Defensive Driving: Truck Safety (Update Available)


Overview/Description
Target Audience
Expected Duration
Lesson Objectives
Course Number


Overview/Description
When people think of defensive driving, they think of "watching out for the other guy" or defending themselves from other drivers so they won't become involved in an accident. That's definitely important, but defensive driving involves more than just that. Defensive driving is as much about what you do and what kind of driver you are, as what someone else does. It's about being a safe driver, driving a safe vehicle, knowing how to drive your particular vehicle, taking responsibility to drive carefully in hazardous conditions, and knowing when to take yourself off the road. It's about arming yourself with all the knowledge you can before you turn the key and head for the roadways. This course is designed to give drivers of commercial vehicles a well-rounded look at the key concepts associated with defensive driving and provide tips and guidelines to prepare drivers for the everyday challenges on the road. This course was developed with subject matter support provided by EnSafe Inc., a global professional services company focusing on engineering, environment, health and safety, and information technology. Please note, the course materials and content were current with the laws and regulations at the time of the last expert review, however, they may not reflect the most current legal developments. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation with respect to compliance with legal statutes or requirements.

Target Audience
Commercial truck drivers

Expected Duration (hours)
3.0

Lesson Objectives

Defensive Driving: Truck Safety (Update Available)

  • recognize your responsibilities related to being a defensive driver
  • identify the definition of defensive driving
  • recognize key concepts associated with inspecting your vehicle to ensure it is safe
  • recognize safe driving techniques for accelerating, steering, stopping, and backing up safely in your commercial vehicle
  • recognize key concepts associated with managing the speed of your truck
  • identify basic principles about the relationship between speed, vehicle weight, and stopping distance
  • recognize how to manage the space around your truck to minimize the risk of an accident
  • recognize how to manage the space needed to maneuver your truck in traffic
  • recognize key concepts associated with managing your area of sight
  • recognize how to use your mirror to manage your area of sight
  • recognize how to communicate your intentions to other drivers
  • match common roadway hazards with the hazards they present
  • recognize potentially hazardous drivers and situations around you
  • identify examples of activities that can cause drivers to become distracted
  • identify actions to take to avoid road rage incidents
  • recognize factors that can create hazards that may affect driving
  • recognize guidelines for driving in various driving conditions
  • recognize key concepts associated with safe driving at railroad crossings
  • recognize how to use your steering to avoid a crash
  • recognize how to use your brakes to avoid accidents
  • recognize how to respond to a tire failure
  • identify actions to take in case of an accident
  • recognize the most appropriate action to take to control a skid in a given situation
  • identify actions to take in the event of a truck fire
  • Course Number:
    esh_sah_a12_sh_enus