The ‘real’ value of driver training

By Colin Windell

Driver training saves lives - but considering the horrendous number of crashes and road deaths every year, this seems not to be a priority at all.

Driver training cuts costs - again, not rocket science, but based on random truck checks throughout the year, it’s something freight operators are not taking anywhere near as seriously as they should.

AutoTrader Commercial spoke to Eugene Herbert, Group Managing Director of MasterDrive:

“There is driver training and there is driver training, and notwithstanding claims by many organisations that they conduct their own training programs, the truth is in many instances they are purely offering ‘lip service’ to what may be mandatory requirements.

In the 21 years we have been doing training in South Africa (and internationally) it has been apparent ‘first world’ standards, albeit that they are utopian do not function well in our emerging market.

“Given the fact that we deal with varying degrees of literacy and an induction into driving under extremely challenging conditions (many youngsters learn driving by watching from the back seat of a taxi), training must be conducted differently and be supported by a variety of activities which are unpacked in the info graphic.

“The value of training can be quantified based on a number of factors, which are summarised below and is not based purely on the ‘purchase price’.”

Value can be defined as follows:

There must be:

• A reduction of crashes and same be maintained at a level, which should be in line with company policy – in extreme cases we have recorded between 50% and 60% reduction in crashes in the first year. Clearly, this will level off within a reasonable cycle but some foolishly do not maintain the program thereby allowing bad habits to creep back in.
• Where crashes occur their severity is considerably reduced and are in many instances ‘third party’ fault. Even if own fault is reported the related cost (and damages) due to such factors as reduced speed and better car control is significantly smaller.
• A statistic we reference from an associate company abroad shows drivers prior to training recorded (on average ) one crash / 20 000 km. Post training this number changed  to one crash / 140 000 km.
• Value is also evidenced with regard to reduction on fuel usage. Typically, a company whose drivers travel 2 500/3 000 km a month will, because of improved driving skills, see a ROI (cost of training) in 3 – 4 months. After that – provided there is constant monitoring – the savings can be factored into the next budget.
• A common mistake many companies make is believing Telematics is the silver bullet (a cure-all) but facts show unless the information gleaned from there is managed correctly and used to coach the driver through a ‘rehabilitation’ process, perceived benefits wear off very quickly. The driver may well stop doing the wrong things but that is a far cry from the driver understanding what is wrong and being taught to do the right thing.

“In closing it should be noted all authorities recognise driving is 85% mental ability and only 15% physical.

“Our research – auditing various training programs – shows the training does not cater for that. Typically, most training programs spend upwards of 50% on physical aspects of driving and therefore do not get through to the driver at a mental level where the cognitive process takes place.

“Value, therefore, should also be equated with efficacy (results obtained) and driver retention (ability to change and create new schemas) with which the driver can work with.

“Finally, value is also measured in terms of employee (and vehicle) productivity. Less time off the road translates into improved earnings, and truth be told, greater morale amongst staff who see the company to be placing value on their wellbeing.”

 

*Image Credit: Master Drive