Driver professionalism

Whether driving from office to office, carrying tools of a trade, delivering goods or transporting passengers – all entail professional driving. Acting professionally on the road is a key requirement of the driver’s role and they are expected to adopt safe driving standards and defensive driving techniques.
 
There are a number of characteristics that make up a professional driver. These are a combination of what the driver knows, what they do and how they behave.
 
This month’s Professionalism toolbox talk is designed to help drivers have a positive attitude towards their role, understand their responsibilities, take accountability and act appropriately. It covers:

•  The minimum standard expected of a professional driver
• The key characteristics of professionalism, including integrity, competence and respect
• The concept of moral health and how it complements both physical and mental health
• How to stay in control of emotions, handle potential road rage situations and manage ‘red mist’

Even the most knowledgeable, skilled and experienced drivers can act in a non-compliant and unsafe manner. Professionalism can be challenged when things (or the actions of others) don’t go as expected and quick responsive decisions are needed. Raising the profile of professional behaviour enables drivers to make the right decisions in these situations and to operate safely and appropriately at all times.