Minnesota Safety Council: Defensive Driving for the Professional Truck Driver

Defensive Driving for the Professional Truck Driver

Developed by the National Safety Council, this six-hour course is based on rules of safety gathered by professional truck drivers, as well as the proven defensive driving methods that have put safer drivers on the road since 1964.

Each driver receives a new driver workbook that has been developed to address changes in the industry, as well as to reinforce all material presented in the course. It incorporates new "CDL flags" that highlight material covered on CDL exams. Each driver also will receive a certificate of course completion.

Fee: $575 (1 -10 students) plus $20 for each additional student, and travel expenses, if any.
Course Content

Defensive Driving Strategies

Preventable collision
DDC collision-prevention formula

Driving Large Vehicles

Vehicle inspections
Characteristics of your vehicle
Blind spots
Collision analysis
Right/left turns
Space management
Safe following distance

Driving Conditions

Reduced or limited visibility conditions
Reduced or limited traction conditions
Reduced or limited driving space conditions
Emergency vehicles
Collision analysis

Professional Drivers' Characteristics

Safety belts
Know the law
Pre-trip mental inventory
Physical condition
DOT driver requirements

Lane Management

Safe Passing
Multi-lane roads
Lane changes
Avoiding a head-on collision
Situation analysis
Emergency warning devices

Backing

Backing guidelines

Optional information may be added on transporting hazardous materials and/or winter truck driving safety. For more information, contact Lisa Kons at 651-228-7330/800-444-9150.