Defensive Driving
DriveSafe offers In-Cab Assessment Criteria helps your drivers in your fleet to adjust their driving habits. This is the criteria for driving in a parking area.
The driver completely fails to check traffic, mirrors, or blind spots before moving the vehicle into or out of a parking space. They enter or exit the parking area at an unsafe speed, failing to account for pedestrians, blind corners, or tight clearances. There is an immediate risk of collision due to a total lack of observation and speed control.
Level 1: Unsatisfactory (High Risk)
- Scoring Description: The driver completely fails to check traffic, mirrors, or blind spots before moving the vehicle into or out of a parking space. They enter or exit the parking area at an unsafe speed, failing to account for pedestrians, blind corners, or tight clearances. There is an immediate risk of collision due to a total lack of observation and speed control.
- Recommendation: Immediate remediation required. The driver should not be permitted to operate company vehicles until they undergo targeted behind-the-wheel coaching focused on low-speed maneuvering and scanning techniques.
Level 2: Needs Improvement (At Risk)
- Scoring Description: The driver performs incomplete or erratic traffic checks. They may look in one direction but fail to check the opposite side or neglect their blind spots. Speed is inconsistent—either too fast for the tight environment or hesitant enough to disrupt the flow of other parking lot traffic. The driver relies too heavily on backup cameras or mirrors alone rather than physical head turns.
- Recommendation: Schedule a follow-up assessment within 30 days. Provide the driver with refresher training on the “Circle of Safety” concept and defensive scanning patterns (mirror-mirror-blind spot) specifically for congested environments.
Level 3: Competent (Meets Standard)
- Scoring Description: The driver consistently performs necessary traffic checks before and during movement. They check mirrors, blind spots, and look over their shoulder before backing out or pulling forward. Speed is maintained at a safe, walking-pace level appropriate for a parking environment. The driver yields correctly to pedestrians and right-of-way vehicles, demonstrating steady vehicle control.
- Recommendation: Maintain current performance. Re-evaluate during the standard annual or bi-annual routine check. Encourage the driver to continue practicing consistent scanning habits.
Level 4: Proficient (Advanced)
- Scoring Description: The driver proactively scans the environment well ahead of movements, anticipating potential hazards such as reversing vehicles or pedestrians emerging from between parked cars. They modulate their speed perfectly to match visibility limitations (e.g., slowing down significantly near large trucks or blind corners). They position the vehicle optimally to maximize their own visibility and communicate intentions early using signals.
- Recommendation: Acknowledge the driver’s strong defensive habits. This driver is a good candidate for peer mentoring or assisting with the onboarding of new drivers.
Level 5: Excellent (Exemplary)
- Scoring Description: The driver demonstrates flawless situational awareness and masterclass speed management. They choose parking spaces that minimize backing hazards (e.g., pull-through spots or backing into a space to allow a forward exit). They maintain a continuous 360-degree scan, utilize all available visual aids correctly without relying solely on them, and move at a highly controlled speed that allows for an instant stop if an unexpected hazard appears.
- Recommendation: Commend the driver for exemplary safety standards. Consider recognizing them through company safety awards or utilizing them as a driver trainer/assessor for the organization.
