The National Safety Council has released preliminary figures on motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. which indicate that 2017 was the second consecutive year that motor vehicle deaths topped 40,000.

According to the study:

“[M]otor vehicle deaths dipped slightly – 1% – in 2017, claiming 40,100 lives versus the 2016 total of 40,327. The small decline is not necessarily an indication of progress as much as a leveling off of the steepest two-year increase in over 50 years. The 2017 assessment is 6% higher than the number of deaths in 2015. If the estimate holds, it will be the second consecutive year that motor vehicle deaths topped 40,000.

Approximately 4.57 million people were seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, and costs to society totaled $413.8 billion. Both figures are about 1% lower than 2016 calculations.”

Simply by virtue of being out on the roads more, those who drive for a living must be especially vigilant in following the best practices of defensive driving. Summit Training Source offers a number of courses to help employers better prepare their drivers to stay safe behind the wheel.

DECISION DRIVING: 6-Part Series

This six-part series is focused on preventing road accidents and is ideal for professional drivers, route delivery drivers, traveling salespeople and employees with longer commutes. The tips and techniques covered in the course modules will teach employees how to avoid accidents by calling upon proven safe driving techniques. Modules included are:

• Module 1: Positive Approach to Safe Driving
• Module 2: Expand Your Look Ahead Capacity
• Module 3: Size Up the Whole Scene
• Module 4: Signal Your Intentions Early
• Module 5: Plan an Escape Route
• Module 6: Take Decisive Action

PACE Behavioral Driving: Commercial Vehicles

This course uses the acronym PACE (Plan Ahead, Analyze the Surroundings, Communicate with Others, Execute Safe Driving) to teach commercial-vehicle drivers how to create a stress-free and safer workplace driving environment. Topics include:

• Elements of collisions and how to avoid them
• Ensuring road readiness
• Strategies for analyzing surroundings
• Communicating with other drivers
• Executing safe driving skills

A passenger vehicle version of the PACE course is also available.

Street Smart: Driving Skills

This course reinforces the importance of safe choices on the road by teaching skills and techniques that enable employees to recognize and reduce hazards.

For more information on these and all the courses in the extensive Summit library, click the button below.