I think that the standards for mandatory training for LEO's is set by the State. I think, but I'm not sure, that individual departments can set additional training, but they must have the resources to do so. The WCSO gets their funding through the County COmmissioners, who also have to give millions upon millions to the schools each year and there is often little left over for any other department beyond salaries and such. That could be one factor.

I'm sure fatigue has something to do with it too- being on the road for 13 hours per day for 4 days and then switching shifts from days to nights and back again wears you out.

I'm sure stress of the job factors in.......Probably no need to explain that!!

I'm sure the number of miles driven has something to do with it too...along with LEO's not being perfect too....

The concept of more driving training is good in theory but hard to implement in reality.....

"Michael Waltrip wrecked his personal car once and he's a "professional" driver."

Must of been while turning right.

It is a requirement of the company I work for that all certified drivers pass an annual written and practical behind the wheel driving test to remain certified, no matter whether they drive a pickup or a large commercial vehicle. The time it takes for each driver to maintain currency with their defensive driving skillset is approximately 2hrs/yr... aside weekly briefings.

If a private company can do it, why cant we afford the time for our law enforcement to do this as well (I write this, admittedly, not knowing anything concrete of the Wake Co training)?

Im not being super critical of our LEOs. I know it's a really dangerous profession and they hold my respect! 'Accidents' happen on the operating table, etc... each profession has its pitfalls/risks, though some have more than others.

The truth be told, one can expect that accidents such as these are usually the result of three factors that were not observed, whether we talk of excessive speed, distraction, fatigue, etc.

Glad the deputy is ok. With the HUNDREDS od hours they spend on the road each month, it is more amazing that there are so FEW wrecks than that there was a wreck. I wish people would grasp that better.

Yes, there is driver's training in BLET-- but when patrol officers/deupties patrol on the ROAD for hours per shift, there is a level of "training" that can be considered just from their experience.

I don't see anyone who posts negatively about these wrecks asking that a driver who drives a hour or so each way to work each day and gets in a wreck takes a driver's training class as part of their consequence for getting in a wreck. Aren't those people causing WAY more accidents than officers??? Causing people to spend much more money in insurance premiums???

The County is self insured. The County pays for the damages to the car.

Good point Dude, keep in mind though that (40 HRS) hasn't always been the requirement...there are tons of veteran officers who had 8 hours of driver's training in BLET and none since then...officers with 6,8,10 years on the road with ZERO additional driver's training since a Basic course. But, yes..given driving 10-12 hours a day or night..in morning and afternoon rush hour it is quite amazing that there are simply not more accidents..this is a testament to Officer's flat out paying attention and driving defensively.