Is implementing a defensive driving program right for my fleet?

To help answer this question, let’s start by taking a look at where defensive driving fits into risk management.
 

Reducing Risk in Your Operation

In trucking, there are several ways to reduce risk, including:

• Risk avoidance: This includes taking steps to prevent the risk from happening. For example, if your expertise is not hauling hazardous materials, you can avoid those loads and stay in a safer lane of operation.
• Risk reduction: This involves taking steps to reduce the likelihood of the risk happening or the impact if it does occur. For example, if your current truck driver standards are resulting in newer driver crashes, tighten driver hiring standards. Or, if using re-cap tires but seeing higher tire failures, perhaps modify caps to just trailers versus drive tires as well and implement a tire pressure program to keep wheels in top condition.
• Risk transfer: Shift the risk to another party, such as through contractual agreement or by purchasing insurance.

Defensive driving falls under risk reduction because it involves the human factor. You can’t avoid driving, and in most cases, you can’t transfer driving risk to another party. Focusing on human factors is also important because they are the root cause of most crashes. In fact, the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study notes driver behavior as the primary cause of the crash in 87% of incidents, and this finding is supported by other studies as well.

Components of a Defensive Driving Program

A defensive driving program will focus on human factors such as:

• Anticipating hazards: Look ahead 12–15 seconds to scan for potential hazards and anticipate where threats may occur, especially in heavy traffic.
• Being aware of surroundings: Pay attention to the road ahead, behind, and to the side of the truck, ensuring you stay within your lane safely.
• Maintaining a safe following distance: Trucks require more time and space to stop, and other vehicles can dart in and out, requiring sharp driving skills to react appropriately.
• Creating space: Leave enough space between your truck and the vehicle in front, or create space to the left or right of your truck when needed.
• Scanning intersections: Before entering an intersection, check for pedestrians or cars that may run the red light.
• Communicating: Use your lights, turn signals, and four-ways to let other drivers know what you're doing.

Defensive driving training can help drivers learn how to avoid being involved in accidents caused by their own actions or the actions of other drivers. Several vendors offer in-person or online defensive driving training for truck drivers, including The Smith System, LLLC (Look ahead, Look around, Leave room, and Communicate), JJ Keller, and the National Safety Council, among others.

Implementing a defensive driving program can enhance driver awareness, improve decision-making skills behind the wheel, and ultimately reduce risk across your fleet.