How a Defensive Driving Course Complements Telematic Systems

by | Mar 14, 2023 | Fleet Driver Training

The buzzword in the small fleet world today is telematics. The onboard computer system that monitors driver behavior. Many fleet managers are asking the same question:

Should I choose a telematics system or offer driver safety training?

The answer is…you don’t need to choose. The two options are important and can complement each other to create a safer working environment for your drivers.

Telematics vs Defensive Driver Training

Telematic systems provide real-time data on the behavior of a vehicle and the driver’s performance, including speed, acceleration, braking, and turning. This data can help fleet managers identify risky driving behaviors and take corrective actions to prevent accidents. However, telematic systems alone may not be sufficient to change driver behavior and reduce accidents.

This is where online driver safety training comes in. Online driver safety training programs can educate drivers on safe driving techniques, defensive driving, and road hazards. The training can also address specific issues identified through telematic data, such as speeding or harsh braking.

By combining telematic data with online driver safety training, fleet managers can provide drivers with personalized feedback on their driving behavior and recommend specific training modules to address any areas of concern.

5 Benefits of Adding a Driver Safety Course to Telematics System

  1. Improved driver behavior: A safe driver course can teach drivers safe driving techniques and encourage them to adopt safer driving habits, such as avoiding hard braking or accelerating, keeping a safe following distance, and adhering to posted speed limits. These behaviors can be reinforced and tracked by the telematics system, which can provide feedback to the driver and the fleet manager.
  2. Customized training: Telematics systems can provide detailed data on driver behavior, and the safe driver course can use this information to customize training programs to address specific driver behaviors. For example, if a driver has a habit of following too closely, the course can teach them techniques for managing speed and following distance to reduce wear and tear on the vehicle and improve safety.
  3. Incentivizing safe driving: Some telematics systems have driver scorecards that measure driving performance and provide feedback to drivers and fleet managers. A safe driver course can be used to incentivize safe driving behaviors, with rewards or recognition for drivers who consistently demonstrate safe driving habits.
  4. Continuous improvement: Safe driver courses can be used as part of a continuous improvement process, where drivers receive regular training and feedback on their performance. Telematics systems can provide ongoing data on driver behavior, which can be used to identify areas for improvement and tailor
  5. Online driver safety training can also help drivers understand the importance of telematic data and how it is used to improve their safety on the road. By educating drivers on the benefits of telematics, they may be more motivated to improve their driving behavior and engage with the system to improve their safety and that of other road users.

Conclusion

Online driver safety training complements telematic systems by providing personalized training based on telematic data and by motivating drivers to engage with telematics to improve their safety on the roads.

Get your fleet drivers safety certified in as little as 60 minutes. DriveSafe Online fleet driver safety courses are designed to help decrease employee downtime, increase workforce productivity, and prevent costly accidents before they happen. Whether they drive company vehicles or their personal cars to complete business tasks, training your drivers is smart business. Select ELIMINATE RISKY BEHAVIOR to protect your drivers and your business.