ARA launches Professional Driver Education Program

Oct. 1, 2010 – The American Rental Association (ARA), in cooperation with ARA Insurance Services, has unveiled a first-of-its-kind Professional Driver Education Program designed to benefit businesses with professional delivery drivers. This landmark program is designed to help construction and general tool rental business owners improve driver safety, reduce risk, save money and enhance customer service.

This Web-based, rental-specific program consists of nine interactive modules that offer six hours of instruction on all aspects of the delivery driver process, from loading and load securing, unloading and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations to pickup and delivery at the job site, on-the-road safety and customer service. Each module comes complete with pre- and post-tests, checklists and information on relevant documents and websites. Participants are allowed 16 weeks to complete the course. Upon finishing, each driver will receive a certificate of completion, uniform patch, hardhat sticker and wallet card.

ARA and ARA Insurance Services are committed to helping the equipment industry to have a strong, educated work force. “ARA has developed this comprehensive program to address the most universal safety issue of the equipment rental industry. Not only will construction and general tool operations save time and money, but, most importantly, they will save lives,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA’s executive vice president and CEO.

Roadside inspections will be changing in November with more stringent assessments of safety performance areas in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Business owners may see an increase in violations, which can result in a significant increase in costs, reduction in their safety rating and loss of time.

Each year, millions of dollars are paid out by insurance companies from cases of driver-related accidents. For a reasonably small investment, businesses can put their employees through the ARA Professional Driver Education Program.

“We know that the key to reducing insurance claims lies with educating drivers,” says Phillip Kelling, president of ARA Insurance Services. “Delivery drivers have a big responsibility and are highly visible employees of a business. Smart business owners and managers are willing to invest in driver training to keep safety at the forefront.”