
Even though experienced truck drivers are arguably the safest drivers on the road, no one is immune to lapses in focus and judgement. So whether you are a new driver or one that has been on the road for years, updating your skills with a defensive driving course on occasion will not only help to keep you sharp but it will also help to ensure that your driving career is a long and safe one.
At Trukademy, we offer a one day Defensive Driving Course aimed at keeping truckers and other drivers safe on the road.
Our Defensive Driving Course centers around the following principles:
· Focus – in order to avoid possible dangers up ahead, it is necessary for drivers to scan with their eyes as far as possible. On the highway, the distance drivers can scan is approximately 20 seconds ahead of the vehicle. Drivers need to be able to identify any imminent as well as potential risks.
· Awareness – In our Defensive Driving Course, drivers also learn skills to help them improve their awareness of their surroundings. This includes other vehicles to the sides and front of their vehicle as well as the instruments on their dash.
· Communication – Communication with other drivers is also key to defensive driving. Truck drivers must be predictable and avoid sudden starts, stops or lane changes. They must be able to make use of eye contact with other drivers, and when necessary – their horn.
· Time – Defensive driving also requires drivers to give themselves enough time whether it is for getting from point A to point B or whether it is enough time to stop their 80,000 lb vehicle. Since a 72 foot tractor trailer travelling 100 km/h can take more than 600 feet to stop (without taking into consideration other conditions such as weather), knowing your timing and distances is critical.
· Speed – Drivers must be able not only to obey posted speed limits, but they must also understand when they need to adjust their speed for other road and weather conditions.
Trukademy’s Defensive Driving Cours e is crucial for new truck drivers but it can also be an excellent refresher for more experienced drivers. Bad habits can develop slowly and you may not even realize that they are developing. This one day course however can help expose them so that you are able to correct them.
If you are interested in learning more about our Defensive Driving Course or would like to enroll, contact Trukademy today.