Many people are required to drive as part of their role at work, and this can present a number of risks. According to the HSE, approximately up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time, which may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week. It is therefore essential that both employers and employees work together to reduce the risks involved to help ensure safety.
In this article, we will outline some of the risks associated with driving at work and provide a range of driving safety tips to help keep you and others safe while you’re driving.
Driving is an integral part of many jobs. However, it also comes with risks that employees should be aware of. Employers have a responsibility to ensure their staff are properly trained on driving safety. This protects both the employee and the public.
This article will provide 10 driving safety tips that every employee should follow. Adhering to these simple rules can help prevent accidents and injuries. Safe driving benefits everyone on the road.
Conduct Regular Vehicle Inspections
Routine inspections help spot issues before they become major problems. Set time aside every week to thoroughly inspect company vehicles. Check things like:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Fluid levels
- Lights and blinkers
- Wipers and wash fluid
- Brake function
- Steering responsiveness
Fix any problems immediately. Don’t put it off. Driving with deficient equipment is asking for trouble.
Follow Proper Maintenance Schedules
Along with weekly inspections, vehicles need regular maintenance Follow the manufacturer’s schedule for oil changes, tune-ups, part replacements, etc Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to break down or cause accidents.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and potential hazards It enables you to better avoid accidents, Employees should
- Use their mirrors to identify nearby vehicles
- Scan ahead for situations that may require slowing down or stopping
- Allow plenty of following distance between cars
- Be prepared for sudden lane changes or stops by other drivers
- Drive attentively without distractions
The basic idea is to anticipate potential issues and drive cautiously.
Obey Speed Limits
Speeding significantly increases accident risk. Employees should follow posted speed limits at all times. Rush hour and bad weather call for further reductions in speed.
Driving too fast gives you less time to react. It also intensifies collision impacts. Set a good example for other motorists by driving the speed limit.
Stop Texting and Calling While Driving
Texting or calling while driving is extremely dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road even briefly can have catastrophic consequences.
Employees should refrain from using handheld devices when behind the wheel. Pull over safely to make calls, check messages, or program navigation. Better yet, designate a passenger to handle these tasks.
Minimize Distractions
Distracted driving is epidemic in the modern world. Even hands-free conversations can divert attention from the road. Other distractions include:
- Adjusting music or vehicle controls
- Eating, drinking, or smoking while driving
- Dealing with rowdy passengers
- Looking at maps or GPS devices
- Grooming or applying makeup
Employees should minimize activities that take their focus away from driving. Pull over if necessary to handle any pressing distractions.
Avoid Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired by alcohol, marijuana, lack of sleep, or medications is extremely dangerous. It slows reaction times and impacts judgment.
Employees should never drive while impaired. They should also avoid driving if they feel drowsy. Caffeine only masks fatigue for a short time. The only cure is rest.
Use Caution in Bad Weather
Inclement weather brings unique hazards for drivers. Employees should use extreme care when driving in:
- Heavy rain or fog
- Snow and ice
- Strong winds
Slow down, increase following distance, and turn on headlights. If conditions get severe, pull over and wait it out. Don’t risk an accident.
Practice Backing Safety
Backing accidents are common in the workplace. Employees should take steps to avoid them, including:
- Checking behind the vehicle before backing up
- Using a spotter to help when reversing
- Backing in slowly, tapping the brake to warn pedestrians
- Investing in backup cameras and proximity sensors
Rushing while reversing leads to fender benders and runovers. Take it slow.
Report Vehicle Issues Promptly
When noticing vehicle deficiencies, employees should alert their manager right away. This could include things like:
- Warning lights coming on
- Strange noises or vibrations
- Leaks underneath the vehicle
- Difficulty steering or braking
Addressing problems quickly improves safety for everyone. Never put off reporting vehicle issues.
Prioritize Safety Over Schedules
Employees sometimes feel pressure to speed or cut corners to meet deadlines. Rush delivery times should never jeopardize safety.
Drivers who feel rushed should speak to their manager. Safety must always be the top priority. One accident can cost the company far more than a late delivery.
Implement a Fleet Safety Program
The most effective way to promote safe driving is through a comprehensive fleet program. This should include:
- Written safety policies
- Driver training on company procedures and defensive driving
- Regular motor vehicle record (MVR) checks
- Maintenance protocols and checklists
- Accident investigation procedures
- Disciplinary processes for policy violations
Programs like this change the safety culture. They demonstrate that safe driving is a core company value.
The Takeaway
Thousands of crashes occur annually from unsafe driving practices. By following these tips, employees can significantly reduce their accident risk.
Safe driving protects everyone on the road, not just the driver. It also avoids unnecessary costs and downtime for the company. Make it a policy to always put safety first.
The open road presents many hazards. But defensive driving and smart practices help employees reach their destination incident-free. Driving vigilantly is a mark of a true professional.
What are the Risks of Driving for Work?
Driving is a common – and for some, an essential – part of life. However, as convenient as driving can be, it also comes with risks. These risks can be amplified when you drive for work, for a number of reasons.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) state in their Safer Driving for Work handbook that people who drive for work ‘crash more often, even after their higher mileages are taken into account and are more likely to take risks and to be at fault when they crash.’
This isn’t to say that drivers who drive for work are any less skilled or even intentionally more reckless than people who drive for leisure. It just means that people who drive for work are generally exposed to more risks than the average driver, many of which are difficult to avoid. For example, at-work drivers may be required to drive in more dangerous conditions, such as during extreme weather, or while under pressure to complete a job within a time limit.
Health and safety law applies to work activities on the road in the same way as it does to all work activities and you need to manage the risks to drivers as part of your health and safety arrangements.
Health and Safety Executive ‘Driving at Work’ Guidelines for Employers.
Legally, employers have a duty to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and competent to drive safely at work. However, they also have a responsibility to protect the safety of their employees as far as is reasonably practicable. This means having systems in place to ensure the vehicle they supply is monitored, safe for use and suitable for its intended purpose. This includes making sure that the vehicle is properly taxed, MOT’d and serviced. Employers are also required to investigate and action any accidents or incidents that occur involving their drivers on the road in order to mitigate future risks and help to keep their employees safe.
Employees also have a responsibility to protect their own safety, and the safety of others while driving for work – including pedestrians, other drivers and anyone else they might come across . This involves making sure that they understand and follow not only their workplace’s policies and procedures for health and safety while driving but also the road traffic laws.
Safety Toolbox Talks : Safe Driving
How do you keep your employees safe while driving?
As an employer, it is in your best interest that your employees drive safely. Here are some tips from OSHA to help your drivers keep themselves and others safe while on the road. Use a seat belt at all times—driver and passenger (s). Be well-rested before driving. Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.
How can I be a safe driver at work?
Make a positive statement by following these work-related safe driving practices. Use a seat belt at all times – driver and passenger(s). Be well-rested before driving. Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy. Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely each day.
How can I keep myself safe while driving?
Here are some tips from OSHA to help your drivers keep themselves and others safe while on the road. Use a seat belt at all times—driver and passenger (s). Be well-rested before driving. Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy. Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely each day.
How can a company improve driver safety?
Do your part to ensure the safety of your drivers. This means servicing company vehicles on time, updating maintenance records and frequently assessing the health of your vehicles. Being proactive about health and safety will significantly reduce accidents and driver error.
