In Britain 65% of company vehicles are involved in an accident every year - RoSPA

At-work drivers 'risking lives' source RoSPA

Latest road safety news from BRAKE the road safety charity

In 1997 the Association of Car Fleet Operators issued a report that looked at the benefits associated with driver training. There was one overwhelming conclusion from the report - 'Driver training works.'

As the fleet industry continues to change, the role of training is becoming increasingly important. With rising costs and the continuing government focus on health and safety, driver training is playing a crucial part in many companies risk management strategies.

Gemini Driving Direct Approach
Driving is a very practical skill and we believe that to achieve the most effective results the training needs to be practically based with theory issues discussed throughout.

Our objectives are to improve the overall driving safety of our clients and to significantly reduce the accident rate within vehicle fleets. The training is designed to identify the areas for improvement and develop the trainee into a safer and more aware driver.

The training provided by Gemini Driving combines the very best defensive driving techniques with modern training methods. The courses are challenging enough to stretch the professional commercial driver yet flexible enough to cater for the nervous or less confident driver. Gemini Driving not only focus on driving skills but also on attitudes and behavioural patterns that could lead to potential accidents.

Gemini Driving Trainers
The key to Gemini Diving's success has been commitment to trainer selection and development. It is essential that trainers are able to communicate effectively and adapt to the range of characters they meet.

All trainers are approved by the Driving Standards Agency and have passed our 4 day assessment centre before being appointed. Trainers undertake intensive training and have appraisals every six months to refresh training skills; assess development needs and introduce new training techniques.

Company car drivers are up to 40% more likely to be involved in a road accident than other drivers - RoSPA

Benefits to be Gained

• Reduced vehicle wear and tear
• Reduced fuel costs
• Better productivity through less fatigue
• Fewer accidents
• Less down time
• Lower insurance costs
• British business lose around £10 billion per year due to accidents involving company vehicles
• Business drivers without driver training are 70% more likely to be involved in a traffic accident

Driver training reduces accident rates dramatically, saves money and protects your most valuable asset - your staff.

Driver Attitude
Delegates are encouraged to explore the factors that 'drive' their driving. Are these always the same? How do pressures of work, family, ego etc affect their performance behind the wheel?

Use of Speed and Space
Accidents, by definition, happen when a vehicle comes into contact with something else. n other words when the space between the vehicle and its surroundings is reduced to zero. Delegates will learn the relationship between speed, space, journey time and personal risk.

Road Rage
Raised awareness of the needs of others, coupled with an understanding of the 'anger' process, is instrumental in helping drivers to control their response to situations that are perceived as threatening. Delegates are given a couple of simple 'tools' to deploy when feeling pressured on the road.

Stress Avoidance
Recognition of the hidden stress caused by driving is the starting point for a more productive approach to the task.

Hazard Perception
Practical advice on how to recognise and deal with some of the common dangers that confront us all on the road.

Method of Presentation
The methods used can be tailored to fit in with the particular training philosophy/approach of individual companies. However, the preferred method is interactive, guided group discussion supported by slides and video.

Observation and Awareness
Drivers are often surprised at how much valuable information they have been missing! Delegates are taught to seek out clues and develop a 'detective like' approach to gathering safe driving information.

Car Control
Car control skills are enhanced in order to reduce wear and tear, improve fuel economy and reduce fatigue for both the driver and passengers. Specific attention is paid to gear use, acceleration and braking.

Communication with Others
Misleading signals can cause confusion and lead to accidents. Delegates gain a greater awareness of the potential problems associated with signals.

Speed and Optimal Road Positioning
Speed limits, safe speeds and risk factors are explored throughout the drive. This is coupled with a raised awareness of safe positioning.

Delivery
The coaching approach used is designed to encourage the client develop skills in such a way that development continues after the training has finished. Maximum benefit is gained when clients work one-to-one with the coach, using the client's normal company vehicle.

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