6 I have been in the transport industry for 30 years
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and still find it difficult to understand why so many operator's are so sceptical about driver training.
6 I have been in the transport industry for 30 years
and still find it difficult to understand why so many operator's are so sceptical about driver training.
It is proven that when drivers are trained by professional trainers vehicle running costs are reduced dramatically— directly and indirectly. More aware drivers, for example.
0use less fuel. One fleet manager ,n Ej I have spoken to estimates that 6 his fuel bill has fallen 7.5% since he introduced a driver training programme. At 100,000 1 miles each year that is a saving of £50 a week for each vehicle. a ES adding up to 12.500 a year extra on the bottom line just from ›, -0 achieving an extra mile per gallon out of a 7.5-tanner. , • Obtaining rate increases is difficult in this ultra-competitive a ES world we live in. but there is more than one way to skin a cat. 0
6-The total cost of an accident is four times that of the direct
r
CL accident costs, made up of variables such as driver downtime,
hire charges, sending another vehicle out to transport the load. It is estimated that effective driver training reduces accidents by 26%. The average direct cost of an accident is £700.1f we accept the theory that the true cost is four times that—.2,800--a 26% reduction a year will save more than £700, which goes straight to the bottom line.
Are you convinced yet? I sincerely believe that so long as the driver undertakes the session with an open mind and takes on board the observations of a professional trainer, he or she will undoubtedly become a better and more caring driver. The upshot of this is improved fuel efficiency and reduced wear and tear on tyres, brakes, clutches and other key components.
This also encourages environmental awareness in terms of reduced emissions, noise pollution and general damage. But to maintain its effectiveness, training should be ongoing, probably annually.
We all tend to drive on automatic pilot. Ask yourself how often you have travelled a well-known route. perhaps from home to the office, arrived at your destination and realised you had not seen a particular landmark?
Driver Awareness Programmes are what they suggest: to create more awareness of what is going on around us and to react to situations and incidents before it is too late.
We all send our administration, sales. service, parts staff and managers on courses at vast expense. We would not dream of not doing so. It is expected of us to ensure that our organisation is in tune with the latest techniques and developments so that we can deliver excellence to our customers. Why not treat our drivers in the same way?
Would you please consider it dear operators? After all, you know it makes sense!
Here at Ism Truck we offer free driver training with every truck purchased.