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9950

FLOW Driver Training

3.0

Drinking Water and Wastewater

American Water

Monica Troutman

monica.troutman@amwater.com

7172059705 Ext.

Partner Website

This course is designed to strengthen safe driving behaviors for employees who operate fleet vehicles in support of drinking water and wastewater operations. Vehicle incidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries in utility work, often occurring while traveling to, from, or between job sites. The purpose of this training is to reinforce defensive driving principles and risk awareness using the FLOW framework—Focus, Look Ahead, Observe Surroundings, and Warn & Communicate. The course emphasizes hazard recognition, human factors such as distraction and fatigue, and practical techniques to prevent backing incidents, collisions, and near misses. Through facilitated discussion, self-assessment, scenario-based learning, and knowledge checks, participants gain practical tools they can immediately apply to improve personal safety, protect coworkers and the public, and support reliable water and wastewater operations.

Basic thru Advanced

Course content includes an overview of roadway risks and preventable vehicle incidents affecting water and wastewater operations. Topics include defensive driving principles; the FLOW framework; distracted and drowsy driving awareness; complacency and multitasking; following distance and speed management; blind-spot recognition and lane-change techniques; backing prevention and 360-degree walk-arounds; safe use of lights, signals, and horns; weather-related driving considerations; and actions to take in the event of a vehicle incident. Participants engage in interactive knowledge checks and real-world scenarios based on common fleet incidents to reinforce learning and practical application.

This course is intended for employees who operate company vehicles in support of drinking water and wastewater systems, including field operations staff, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and other operational employees who regularly drive as part of their job duties. The training is appropriate for both new and experienced drivers and supports ongoing safety and risk-reduction efforts across water and wastewater operations.

Classroom