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How do I Design a Company Driver Safety Program?

If you work as part of a trucking business, you already know that there is plenty to keep you busy. Ensuring all of your drivers follow safety protocol and managing any accidents is an essential part of running a fleet of trucks and their associated drivers.

Putting together a thought-out communication and training plan, otherwise known as a Safety Program, is essential to every trucking operation. Below are some guidelines you may want to include in your company driver safety program:

 

  1. Documentation of your new hire’s trucking knowledge.
  2. Review of your company fleet. What equipment do you have and utilize?
  3. Training available and/or completed regarding your organization’s safety processes.
Company Driver Safety Program Tip #1: Review of Your Company Fleet

During the onboarding of a new driver, there can be a lot to look at. When it comes to your safety program, be thorough so your driver can understand every detail. First, talk about your company fleet. With this information, your new hire should be aware of how many people work for the company. They should see how their position is part of a team and how their actions could impact the rest of the fleet. The review of your fleet should include:

 

  • Company accident information
  • How many drivers your company has
  • Safety goals
  • What vehicles they would drive
  • Where they most often would travel

New hires should have a well-rounded view of your company and drivers and goals for each. You should thoroughly cover all aspects of your company processes during orientation.

Company Driver Safety Program Tip #2: Training on Your Safety Processes

Thorough driver safety training involves different methods of learning. Methodologies include printed materials, meetings, presentations, and online activities. Recommended training focal points include:

 

  • Accident procedures
  • Defensive driving policies
  • Driver responsibilities
  • Fleet safety rules
  • Hours of service
  • Performance evaluations
  • Personal safety policies
  • Security procedures
  • Truck fleet safety policies
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Driver safety policy violation
  • Company safety rewards or incentives

Keep in mind that onboarding can be a process rather than a singular event. Regular meetings may be necessary to keep safety policies on everyone’s mind.

Company Driver Safety Program Tip #3: Documentation of Your New Hire’s Trucking Knowledge

After your new hire has finished the training, have them sign paperwork stating that they understand the safety processes. This is also the time to reiterate what will happen if they fail to stay safe on the road.

It is highly recommended to mandate that new hires complete your training program, including information on proper safety standards before getting behind the wheel.

Note: One of the first steps to safely operating a truck may be looking into CDL training. At PDI, the Professional Driver Institute, students can study Class A CDL and Class B CDL programs before entering the trucking industry. Contact PDI to find out more or learn how to enroll.

Timothy Favreau

Timothy Favreau is a thirty-year trucking veteran and a graduate of Professional Driver Institute with well over a million miles logged on the road. Before being the Regional Director of Safety & Training for various customer locations, Tim spent over a decade on the road as an owner/operator of a long haul transportation company and previously managed drivers as a Driver Manager and Safety Director. He has achieved the level of Master Instructor and holds his certificates in Collision Avoidance; Accident Re-creation and is often sought as an industry expert to discuss practices within the field and testify in transportation and trucking matters.