Hello, Fleet Safety Pros Weathering Winter,
When it comes to preparing drivers for real-world challenges, NTSI doesn’t just map the route—we lead the way. This week’s Tuesday Tip highlights the exceptional dedication of one of our Principal Instructors, Sheba Dawn, and her lifelong commitment to SAFER driving through behavior modification, even in the most extreme conditions.
Last week, Sheba took her mission of spreading safety and saving lives to new heights. In Ohio, she braved frigid temperatures—a chilling -7°F with a staggering -15°F windchill ❄️—to conduct an advanced Close Quarter Maneuvers training session for a valued customer 🚛. Equipped with her reliable first responder winter gear, Sheba faced the elements with unwavering determination, ensuring the training delivered a real-world impact tailored to the participants’ needs.
Knowledge + Values + Attitudes = Behavior (K + V + A = B), is our SAFER (Safer, Aware, Focused, Educated, Responsible) Driver Equation. Through real-world training that emphasizes driver attitudes and accountability, NTSI empowers drivers to make informed, responsible decisions every time they get behind the wheel.
Sheba embodies this formula in every session she leads, tailoring her training to reinforce behavior modification and responsibility. Her dedication ensures that fleet drivers not only understand the principles of SAFER winter driving but are equipped to apply them in real-world conditions.
NTSI Instructors’ Top 5 Winter Safety Tips for Safer Winter Driving:
🌨️ 1. Prepare Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Before you hit the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for adverse weather conditions. Check tire tread and pressure, test your lights, and make sure windshield wipers and defrosters are functioning properly. Proper preparation reduces the risk of incidents and ensures a safer journey.
➡️ Learn more about vehicle prep in our Inclement Weather Program.
👀 2. Adjust to Changing Visibility and Road Conditions
Stay alert and adapt your driving to match the current weather conditions. Reduce speed in low visibility, increase your following distance on wet or icy roads, and be cautious of black ice. Sheba emphasizes, “Adjusting to conditions keeps you in control and prepared for the unexpected.”
➡️ Learn More about Safe Driving in Winter Weather
🛑 3. Manage Speed and Braking to Maintain Control
In severe weather, controlling your speed and braking is essential. Drive slower to prevent skidding, avoid sudden stops, and brake gently to maintain traction. These small adjustments can have a big impact on your safety.
➡️ Discover practical techniques in our Fleet Training Program.
📡 4. Stay Informed About Weather and Road Conditions
Knowledge is power! Before starting your trip, check weather forecasts and road conditions using reliable resources like the National Weather Service. Sheba reminds us, “Staying informed helps you anticipate challenges and make safer decisions.”
➡️ Learn More About Weather Patterns Across America
🚛 5. Be the Captain of Your Own Ship with SAFER Winter Driving
As the captain of your own ship, you are responsible for navigating safely through any conditions. SAFER winter driving isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset: Safer, Aware, Focused, Educated, Responsible. Every decision you make behind the wheel shapes the outcome of your journey.
Sheba reminds drivers, “The foundation of this whole course…is based on choice theory, you’re the Captain of Your Ship” Whether it’s maintaining a safe following distance, adjusting for road conditions, or anticipating risks, taking ownership of your driving habits ensures you and those around you arrive safely.
➡️ Learn More about NTSI’s SAFER Philosophy
With a background as a Police Officer, Police & EMS Chaplain, EMT-Basic, and First Call Death Responder, Sheba has dedicated her life to protecting and serving others in critical moments. These roles required quick thinking, composure under pressure, and a deep understanding of human behavior, accountability, and responsibility—all foundational elements of NTSI’s SAFER Driver Curriculum: Safer, Aware, Focused, Educated, Responsible.
For over a decade, NTSI has been proud to have Sheba on our team as a champion of our training. Her ability to apply SAFER principles ensures fleet drivers are equipped to navigate challenging road conditions and make thoughtful, safety-focused decisions that save lives. Whether it’s icy roads or busy urban streets, Sheba’s dedication reflects NTSI’s commitment to real-world, impactful fleet driver training that instills confidence and responsibility.
Want to ensure your fleet is SAFER and prepared for anything this Winter and beyond?
➡️ Learn More About NTSI Fleet Training
Or book a time with me today and let’s talk about how we can bust any driving myths at your company so NTSI can make your team SAFER today.
Until next time, drive SAFER, drive smarter!
