Organizations are obligated to protect employees, including when employees are operating a motor vehicle in the course of their work. But, in very practical terms, road safety is a shared responsibility by everyone working in the organization.
The driving environment is dynamic â road, weather and traffic conditions change frequently. Itâs tough to write a policy or procedure to address every possible event a driver may encounter. While your employer constantly relies on you to conscientiously apply your training, taught programs, driving skills and good judgement plus the procedures explained in the road safety plan. More importantly, your family, loved ones and friends are counting on you to arrive home safely at the end of each day.
Below are a few tips which are helpful to every employee who drives.
1. Before your drive
A. Manage journeys
Ask yourself if you can get your work done without driving. Most times, some work which involves driving can be done by just putting a phone call through. Can you use a phone call, an email, an online meeting to avoid unnecessary driving? Can you reduce risks by using public transit?
Taxis and ride-hailing services are travel options you can use to eliminate some of the driving you do. Use the suggested practices in this tip sheet to ensure a safe trip.
How to get management committed to road safety measures
If you need to drive, prepare for the trip. Even if itâs a short trip, ensure all car maintenance is done and you are adequately prepared for the trip.
B. Prepare yourself:
Ensure that you are well-rested, alert and confident to reach your destination every time. Your consciousness is very important towards excellent driving safety.
C. Have a trip plan:
Make sure to check out and be familiar with the route you intend to travel and scope out an alternate route just in case. Check traffic and road conditions. Set up a check-in contact, and share your plan with your supervisor.
D. Prepare your vehicle:
Places like the seat, mirrors and headrest should be adjusted to fit your comfortability.
Do a pre-trip inspection to confirm everything is working properly. Is the maintenance up to date? If you donât think the vehicle is up to the trip, talk to your supervisor or the people in charge of maintaining your vehicle.
2. While you drive:
While you are driving, it is very important you are familiar with the rules and regulations that guard your destination to safety. It is also your obligation to ensure all these rules and regulations are being followed correctly.
A. Wear your seatbelt:
Take a break from driving at least once every two hours. Stretch your legs. Have a quick walk.
B. Pay attention to your water intake:
Always ensure you pay attention and avoid distractions. Ensure to also hydrate yourself properly as this helps the brain to function excellently. Donât use a cell phone or adjust the GPS while driving. When youâre behind the wheel, driving is your only job.
C. Drive for the conditions. Speed limits are set for optimal driving conditions. Adjust your speed so that itâs right for you and your vehicle in those conditions.
3. After you drive
A lot of employees believe their only obligation towards road safety happens before and while driving. No, your responsibility continues after driving as you need to ensure certain things are put into place and the condition in which you are leaving the vehicle is safe enough for another driver to use without having to endanger their lives or the lives of those on the road.
Report any vehicle damage or required maintenance.
Share information about unsafe routes or things to watch out for so your colleagues donât encounter the same problems, are better prepared or can make other adjustments like timing.
Crashes are preventable. Do your part to improve motor vehicle crash prevention at your workplace.
