Crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. From 2003-2014 there were 22,000 work-related motor vehicle deaths in the United States. For millions of workers that drive or ride in a vehicle as part of their jobs, driving safety is a risk that must be mitigated daily.
Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by providing driving safety information to workers and by setting and enforcing driving safety policies. The following are some safe practices to enact:
- Assign a key member of the management team responsibility and authority to set and enforce comprehensive driver safety policy
- Enforce mandatory seat belt use
- Do not require workers to drive irregular hours or far beyond their normal working hours
- Do not require workers to conduct business on a cell phone while driving
- Develop work schedules that allow employees to obey speed limits and to follow applicable hours-of-service regulations
- Ensuring workers assigned to drive on the job have a valid driver’s license and one that is appropriate for the type of vehicle to be driven
- Checking driving records of prospective employees, and performing periodic rechecks after hiring
- Maintaining complete and accurate records of workers’ driving performance
Defensive Driving
The most common causes of accidents include:
- Speeding
- DUI/DWI
- Inattention to detail
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Failing to yield
There are always some defensive driving tips that can be used.
- Safety first– Avoid aggressive driving and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. Always wear seatbelts.
- Stay alert and aware of surroundings– Check mirrors frequently and keep your eyes looking at least 20-30 seconds in front of you. Keep an eye out for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Don’t make assumptions– never assume another driver will move out of the way or allow you to merge into the next lane. Other drivers may run red lights and stop signs. Be prepared.
- Drive the speed limit – Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions. Make sure your speed matches the conditions. Maybe you’re running late, but you’ll be even later if you get in an accident.
- Don’t be distracted – This includes texting, calling, or any other activity that diverts your attention from driving. Texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving.
- Don’t Tailgate– The car in front is always the most likely vehicle to get into an accident with. Make sure to leave plenty of room to brake from the car in front.
Impaired Driving
Drowsy driving is also as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsiness causes slowed reaction times, decreased awareness, impaired judgment and is a contributor to fatal and non-fatal collisions. People at risk include people who suffer from sleep deprivation, driving long distances without breaks and/or driving early in the morning or throughout the night. If you cannot remember driving the last few miles or experience wandering thoughts, you may be driving drowsy.
Common symptoms of drowsy driving include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- Missed traffic signs/signals
- Jerking the car into the lane
- Trouble keeping your head up
If you are experiencing drowsiness while driving, pull away from traffic in a safe place. Take a break from driving, take a short 15–40 minute nap, or stay at a hotel. Never solely rely on the radio or open windows to keep yourself awake. Always plan a good night’s sleep and aim for 8 hours of sleep. If driving long distances, bring a companion. Avoid any medications and other substances that cause drowsiness.
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug substances can lead to impaired judgment, increased, reckless driving, delayed reaction times, and traffic collisions that result in injuries or death. Hazards of substance use, or alcohol use includes but is not limited to:
- Sleepiness/drowsiness
- Impaired vision
- Dizziness
- Lack of mental alertness
- Nausea
- Fainting
Prescription medication can be just as powerful or even more so than alcohol or illegal narcotics. Some prescription medications that should not be taken prior to operating a vehicle include opioid pain relievers, Benzodiazepines (normally prescribed for anxiety), Sleeping Medications, Anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, any medication containing codeine, and some anti-depressants.
Extreme Weather
Icy roads, slippery roads and snow-covered roads are all hazards that occur during the winter season. Winter weather can affect driving by increasing crashes, skidding, and hydroplaning. Snowy roads can cause vehicles to lose traction, which can lead to sliding. To reduce the risk of accidents when making turns, coast into the turn without accelerating or braking. If your vehicle begins to skid going down a hill, ease off the gas and lightly ease onto the brakes. If you are making a turn, take your foot off the brake and turn your wheel. Once you are positioned straight on the road you may then ease onto the gas. Things to consider when determining speed on snowy roads include:
- Ability of driver
- Amount of traffic
- Type of tires
- If vehicle is high or low center of gravity
- If it is day or night
When preparing to drive in rainy weather, there are a few common maintenance procedures to practice:
- Change old windshield wipers
- Repair damaged headlights
- Check tire pressure and brake ability
When driving in rainy conditions, the driver should:
- Slow down
- Leave room in between cars
- Use turn signals early
- Do not use cruise control
- Avoid braking hard
- Avoid fast and sharp turns
- Pull over if needed
Inspections
Prior to each first daily use of a vehicle the driver should inspect the vehicle for proper operation of the safety features, as applicable. Make sure to check these items are in proper working order:
- Horns
- Mirrors
- Windshield Wipers
- Brakes
- Tires (inflated to correct pressure or psi)
- Steering control
- Any other visual sign of defect
Every company vehicle should receive a mechanical inspection every 3 months.
These are just some key tips and basic points to keep in mind. If you are looking for a fully comprehensive safety program for driving safety, you might be interested in our DIY in-house training kit. We also have online training options. Give us a call if you have any questions. We are happy to help.
Call 866-627-3850 or email us at sales@jjsafetyllc.com to learn more.