Healthy drivers can save you money

Angry driver.

Calm driver.

When we think of driver training, we think about learning what to do in an emergency situation or defensive driving techniques. Now there is a new approach to driver safety on the road that is proving to be just as important. The wellness of the person behind the wheel is as essential to reduce accidents as what the driver’s skills are.

As much attention should be paid to the health of your drivers as what is paid to the health of employees working behind a computer. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the US has made it mandatory for entry-level drivers to undertake driver wellness training. They acknowledge that drivers are at higher risk of on-the-job injury and more needs to be done to reduce personal health problems which can contribute to accidents.

MasterDrive’s Wellness in the Driving Space workshop is an educational programme on posture, nutrition and breathing exercises that leave drivers with a sense of well-being while improving productivity. It is a holistic approach to driver training that looks at all aspects of a driver’s lifestyle to improve reaction times and driving abilities.

An area the workshop focuses on is exercises and stretching. This increases the ability to check blind spots as it improves flexibility. Exercise also reduces wear and tear on joints as a result of long hours behind the wheel.

Drivers will also learn how posture and breathing exercises increase their safety. Sitting with your head forward can reduce lung capacity by 30% causing fatigue, whereas correct posture and breathing increases concentration and even reduces the impact on your body in the case of an accident. These breathing exercises can also help drivers think clearly when they feel angry on the road.

Even your meals while driving affect your wellness and consequently driving abilities. Fast-food is high in energy and causes unstable sugar levels. Your mood, decision-making, reaction time and energy will then be affected. Driver wellness training will teach you how to eat in a way that stabilises moods and improves reactions.

Good nutrition also helps reduce road rage. Hydration is essential as dehydration can affect your decision-making and cognitive performance on the road. Studies have shown dehydration also reduces reaction times by 23%.

The workshop includes stress management tips which can drastically improve the quality of your driving. It can lessen the likelihood of becoming enraged on the road as it includes techniques on how to keep your cool.

There is much more to safe driving than knowing how to avoid collisions or defensive driving. Your mental acuity and physical health ensures you use your best driving skills possible and it is driver wellness training which will help you achieve complete readiness every time they get behind a wheel.