Training drivers upholds road safety.
Here in Australia, there has been an ongoing debate about the value of driver training in reducing road accidents.
Road transport is a high-risk industry. In fact, most work injury claims are a result of work absence related to road crashes.
Most work health and safety (WHS) hazards are manageable because they happen in a controlled environment like a physical workplace. But what if these hazards are outside the office?
For those who drive for a living, their work vehicle is considered their workplace. Therefore, employers and employees must be aware of the hazards of driving work vehicles and the danger they pose to those around them.
Common hazards involved when driving at work
Here are some of the usual reasons for accidents
- Environmental hazards like bad weather, poor visibility, and damaged road surfaces
- Driver fatigue from working long hours over long distances
- Distracted driving
- Work demands (workload and deadlines)
- Driving under the influence
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Operating a vehicle where other vehicles are in close proximity (forklifts in a warehouse)
- Entering or exiting the cab of the vehicle.
- Fall from height when loading or unloading stock.
- The unpredictability of other road users.
Why you should take road safety seriously
Proper transport training involves more than just teaching drivers how to operate a vehicle at work. A good driver safety program should be tailored to the needs of an organisation.
Every year, thousands of Australians get hurt or die in transport accidents. The real tragedy here is that many of these incidents are preventable. A good driver training program emphasises defensive driving and educates student drivers on road safety measures that can prevent road hazards.
For driver training to be successful, company management must actively support employees throughout the training process.
Let us break down the benefits of a good transport training program.
Accidents are less likely to occur when drivers are trained well.
- On-the-road training helps identify bad driving habits and replaces them with best driving practices.
- Transport training teaches drivers how to react appropriately when they encounter heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, faulty vehicles, and other drivers behaving irresponsibly on the road.
- Transport training also reminds drivers of the dangers of distracted driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Driver training programs focus on the importance of driver health – not driving while stressed, tired, or sleepy.
A good driver training program boosts the company’s reputation.
- When an organisation manages a fleet of vehicles, it is imperative to properly train those who will drive for the company. These employees represent their organisation while on the road, and reckless drivers can quickly damage the company’s reputation.
- A good driver training program will teach drivers how to avoid common causes of accidents such as rear-end collisions, failure to yield, and fender benders. Drivers who undergo proper safety training will know how to handle such high-risk driving situations.
- Businesses are responsible for keeping their fleet in peak condition. Well-trained drivers will know how to check each vehicle before they go on the road. When properly maintained, vehicle will require fewer repairs which can lead to cost savings for the organisation.
- Knowing that all vehicles are in good condition and in the hands of educated drivers provides peace of mind for every manager or employer.
- Well-trained drivers are a valuable resource to any organisation. By practising defensive driving techniques and making every effort to avoid accidents, educated drivers bring a sense of pride to their company.
A comprehensive driver training program enables employers to meet transport regulations while providing a safe “workplace” for their employees.
- As mentioned earlier, work vehicles are considered a place of employment. Good training will be able to address the hazards of the workplace by emphasizing the need to follow traffic rules.
- Transport training provides drivers with extensive knowledge of traffic laws. It emphasises the need to be more prudent and cautious when they are on the road. Ultimately, understanding the hazards of driving at work reduces driver liability risks.
Learn basic and advanced driving skills with proper training.
Operating a vehicle is more than just starting the engine and stepping on the gas pedal. Transport training programs teach drivers how to behave properly while on the road.
Some of the components of a rigorous driver training program include proper training on:
- Driver responsibilities
- Traffic laws
- Pedestrian rights
- How to navigate intersections
- How to properly follow distance
- How to drive on interstates and highways
- When to yield
- When and how to change lanes
- How to turn
- How to avoid rear-end collisions
- How to park properly
Most people learn how to drive from family or friends, and although this knowledge may be sufficient to acquire a standard driver’s licence, driving for an organisation takes more than just basic skills.
Driving as a profession requires a good driver training program. This is crucial for the safety of all drivers – whether they are on the interstate or along warehouse aisles.
But training must not stop with the initial program. Instead, employers should provide ongoing driver education to those in the company who are operating a vehicle. This can be a remedial course, annual refresher, or recurring training that provides updated driving information and stresses the importance of road safety.
Why choose CSTT for your transport training and licence needs
If you are looking for a partner to provide transport training for your entire fleet, look to Chris Shilling.
CS Transport Training offers a wide range of driving courses, including:
- Truck licencing and training courses
- Heavy Combination Automatic HC Truck Licencing courses
- Heavy Combination HC Road Ranger courses
- MC Multi Combination Automatic courses
- Dangerous Goods Awareness and Dangerous Goods Licence courses
- Forklift Licencing
- Bus Driver Authority
- Chain of Responsibility
- Elevated Work Platform Licencing
- HR Heavy Rigid Training and Assessment
- MR Medium Rigid Training and Assessment
We have trained countless professional drivers all over Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Hunter Region, and Mid-North Coast.
If you cannot send your drivers to our facility, CS Transport Training can offer certain courses onsite – right at your premises. Enquire about our transport training courses today. Call us on 0434 366 758 or send an email to chris@cstt.com.au. You can also message us on Facebook here.