A key component of any program to prevent employee injuries and deaths from work-related motor vehicle collisions is ensuring that employees are thoroughly trained in safe-driving practices. Here’s a checklist you can hand out to employees as part of your safe-driving program.
SAFE-DRIVING CHECKLIST
Obey the Law
r Observe speed limits.
r Obey traffic signs and signals.
r Pass other vehicles only on the left.
r Always signal your intention before changing lanes.
r Never pass a stopped school bus.
r Yield to drivers who have the right-of-way.
r Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
r Use your seat belt.
Drive Sensibly and Defensively
r Correctly position mirrors and driver’s seat before you start.
r Never tailgate. Stay at least three car lengths behind the driver ahead of you.
r Don’t insist on the right-of-way if the other driver won’t yield it.
r Dim your bright lights for oncoming cars and those ahead.
r Be aware of what’s happening several vehicle lengths ahead and behind you.
Expect the Unexpected
r Anticipate reckless behavior from other drivers.
r Anticipate people or animals darting into the road.
r Anticipate swerving cyclists.
r Anticipate potholes or debris in the roadway.
Take Bad Weather Precautions
r Improve visibility by:
r using wipers, defroster, and headlights
r wearing sunglasses to counter glare from sun or snow
r clearing snow from hood, roof, and all windows
r When visibility is poor or roadways are slick:
r reduce speed
r increase distance between you and the car ahead
r brake gently
r watch out for puddles, icy patches, and sudden pockets of fog
r if you skid, steer gently into the turn; do not use brakes or step on the gas
Maintain Your Vehicle
r Inspect before driving every time.
r Be sure scheduled maintenance checks are carried out on time.
r Be alert to below-par performance of any equipment; have problems attended to promptly.
r Don’t abuse your vehicle by driving too fast over bumpy terrain.
r Don’t make unnecessarily sharp turns or sudden stops and starts.