Defensive Driving and Work Vehicle Safety

Crash causes, the defensive driving system, following distance and speed, intersections and backing, night and bad weather, distraction, fatigue and impairment, pre-trip inspections, loads and towing, crash response, and how employers build a fleet safety program.

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of work-related death in the United States, and they affect everyone who drives for work, from delivery drivers and contractors to office staff running errands. This in-depth course teaches the habits and decisions that prevent crashes in cars, pickup trucks, vans and light work vehicles. You will learn how crashes happen and what they cost, the defensive driving system of seeing, predicting and acting early, how speed, following distance and stopping distance work, how to handle intersections, lane changes, highways, rural roads, work zones and backing, how to drive safely at night and in rain, snow, ice, fog and wind, how to control skids, how distraction, fatigue, drugs, alcohol and emotions affect driving, how to inspect a vehicle before each trip, secure loads and tow trailers, what to do after a crash or breakdown, and how employers set up a fleet safety program with policies, driver selection, training, monitoring and maintenance. It is an awareness-level course. It does not replace a driver's license, commercial driver training or employer policies. Commercial motor vehicle drivers must also follow federal and state commercial driving rules.

What you’ll learn

  • Explain the main causes and costs of work-related vehicle crashes
  • Use the defensive driving system to scan, predict and act early
  • Control speed and following distance and handle intersections, lane changes, highways and backing
  • Adapt to night, rain, snow, ice, fog and wind and recover from skids
  • Manage distraction, fatigue, impairment and aggressive driving
  • Inspect a vehicle, secure loads and tow trailers safely
  • Respond correctly to crashes and breakdowns and understand fleet safety program basics

Who it’s for

Anyone who drives for work: contractors and tradespeople, delivery and service drivers, sales and field staff, landscapers, inspectors, supervisors who manage drivers, fleet managers and safety coordinators. New and young drivers will benefit. No experience is needed.

Course outline

Module 1: Why Crashes Happen and the Defensive Driving System 3 lessons · quiz

The scale of work-related crashes, their causes, and the core system of seeing, predicting and acting early.

  • The problem: crashes at work 12 min Free preview
  • The defensive driving system 15 min
  • Seat belts, vehicle safety features and driver readiness 12 min
Module 2: Speed, Space and Road Situations 3 lessons · quiz

Stopping distance, following distance, speed, intersections, lane changes, highways, rural roads, work zones and backing.

  • Speed, stopping distance and following distance 15 min Free preview
  • Intersections, lane changes and highways 15 min
  • Work zones, parking lots and backing 14 min
Module 3: Night, Weather and Skids 3 lessons · quiz

Driving in the dark, rain, snow, ice, fog, wind and heat, and how to correct a skid.

  • Night driving 12 min Free preview
  • Rain, snow, ice, fog and wind 16 min
  • Skids and emergency maneuvers 12 min
Module 4: Distraction, Fatigue, Impairment and Aggression 3 lessons · quiz

The human factors behind most crashes: distracted driving, drowsy driving, alcohol, drugs and medicines, and aggressive driving.

  • Distracted driving 15 min Free preview
  • Fatigue and drowsy driving 14 min
  • Alcohol, drugs, medications and aggressive driving 15 min
Module 5: Vehicle Inspection, Loads and Towing 3 lessons · quiz

The pre-trip inspection, tires and brakes, securing cargo and tools, ladder racks, towing trailers and hitching.

  • Pre-trip inspection and maintenance 15 min Free preview
  • Securing loads and tools 14 min
  • Towing trailers 15 min
Module 6: Crashes, Breakdowns and Fleet Safety Programs 3 lessons · quiz

What to do at a crash or breakdown, reporting, the basics of a fleet safety program, and a driver's checklist.

  • If you are in a crash or break down 14 min Free preview
  • Fleet safety programs 15 min
  • A driver's checklist and final thoughts 12 min

What’s included

  • 18 lessons you can read at your own pace, on a phone or a computer
  • A short quiz after every module, with the correct answer shown for any you miss
  • A final exam of 25 questions (pass at 80% or higher)
  • A numbered certificate of completion with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it
  • Your progress saved to your account, with access that doesn’t expire

Please read: this is a self-paced online learning course. It is not an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 card, a license, or a government certification, and it does not by itself meet any training requirement in OSHA or state standards. Employers must still provide required, site-specific training and decide who is a competent or qualified person. See the full disclaimer.

Questions

Can an employer check my certificate? Yes. Each certificate has a number and a QR code that opens a public verification page on this site.

Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase if you have completed less than 25% of the course and haven’t earned its certificate. Email support@toddallynmedia.com. Details are in section 13 of the Terms of Use. Payment is handled by PayPal; we never see your card details.

What do I need? A free account and any phone, tablet or computer. Questions or problems? Email support@toddallynmedia.com.

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