Behind the Wheel for Work: Safe Driving

Motor vehicle accidents are the major cause of occupational deaths.  Most vehicle accidents are the result of driver error or poor operating practices.  Employees who get behind the wheel of a vehicle for work assume responsibility for their own safety and that of others on the roadways.  However, you also have a responsibility for employee safety, not to mention the liability issue from injuries or damage they may cause.  Therefore, you may want to remind your employees to put these driving tips into practice.

Be prepared
Driving requires one to be mentally and physically able to operate the vehicle.  Make sure your workers are rested, clear-headed, and alert. 

• Make sure you provide proper training for their assigned vehicle.
• Have drivers conduct a safety and familiarity check before getting behind the wheel: ensure that tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread, check that the windshield is clean, the wiper blades are sharp, and the lights are clean and working.  Check the gauges for adequate fuel and water.  Adjust the seat, seatbelt, and mirrors.  Locate the lights, wipers, horn, and emergency equipment that may be necessary.
• Ensure employees avoid medications or substances that could negatively affect their driving abilities. 
• Consult the weather and road condition for the planned trip; drivers may wish to alter their route or increase allotted travel time in case of poor conditions.
  

Stay focused
Driving demands one’s full attention.  Remind your employees to keep their focus on the road, and continually monitor traffic conditions; keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared for the unexpected.  Critical response time is significantly reduced by not concentrating on the road. 

• Avoid the phone.  It’s illegal to drive and talk on the phone without a hands-free device, but even those are not always a safe practice because there is distraction.  Have employees put cell phones on silent or vibrate; if they must talk or text for the job, have them pull over to a safe location.
• Before beginning their drive, have employees complete activities such as trip planning, map consulting, applying make-up, eating, or note taking.
•  Don’t allow employees to drive tired.  Tell them if they feel drowsy, open the window, have a snack, play music or pull off the road to take a break, walk or nap.
  

Drive defensively
When driving for work, employees represent the company, so make sure they know to be a courteous driver and share the road.   The following are good tips to share with employees:

• Visually scan for hazards, predicting how to avoid or reduce them. 
• Follow at a safe distance allowing an adequate safety cushion for emergency stops.
• Watch out for and anticipate other drivers, pedestrians, or children on or near the road.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
• Stay out of vehicle “blind spots.” 
  

Finally, of course, follow the rules of the road.  You have probably heard many of these tips before, but it’s valuable to continually remind yourself and your employees when safety’s at stake.