Defensive Driving Training for Employees Makes Good Sense for Companies

Have you thought about getting some driving training for your people? Lots of companies have company cars. But if your folks aren’t being safe behind the wheel, it can get real expensive, real fast.

Now most accidents – we’re talking around 90% here – happen because of driver mistakes. Defensive driving classes give your team skills to avoid problems down the road.

And there’s bonuses too, like keeping your insurance costs down. Keep reading!

Helping Your Team Drive Safe on Local Roads

Every place has its own unique roads and rules. A driving class just for your neck of the woods helps your people navigate the local roads safely. Here’s some location-specific stuff they might cover:

• The flow of traffic, tricky intersections, and danger zones in your town or city
• Merging onto highways, changing lanes, and getting off exits that your team uses
• Crossing train tracks safely and knowing when to yield at crossings
• Who has the right of way, speed limits, and other local traffic laws

When your team learns how to drive cautiously on the roads you all travel, your chances of bumps and bangs goes way down. That keeps your folks safe and saves you money too.

Driving Home the Dangers with Crash Data

Seeing the stats on injuries and deaths from wrecks makes it all real. A good driving coach might share these scary numbers:

• Over 40,000 people die every year in vehicle crashes in the U.S.
• Millions more get hurt badly enough to need a doctor.
• Driver distraction plays into 1 out of 4 accidents.
• Speeding causes around a third of deadly wrecks.
• Every single day, 28 people in the U.S. die because of drunk driving.

Stats like these underscore why safe habits on the road are so important. They stick in your memory and motivate you to change risky behavior.

Controlling Emotions That Lead to Bad Choices

Feelings like anger and tiredness often cause iffy choices while driving. A defensive driving class offers ways to stay chill and focused. For instance:

• To avoid road rage, breathe deep and slow when other drivers frustrate you. Count backwards from 10 to 1.
• If you’re drowsy, roll down the windows for fresh air or turn up some upbeat tunes. And take regular breaks to move around.
• If someone’s riding your tail, put on your signal and pull over to let them pass when it’s safe. Don’t speed up.

With strategies to handle their emotions, drivers make smarter choices to avoid accidents.

Planning an Escape Route for Safety

Defensive drivers are always scanning for an “out” in case they need to dodge danger. Smart tactics include:

• Keeping a safe distance so you can hit the brakes and steer clear of hazards.
• Looking ahead for gaps in traffic you can move into if needed.
• Avoiding cruising alongside other vehicles for too long.

Having an exit plan ready gives drivers more control in an emergency.

Slashing Insurance Costs

Business auto insurance premiums are probably one of your biggest regular costs. Safer driving leads to lower rates and less out-of-pocket fees.

Defensive driving instruction shows insurance companies you’re on top of risks. Some even offer discounted group rates for companies that require ongoing training.

With fewer accidents, you also save on deductibles over time. It all adds up to improve your bottom line.

Protecting Your Reputation

The way your people drive reflects on your business. If they’re frequently in crashes, your reputation can take a hit. Customers may wonder if you operate safely.

Defensive driving classes lead to fewer accidents with your logo on the car. This protects your image in the community. It also shows clients you care about safety, maintaining your good reputation.

Safe driving makes people confident to choose you over the competition. Plus, word gets around about your commitment to professionalism, which is good for business.

Final Thoughts

Now you’ve got the lowdown on how defensive driving training benefits your company beyond preventing crashes. It’s an investment that pays off.

With skills for local conditions, safer habits, and emotion control, your team drives without incident. This slashes insurance and maintenance bills big time.

Fewer accidents also means no bad press. Your reputation stays shining as a safety-focused organization. That wins you more customers.

Talk to your drivers about their training needs. Invest in regular courses to keep skills sharp. Driving safely takes dedication, but it’s well worth it.