According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, driving for work is the leading cause of occupational death in the U.S. every year. More than 2,000 people died as a result of occupational transportation incidents in 2022, making up 37.7% of the total occupational fatalities that year.

The NSC's new Fleet Essentials program aims to combat this deadly trend by educating all employees whose jobs require them to be behind the wheel, to ensure everyone makes it home safely to loved ones every day.

The comprehensive fleet driving program includes course content tailored to specific vehicles including:

• Passenger vehicles.

• Delivery vans.

• Medium-duty trucks.

The aim of the program is to provide all employees with the essential skills and knowledge to operate a vehicle on the job safely. The training program covers topics such as vehicle dynamics, driving professionally, and distraction awareness unique to driving for work. 

"Many assume fleet drivers are well-trained, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. At the National Safety Council, we follow the data, and the data are showing that workplace deaths are taking place on our roads at devastating rates, thus making this training truly essential—essential to saving lives and keeping workers safe on every jobsite, which includes America's roadways," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.

Module 1: Passener Vehicles

NSC Fleet Essentials first module, for drivers of passenger vehicles, includes about 40 minutes of content:

• Safe backing.

• Vehicle dynamics.

• Pre- and post-trip inspections.

• Six deadly choices: speeding, violating the right of way, distracted driving, turning improperly, driving left of center, and following too closely.

• Other vehicle-specific content.

Modules for delivery vehicles and medium-duty trucks will be available later this year.

The NSC's Fleet Essentials program is a step in the right direction to save lives and keep workers safe on every jobsite, including America's roadways.