to being a safe driver. Provincial and state licensing tests are designed to meet minimum standards, allowing individuals to drive with minimal supervision. These tests offer little coaching or feedback on improving driving skills. The exams are black-and-white, regulated standards that many can pass by demonstrating basic competence for a short period. This is why organizations should not rely solely on a valid license and clean driving abstract as the standard. We must consider that some drivers may have minimal experience or training and may have taken their test in a small vehicle, only to be handed the keys to larger company vehicles without further training.

Driver Training Affects the Whole Organization

In the safety world, we constantly adapt to new best practices as technology, equipment, and people evolve. Training your employees shows that you, as a safety professional, are keeping up with these changes. From an HR perspective, investing in employee training shows recognition and investment in their development. From an accounting standpoint, reducing preventable incidents through proactive training is more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of accidents. Public Relations teaches us that our customers are always watching; our vehicles serve as moving billboards, so we want our drivers to operate professionally.

Now I might have convinced you with just these two points to start training your drivers. If I haven't yet, then look out for more reasons why training employees is so important. If I did and you're now wondering where to start, I've got your back.

What Can Your Drivers Improve?

Effective skills training focuses on three areas: skills, knowledge, and attitude.

1. Skills: Hands-on training, in-vehicle assessments, coaching, and practice are essential. Train your drivers on backing up using mirrors, controlling the vehicle with finesse, driving in an eco-friendly manner, and enhancing their vision to become defensive drivers.

2. Knowledge: Ensure your drivers are well-informed about company expectations, vehicle policies, relevant laws, and the principles of Defensive Driving.

3. Attitude: This is the most crucial element. A professional attitude means consistently choosing to stay safe and applying skills and knowledge at all times. It's about self-reflection and managing personal risk tolerance to avoid risky behaviours. Over the years, I've learned this is often the least covered but most critical aspect of training but really, this is the secret sauce to becoming a professional – it’s all about attitude.

Let’s Move Forward Together

Safety professionals share a common goal: ensuring zero lives are lost in the workplace. Now is the time to work as a team and help each other grow. I am opening my doors to anyone who wants to learn more about driver training. Let’s discuss your practices, common incidents, and potential solutions. As I share my knowledge, I look forward to learning from others as well. By sharing our expertise, we can elevate our entire safety community.