HGV speed related incidents were accountable for just 1% of all speed-related incidents in 2014.
But there’s no need to get complacent; it’s still a hugely important issue and Driver CPC Periodic Training offers one of the best forums for tackling it. If you deliver Driver CPC training you’ve got an ideal platform for tackling speed in an interesting, and engaging way. Here’s our 5 tips for talking speed in Periodic Training:
1. Nobody wants to hear the ‘Speed is Bad’ speech. Establish a dialogue that’s on the drivers’ level and challenge some of the common misconceptions – for example, it’s often suggested that motorways see the highest number of speed-related incidents featuring HGVs; in fact, A roads see more HGV speeding incidents.
2. Talk experience as well as statistics. Nobody will remember a talk that is all about statistics. There is a wealth of experience and anecdote in the average Periodic Training room. Tap into the drivers’ knowledge and talk about the real issues: why do we feel the need to speed? What is the effect of the ‘last mile’? What impact do schedules and other external pressures have on our driving? Make it relevant!
3. Don’t do all the work. One of the best ways of getting people involved in subjects like this is to challenge what they think they know. Turn the session into a quiz, and if you really want to make things competitive, split the group into teams. On a serious note, this is a great way to identify gaps in knowledge and correct misconceptions. Have a look at the pre-made quiz in your Driver CPC course material. You’ll find it in the ‘Speeding’ topic in the ‘On the Road’ module.
4. Keep it personal. What are the potential professional, personal and financial ramifications of speeding? What’s the ultimate price for the driver and other road users?
5. Remind drivers that speeding is an issue that can have a big impact on their operator. It’s easy to forget that the consequences of speeding are not just limited to the guy in the cab. Discuss the consequences in terms of company image, contract retention, OCRS, etc.
Speed is one of those issues that comes up in a lot of different conversations about driving behaviour and attitude, so you’ll find it in a lot of Driver CPC topics; but it doesn’t have to result a PowerPoint lecture. Make it an engaging discussion, quiz or case study. Download our free PDF and see our 5 fast tips for managing speed.