Talk Yourself into Safety

Yes, this may seem like a wacky idea, but, you can hold your own safety class in your head. This, of course, works only if you have had proper driver safety training in the first place.

So, let’s assume that all of those great lessons and best practices are still rattling around in there.  Now, how do you bring them to the top of your brain for easy access?  Simple – start talking.  Just once a week, try this simple exercise that will help keep your safety record as good as ever… if not better!

Select a day and stick to it – one day a week…or at least a month.  On this day, narrate everything you are doing – and say it out-loud.   Talk yourself through checking each tire – remembering pressures, saying each tread depth and talking about sidewalls.  Then, as you get inside the cab, talk through checking your brakes – even starting your vehicle and as you move it throughout the day.  It may seem tedious, silly and/or insane, but by walking – rather, talking – yourself through each step of the day, you’ll be surprised at how many little things come to mind.

Simply counting out-loud to verify your following distance or just saying, “click” as you fasten your safety belt can make all the difference to your safety.  Plus, it helps make the day go by faster! 

If, for some reason, you’re sane enough to not do this, at least do the “mental work” – think through each step of what you’re doing throughout the day.  From bending your knees as you lift to getting a little exercise at a rest stop - force yourself to think about what you’re doing and what you need to do next.  Yes, I know you feel that you do this every day.  But, humor us – you’ll be surprised as to what a difference this makes.

Have you tried this?  Will you?  Do you think this is brilliant, stupid or insane?  Let us know how it works for you!

In the meantime, we’ll be happy to keep safety on your mind – and the minds of other drivers with a subscription to www.DriverSheets.com.  Weekly or bi-weekly safety sheets put safety messages on paper and in your mind!