Learning Objectives
- Understand what GOAL is and why it exists
- Know the 5 situations that require a GOAL
- Execute the GOAL technique correctly every time
Key Points from the Video
GOAL stands for Get Out And Look — the single most effective technique for preventing backing accidents, overhead strikes, and tight-space collisions.
GOAL costs 30 seconds. An accident costs thousands of dollars — and can cost a career.
When to GOAL
- Before EVERY backing maneuver — no exceptions
- When overhead clearance is uncertain
- When you cannot see what is behind or around you
- When the environment has changed since your last look
- When entering a tight or unfamiliar space
How to GOAL — 4 steps, every time
- Set the parking brake
- Exit the vehicle using 3 points of contact
- Walk to the area of concern and scan 360° — above, below, behind, and to the sides
- Return to cab, release brake, proceed slowly
Backing accounts for ~25% of all fleet accidents despite less than 1% of total driving time — and the overwhelming majority are preventable with a simple GOAL.
Key Takeaways
- GOAL before every back, every uncertain clearance, every unfamiliar space
- 30 seconds of prevention vs. thousands in damage and potential career consequences
- No excuse justifies skipping a GOAL
Module 3 of 7