Description

This course focuses on how to reduce accident-related costs by preventing or reducing accidents, managing police and media interactions, and managing accident investigations effectively via documentation, evidence collection, and interviewing witnesses.

Learn the three categories of accidents, three levels of accident investigation, and basic accident definitions.

• Introduction and definitions: Learn the three categories of accidents, three levels of accident investigation, and basic accident definitions.
• Accident prevention and management: Accident prevention begins with the driver during the first stages of hiring.  Explore procedures for interviewing, screening, and conducting background checks on driver applicants; driver incentive programs, disciplinary policies and procedures; fatigue and hours of service regulations; company training programs; as well as the role of fleet maintenance in accident prevention. 
• Managing the police and media:  Understand the need to develop relationships with law enforcement organizations, as well as the benefits of a good media relations policy.
• Reading and interpreting police accident reports: All states have an accident report form, but very few if any have the identical reporting procedures. Investigate and understand the coding and notations on accident reports. 
• Data collection at the accident scene:  Develop necessary tools to utilize based on the depth of the investigation required; recording evidence and identifying primary vs. secondary evidence; proper photographic documentation of the scene.
• Locating and interviewing witnesses: Learn basic questions to ask all witnesses and occupants of involved vehicles and to utilize an accident reporting kit.
• Speed estimates:  Determine vehicle speed from tire marks, critical speeds of curves, combined speeds, skip and gap skids, drag factors, and test skid procedures.

This is a 1-day course for .5 CEU and 1 renewal point.

Course Benefits

• Prevent / reduce accidents
• Manage police and media interactions
• Manage accident investigations effectively:
  • Documentation and evidence collection
  • Interviewing witnesses
• Reduce accident-related costs

About the speaker: Kevin Blackwell

Kevin has been in transportation for 25 years, starting in the wash bay of a nationwide motor carrier.  Hard work and passion for the industry has allowed him to move through the ranks and gain a well-rounded appreciation for all aspects of the transportation business.  This led to several leadership roles from small carriers to large mega-fleets.  Kevin has also founded and grew his own transportation company from the first truck.

After dedicating the last 12 years to safety management, Kevin is an interactive instructor who has the ability to share best practices, quality management, required skills, and the perspective of other departments within a company to improve safety and show return on investment.

The North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) is a leading provider of professional certification and training for fleet safety, maintenance, and driver training professionals. Their programs help industry professionals develop the skills needed to manage effective safety and training programs, ensuring compliance and improving overall fleet safety. Learn more here: NATMI Overview.