Learner Login
At IMPROVLearning, our unwavering mission is to save lives by helping to train safer drivers. We achieve this by harnessing a unique blend of engaging content, cutting-edge behavioral neuroscience insights, and emerging technologies. At the very heart of our road safety education lies the powerful SPIDER Method, an invaluable tool that permeates every aspect of our courses, training modules, and instructional videos.
As corporate fleet training managers and safety officers, you’re well aware of the challenges faced by commercial drivers in today’s dynamic and fast-paced world. Whether you’re involved in instructing new driver education, providing defensive driving training for seasoned drivers, seeking insurance discounts, or improving fleet safety, the SPIDER Method holds immense potential to enhance your training programs and drive substantial benefits for your organization.
The Origin of SPIDER: A Simple Solution for a Lasting Impact
Decades of experience in driver education at IMPROVLearning led us to a sobering realization – most students forget approximately 99% of what they learn within a few weeks. We recognized the need for a simple yet memorable approach, one that would empower every driver to stay safe throughout their lifetime.
In collaboration with behavioral and neuroscientists, we crafted the SPIDER Method, a straightforward acronym that equips drivers with the tools to navigate any hazardous situation on the road effectively. The resounding confirmation of our approach came from an unexpected source, Gary Alexander, CEO of IMPROVLearning, shared his experience: “My son, just 11 years old at the time, overheard discussions about SPIDER in my office. He quickly grasped the concept, exclaiming, ‘…so you can sense the danger!’ This realization affirmed our belief that we were on the right track.”
Gary continued, “A few weeks later, while backing out of the driveway with my son in the car, I failed to notice an obstacle behind us. My son pointed it out, saying, ‘Dad, you’re not SPIDERING!’ It was then that I knew we had something truly groundbreaking on our hands.”
Understanding the SPIDER Method: Building Safe Driving “Muscle Memory”
The SPIDER Method serves as a fundamental methodology to develop the mental and physical “muscle memory” required to keep drivers safe in the face of any potential threat on the road. From obeying traffic signals to responding to a wrong-way driver on the freeway, the SPIDER Method empowers drivers to make the safest decisions within split-second windows of opportunity.
By remembering to “SPIDER” any given situation, any driver will be able to make the right decision to avoid dangerous situations before the arise by following the acronym. Here’s how it works:
- Scan: Drivers scan the area around their vehicle to identify potential threats or hazards.
- Predict: They predict which circumstances may pose a threat and how those threats might materialize.
- Identify: Drivers identify strategies to address worst-case scenarios.
- Decide: They decide on the most suitable strategy to adopt.
- Execute: Drivers execute the chosen maneuver to avoid a potential collision.
- Reflect: After the situation, they reflect on the outcome, analyzing what went right and wrong, and how to improve in the future.
With repeated practice, the SPIDER Method can become second nature, enabling drivers to anticipate problems and respond instinctively. It instills the kind of safe driving muscle memory that every corporate fleet training manager and safety officer aims to cultivate in their drivers.
The seconds saved by quick reflexes and dedicated training can mean the difference between life and death on the road. IMPROVLearning’s overarching mission is to save lives, and the SPIDER Method is the linchpin of our comprehensive curriculum.
Empowering Safer Drivers with SPIDER
In conclusion, the SPIDER Method is a transformative approach that has the potential to revolutionize road safety, particularly for commercial drivers. At IMPROVLearning, our core mission is to save lives, and the SPIDER Method is at the heart of this mission.
By equipping drivers with a simple yet effective tool, we aim to create a safer driving environment, one where accidents and collisions become increasingly rare. The SPIDER Method isn’t just about reacting to danger; it’s about proactively identifying and mitigating risks, instilling a sense of responsibility, and fostering a culture of safety on our roads.
As corporate fleet training managers and safety officers, you play a crucial role in this endeavor. The adoption of the SPIDER Method in your training programs can lead to safer roads, more responsible drivers, and ultimately, the success of your organization. Together, we can collectively work towards a future where road safety takes precedence, and where every journey concludes safely, with penalties avoided, lives preserved, and collisions averted.
