Training MVP Awards Best Practice: Walden Security’s Distracted Driving Prevention

Utilizing eLearning simulations, emotional story-telling, and coaching conversations, the program focuses on changing driving behavior at its core.

MVPawards

With data consistently pointing to distracted drivers as the root cause of most accidents, Walden Security was faced with the challenge of changing a deeply entrenched societal habit. In response, the company built its Distracted Driving Prevention program using a combination of cutting-edge technology and human connection to bring real change. The aim was to not just focus on compliance but on changing behavior at its core.

Program Details

The Distracted Driving Prevention program includes:

  • Comprehensive eLearning simulations: Designed to educate employees about the dangers of distracted driving, the program immerses participants in realistic driving scenarios where they must navigate distractions and make critical decisions. These simulations incorporate interactive elements, such as videos, images, and hotspots, to enhance engagement and learning. They weave together both compelling statistics and real-world examples, effectively raising awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility among Walden Security’s drivers.
  • Emotional story-telling: This creates a more personal connection with the training content. By sharing real-world accounts of accidents caused by distracted driving, the program helps employees understand the human consequences of their actions.
  • Coaching conversations: To provide personalized support and guidance, Walden Security offers coaching conversations between employees and their supervisors. These one-on-one sessions allow for open dialogue about driving habits, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored advice.

Supervisors actively monitor and provide feedback on employees’ driving behavior. Regular check-ins allow for discussions about understanding distracted driving risks and adherence to safe practices. Any concerns or incidents related to distracted driving are addressed promptly and in a supportive manner. Additionally, supervisors lead by example by consistently practicing safe driving themselves and fostering a culture where safe driving is valued and rewarded.

To ensure maximum impact, Walden Security made Distracted Driving Prevention mandatory for all company drivers and potential drivers. To ensure ongoing education, Walden Security requires annual training sessions. These refresher courses provide an opportunity to review key concepts, address emerging distracted driving trends, and introduce new prevention strategies. The content of the refresher courses is tailored to specific needs based on the results of ongoing evaluations and incident data.

To ensure the program’s ongoing success, Walden Security employs a rigorous evaluation framework aligned with the Six Sigma and Kirkpatrick Model, which allows the company to measure the program’s impact on participant satisfaction, knowledge acquisition, behavior change, and overall business results.

Results

Walden Security analyzed driving records and incident reports to measure the impact of the training on distracted driving behavior. The data revealed:

  • A 40 percent decrease in the number of accidents through August 2024
  • A 60 percent reduction in the cost of accidents through 2024

Edited by Lorri Freifeld
Lorri Freifeld is the editor/publisher of Training magazine, owned by Lakewood Media Group. She writes on a number of topics, including talent management, training technology, and leadership development. She spearheads two awards programs: the Training MVP Awards and Emerging Training Leaders. A writer/editor for the last 30-plus years, she has held editing positions at a variety of publications and holds a Master’s degree in journalism from New York University.