Pools' transit driver training program a money-saver for counties

A defensive driving presentation developed by NCACC Risk Control Manager Robert Poole has been approved by the N.C. Department of Transportation as meeting the minimum training standards for community and human service transportation system vehicle operators and is available free of charge for counties to use to train their transit drivers.

This program had to be designed to meet or exceed the guidelines/requirements of the state. According to Poole, counties that have been conducting training have been paying outside vendors to conduct it.

"This will save us a lot of money, and I am sure it will benefit other counties as well," said Craven County Safety/Risk Management Coordinator Deborah Hodges. "I presented the PowerPoint to our County Safety Committee on March 3. It was very easy to use and they seemed to like it."

The PowerPoint includes training on how to avoid distractions, how to deal with aggressive drivers, tips on backing up, proper protocol for following other vehicles, how to deal with tire blowouts, and more.

The NCACC's three risk control specialists – Bob Carruth, Stuart Darden and Craig Sappenfield – are available to conduct the training, or counties may obtain the PowerPoint presentation by contacting the Risk Management Pools at (919) 719-1100 and conduct the training on their own.