This portion of the course aims at breaking bad habits and reiterates to drivers the importance of signalling their intentions correctly and clearly in order to reduce misunderstandings and collisions. 

Driver complacency is real, and common, especially in drivers who spend countless hours on the road. Ignoring basic driving techniques can have a negative impact on a company's reputation and is the cause of countless avoidable crashes. 

Proper use of communication strategies such as positioning of the vehicle, timely use of indicators and brake light communication, ensure that other road users are prepared for any changes in your driver's intentions. 

It is important for commercial drivers to have a proper grasp of mirror positioning in order to minimise the serious threat to space management. There are multiple types of mirrors that require specific adjustments according to their intended functions. 

Our training ensures drivers recognise the dangers associated with blind spots, the location of the blind spots (according to vehicle size), and to compensate for them appropriately. 

Critical aspects of reversing with or without a trailer are often overlooked. Even experienced drivers can develop bad habits or manoeuvre with a limited understanding of essential reversing techniques, such as proper vehicle positioning. 

Refresher courses offer both new and experienced drivers the chance to discuss the challenges they face and build their confidence. A nervous driver is an unsafe driver.

Our training emphasises the fundamentals and reinforces the importance of proper observation, precise manoeuvring, and effective communication.

Addressing tailgating is crucial to safety and promoting professionalism within your fleet. Tailgating, or driving too closely behind another vehicle, significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions and compromises driver reaction times in emergencies. It also causes a panic response or anger in the driver being tailgated. 

By providing your drivers with ongoing training, not only is your fleet safety enhanced, but your company also displays driver professionalism. It is less likely that your company will have to pay out for rear-end collisions or receive phone calls from an angry road users.

Our training focuses on teaching drivers how to effectively utilise and maintain safe distances around vehicles and objects. 

Maximising safety starts with ensuring your drivers understand how to apply techniques such as lane positioning to increase visibility and reduce blind spots. By promoting effective space management, your fleet will be better equipped to respond swiftly to changing road conditions. 

We equip drivers with techniques necessary to execute lane changes smoothly and safely.

The concepts pull from other modules that teach about the importance of signalling early, checking mirrors and blind spots thoroughly, and assessing traffic conditions before changing lanes. Emphasis is placed on maintaining awareness of surrounding vehicles and ensuring clear communication with other drivers on the road.

Drivers will be trained to understand how factors such as speed, weather conditions, and road surfaces influence stopping distances.

They will learn to accurately assess when and by how much they should increase their following distances based on these factors. Drivers are also educated on how the size and weight of their vehicle impact stopping ability, particularly in emergency situations.

Unfortunately, many operators of larger vehicles mistakenly assume that standard following distances for smaller vehicles are sufficient in all circumstances. This misconception has led to numerous preventable accidents. By adopting globally recognised best practices, your drivers will gain the skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively to hazards and sudden changes in traffic conditions. 

Given that some roads have damaged edges and road users have become increasingly unpredictable, the skill of overtaking has become even more crucial. 

Our training ensures drivers understand when and how to overtake safely and emphasises the importance of hyper-vigilance.

Additionally, drivers learn the correct way to handle being overtaken, as well as how and when to safely position their vehicle to allow for better traffic flow. These practices not only protect your company’s reputation but also works to enhance it.

Many Zimbabwean commercial drivers are exposed to rural off-road environments. Drivers will learn techniques for maintaining control on uneven terrain, adjusting speed to road conditions, and anticipating obstacles such as potholes or loose gravel.

Given the size of commercial vehicles, proficiency in navigating intersections is a very important aspect of vehicle handling. Intersections are where most accidents occur and where road users frequently display arrogance and rule-breaking behaviour. 

This training module equips company drivers with essential knowledge on safely and confidently managing traffic when approaching, entering, and exiting intersections. Drivers will also learn how to navigate non-functional traffic lights and communicate their intentions clearly through proper signalling and vehicle positioning.

We cover proper turning techniques, both with and without a trailer, for intersections, driveways, and tight spaces. Drivers are trained to assess turning radii, adjust vehicle positioning, and use mirrors effectively to ensure safe navigation. This training enhances driver confidence and supports smoother, more efficient operations.

Drivers are taught how to secure the scene of an accident, assist those involved, and gather crucial information for accurate reporting. 

They learn the importance of timely and precise communication with authorities and company management. Drivers will demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and accountability within your fleet, reinforcing your reputation for reliability and professionalism.

Drivers should be prepared to handle driving emergencies confidently and effectively. Evasive manoeuvres are taught to give drivers information on how to navigate around sudden obstacles and how to control their vehicle when performing emergency braking. Understanding skid control ensures they can regain control of the vehicle on slippery surfaces. Additionally, learning how to manage jackknifing is crucial for preventing severe accidents involving articulated vehicles.

Tollgates serve as billboards for companies who have branded vehicles. Learning simple etiquette strategies, such as giving room to the vehicle in front and having the tollgate fee ready, goes a long way toward keeping your company’s good name intact.

Managing vehicle speed effectively is highly crucial for reducing operational costs. Consistent speed control reduces the frequency of harsh braking, thereby lowering the need for frequent brake component replacements. This topic also emphasises the impact of speed on fuel efficiency. 

Safety is a massive take away from this topic because the physics of speed is uncompromising and the consequences dire. Your company has the potential to lose large amounts money and critical assets due to the risks of speeding, not to mention the potential loss of life.

