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A driver that is involved in a close quarters accident should go through some type of retraining. Driving in a city environment is a challenge for the driver. Lack of attention and limited peripheral vision impede the driver's ability to maneuver around fixed objects. Fixed-Object Incidents (FOI) are not the most costly incidents for a company; but, they are the most numerous. FOI show a pattern of inattentiveness and lack of peripheral vision on behalf of a driver. A driver should be given training immediately following a FOI for four reasons:
  1. An attempt to increase the driver's awareness to prevent future FOI. 
  2. An attempt to reduce the risk of a future catastrophic incident. 
  3. Counter Measures-Providing training to a driver after a FOI shows the FMCSA, insurance companies and (god forbid) a litigating attorney the willingness of the carrier to invest in training and the willingness to promote a culture of safety. 
  4. Providing training to a driver, after a FOI, spreads throughout the driver population. The drivers may start a dialogue amongst themselves about the best practices regarding close quarters maneuvering. The drivers may even discuss hotspots on their local routes. They may share tips about how to approach specific stops along their routes. A driver dialogue is the best source way to prevent a FOI. 

 

I have outlined our training outline for Fixed-Object Incidents below. Training is performed in a simulator, classroom and through live demonstrations while practicing on the driving range. In-the-field training (on location) can be added if desired. 

Space Management in Tight Quarters 
Learning Objectives Discussion/Classroom 
Peripheral Vision 
  1. How to calculate a safe distance by using peripheral vision; while operating within inches of other vehicles and/or objects. 
  2. How to operate under a variety of circumstances by applying the Proximity-Interval Method. -Discuss appropriate space-management techniques used to manage the space around a vehicle when encountering a variety of hazards. 
  3. Applying the Proximity-Interval Method. Discuss the limitations of mirrors and applying Proximity-Interval Method.

Zen and the Art of Close Quarters. 
  1. Keeping awareness alive at all times to prevent FOI. 
  2. Driving in narrow areas requires more mirror checks and attention to lane position -Read the situation. Scan at least 12-15 feet behind and to the sides of the vehicle. 
  3. Drive or Back to the right. Drive or Back slightly to the right of center for better visibility in tight places. Avoid the blind side at all costs. 
  4. Reduce your speed. If you see an approaching hazard:: reduce speed for more reaction time 
  5. Realign the vehicle. Re-position the vehicle to lessen impact or prevent a collision.

In Practice 
Simulation-Narrow Berths 
  1. Demonstrate the ability to manage a space cushion around the vehicle when encountering typical hazards during simulation. 
  2. Navigating narrow alleys, customer parking lots and retail establishments during simulation. 

Live Demonstration 
On the Driving Range 
  1. Demonstrate the fallability of mirrors. 
  2. Best Practices while backing 
  3. Judging distance while looking backwards. 
  4. Move your body for  better vision. 
  5. This not a timed event! Get out of the vehicle. 
  6. Speed and its effect on backing. 

This course takes 4 hours. Groups of 2 or less are preferred and has a cost of $520/per a group of 2. No discount is given for less than 2 drivers. A certificate will be issued for the driver's file (counter measures). 

Contact us at 303-367-1030 or visit CDL College to schedule. Please reference Fixed Object Incident Training.
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