Spiniello Companies Reinforces Driver Safety Through Hands-On Training
By Paul Piatt, CSP, CHST, MBA
During the third quarter of 2026, Spiniello Companies continued its commitment to employee safety and professional development through a series of comprehensive driver safety training initiatives. The goal: strengthen safe driving practices, improve hazard awareness, and reduce preventable vehicle incidents.
On July 24, Spiniello hosted a large-scale Driver Safety Training event in Baltimore, Maryland, bringing together 132 employees for a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practical training. The event was facilitated by members of our Safety, Fleet, and Operations teams, including Austin Markley, Adam Crandall, Teodoro Soto, Phillip Carratello, Troy Townshend, and Eddie Puckett.
Training focused on four critical areas:
Smith System Defensive Driving: Reinforcing the five keys of defensive driving, including maintaining proper visibility, anticipating hazards, and recognizing risks before they develop into accidents.
Spotter Safety: Strengthening communication and coordination between equipment operators, drivers, and ground personnel to prevent backing and maneuvering incidents.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs): Providing hands-on instruction in proper pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to identify potential mechanical or safety deficiencies.
Trailer Inspection Safety: Reinforcing proper inspection practices to ensure trailers and associated equipment are safe for operation.
The training emphasized practical application, allowing employees to connect important safety principles to the vehicles, equipment, and operating conditions they encounter in their daily work.
Building on this initiative, our DC Region conducted additional driver safety training on August 25, covering defensive driving, trailer towing safety, cargo load securement, accident prevention, vehicle inspections, and flagger safety. This session further reinforced our commitment to consistent fleet safety expectations across all of our operations.
The key takeaway from these initiatives is that driver safety extends well beyond operating a vehicle. It encompasses proper planning, situational awareness, effective communication, equipment inspections, and personal accountability. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, Spiniello continues to reinforce safe driving behaviors and equip our employees with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the traveling public.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to building a proactive safety culture, one in which every employee recognizes their responsibility to prevent incidents before they occur.