Drivers will be trained on the importance of decelerating smoothly and efficiently to minimise wear and tear on brakes and other vehicle components. The training emphasises the benefits of gradual braking by anticipating traffic conditions and utilising additional control systems, such as service brakes, engine brakes, retarders, and exhaust brakes. By mastering these techniques, drivers can manage speed more effectively, especially when handling larger vehicles on steep inclines or in heavy traffic.

Equipping drivers with skills to handle steep grades, sharp curves, and variable road conditions is an important consideration in their training. By teaching techniques such as engine braking, gear selection, and maintaining appropriate speeds, drivers can optimise fuel efficiency and minimise wear on braking systems and engine components.

Although Drive Sense does not go into the mechanical side of vehicle maintenance, we do ensure that drivers learn to prioritise maintenance schedules and encourage them to get to know their own vehicles. 

This is not only empowering for the driver and their safety; it is fundamental for reducing operational costs. We urge drivers to learn to identify early signs of mechanical issues and perform pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle readiness. 

By applying our suggestions, drivers can help to reduce unexpected breakdowns, delays, repair costs, and extend the lifespan of company fleet assets.

Ensuring the safe transportation of cargo is crucial for reducing operational costs and maintaining the integrity of your deliveries. 

Our training emphasises the importance of drivers' active participation in overseeing the securing of loads and ensuring proper, even weight distribution before departure.

Drivers are trained on the frequency and importance of checking cargo securement throughout their journey, especially after sudden braking, to ensure the load has not shifted. They are also encouraged to radio in or call the company to report any planned stops and confirm their location, ensuring that the chosen area is safe and not prone to theft or opportunistic crime.

Our goal is to instil a strong sense of responsibility regarding the handling of company freight, ensuring timely and damage-free deliveries. This not only protects your cargo but also enhances your company’s reputation for excellence and reliability in the industry.

Given the inadequate signage and control lights at many railway crossings in Zimbabwe, they pose a risk. Encountering trains on crossings is rare, which potentially leads to drivers becoming complacent. 

Our training emphasises that caution and awareness are vitally important and drivers must learn to anticipate the possibility of trains. 

This technique goes beyond basic observation. Advanced scanning ensures that drivers can anticipate potential hazards and react proactively and wisely. 

Physical perception training hones a driver’s ability to interpret and respond to the physical environment accurately. 

This training is more advanced than basic visual skills, focusing on spatial awareness, depth perception, and the ability to judge distances and speeds accurately. Drivers are taught to recognise subtle changes in their surroundings, such as variations in road texture, gradient, and the behaviour of other road users. 

Drivers are taught about an important phenomenon called motion induced blindness, which is a highly overlooked road safety measure.

We provide specialised instruction on how to manage reduced visibility, slippery roads, and unpredictable weather patterns. Drivers learn to adjust their driving style, use vehicle features effectively, and make informed decisions to ensure safety.

It is crucial to understand the techniques for improving visibility and recognising and responding to nocturnal hazards. We teach drivers to use their headlights and other vehicle lighting effectively, as well as giving strategies for combating fatigue and maintaining focus during nighttime operations. 

Drivers are also taught to recognise when they are overdriving their headlights, and taught how to correctly apply safety measures in the event of a breakdown.

Blocking the flow of traffic results in unwanted negative attention for your business. When your vehicles are parked correctly by the side of the road, it upholds your company’s image and demonstrates operational excellence. 

Countless news reports have highlighted accidents caused by high-speed rear-end collisions, where other vehicles have slammed into the back of lorries which are improperly parked off the road, especially at night. 

It is crucial that drivers learn how to find safe parking spots, use signals and warning triangles effectively, and ensure the vehicle is securely positioned to avoid any unnecessary negative outcomes.

Learning how to safely share the road with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists is crucial. Startling statistics reveal that pedestrians account for 63% of all Zimbabwe road deaths, while cyclists and motorcyclists face a 98% likelihood of severe injury when involved in accidents with vehicles.

Aggressive driving poses a significant threat to your company’s reputation. In Zimbabwe, there is a troubling increase in road aggression, undermining overall traffic safety. Anger and frustrations distract drivers from focusing on what they should be doing; driving safely.

Instances of aggressive driving often result in unnecessary crashes, negative public perception and legal liabilities. Understanding why aggression happens in the first place helps calm the build-up before it manifests in full blown road rage.

During our courses, we highlight the dangers of distracted driving, with common distractions like cellphone use, adjusting controls, or eating while driving being key behaviours that impair concentration and reaction times.

We also address essential driver needs, such as staying connected with the company and managing meal breaks. Our course teaches practical strategies to meet these needs without compromising focus or safety.

In Zimbabwe, legal requirements stipulate limits on driving hours to ensure driver safety and prevent fatigue-related incidents. 

Our training strongly emphasises the importance of maintaining alertness while driving, and ensures drivers can recognise the signs of fatigue to mitigate the consequences of ignoring it.

Our training highlights the dangers of alcohol use and the effects of drugs and certain medications on driving. Some drivers may attempt to hide these issues, resulting in impaired judgment and reaction times, potentially risking their own lives and your company vehicles.

With over 50% of Zimbabwe’s road accidents linked to alcohol, comprehensive training on this issue is essential.

It’s equally important for drivers to be aware of the risks posed by other road users who may be under the influence.

Our course ensures drivers fully understand the severe legal, financial, and life-threatening consequences of drunk driving. This module fosters a workplace culture where team members feel empowered to address any issues with coworkers, not just for the company’s sake, but as a compassionate act of respect for their colleagues' lives.

Drivers will be walked through a series of accident scenarios and will need to decide whether the accidents were preventable or not. They will engage in interesting discussions about their answers and are often shocked to learn that 98% of the accident scenarios they see or share in the discussions are completely preventable.