Fleet vehicle incidents are one of the most common and costly operational risks facing electric utilities and utility contractors. Traditional defensive driving courses often focus on general driving concepts that do not reflect the unique conditions utility crews face in the field.
The TM Training SPACE™ Fleet Safety System was developed specifically to address these challenges. Built for Utility Operations
The SPACE system is designed for crews operating:
Utility vehicles are often driven in complex environments including congested traffic, narrow service roads, rural territories, and storm response situations. SPACE training reflects these real-world conditions.
Focused on Behavior, Not Just Compliance
Many defensive driving programs stop once the classroom training is complete. The SPACE system is designed to reinforce safe driving behaviors through ongoing field application. By combining training, driver evaluation, supervisor observation, and daily driving hazard assessments, SPACE helps organizations move beyond simple training compliance and toward sustainable behavior change.
Practical and Field-Focused
The SPACE program emphasizes practical decision-making that drivers can apply immediately. Instead of focusing on theory, the program teaches simple defensive driving behaviors that are easy to remember and apply during daily operations. Drivers learn how to anticipate hazards, maintain situational awareness, and make safe driving decisions in dynamic field environments.
Supports a Strong Safety Culture
The SPACE Fleet Safety System reinforces many of the same human performance principles used in high-reliability organizations, including:
By reinforcing these behaviors, the program helps strengthen an organization’s overall safety culture.
Documentation and Program Support
The SPACE system also provides documentation tools that support ongoing safety program management, including:
These tools help organizations demonstrate their commitment to fleet safety and continuous improvement.
How the SPACE Fleet Safety System Works
The SPACE Fleet Safety System is designed as a structured process that reinforces safe driving behaviors at multiple levels within the organization.
Step 1 — Driver Training
Drivers attend instructor-led training that introduces the SPACE defensive driving model and addresses the unique hazards associated with utility fleet operations. The training focuses on:
Participants also complete a knowledge assessment to verify understanding of key concepts.
Step 2 — Driver Evaluation
Following training, drivers participate in a practical driving evaluation where they demonstrate safe driving behaviors in real-world conditions.During this evaluation, drivers are assessed on behaviors such as:
This step ensures that the training concepts are applied in actual driving environments.
Step 3 — Supervisor Observation
Supervisors reinforce SPACE behaviors through periodic driver observations conducted during normal operations. These observations help reinforce safe driving behaviors and provide opportunities for coaching and improvement.
Step 4 — Daily Driving Hazard Assessment
Drivers perform a brief pre-travel hazard review using the SPACE model before traveling between job sites. This process encourages drivers to discuss potential hazards such as traffic conditions, weather, route challenges, and other operational risks. By reinforcing safe driving behaviors through training, evaluation, observation, and daily application, the SPACE Fleet Safety System helps organizations reduce fleet incidents and improve overall operational safety.
Ready to Learn More?
To learn how the TM Training SPACE™ Fleet Safety System can support your organization’s fleet safety efforts, contact TM Training to discuss program options and scheduling.
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