Health & safety bulletin
Driving safely
17th April 2007
It has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. This may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.
Many accidents happen due to inattention or distraction, a badly maintained vehicle, or failure to observe the Highway Code.
When you are driving to and from work you actually carry out a risk assessment so that you can get to your destination safely. You do this by looking at weather conditions and adjusting your speed or departure time etc. This is to try and avoid a situation whereby you feel under pressure and are unable to meet a schedule (which might encourage you to drive too fast for the conditions or exceed the speed limit).
- Ensure that the vehicle is serviced at regular intervals to keep it roadworthy
- Make sure daily and weekly vehicle checks are carried out
- When driving, ensure both driver and passenger are wearing a seat belt
- Never break the speed limit
- Don’t tailgate
- Never drive in adverse weather conditions - high winds, blizzards etc
- Always check the weather conditions and plan your route and departure time to ensure that you are not putting yourself or others in danger
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs or even prescribed drugs that can make you drowsy (always consult your doctor and read the label)
- Never use a mobile phone whilst driving
Remember - be safety conscious, the responsibility is yours to prevent your vehicle from hitting other people, whether in vehicles, on bikes, horses, or on foot – on the road or the footpath. Always drive with caution, expect other road users to make mistakes.
Never rush if you are late, stop at a lay by or safe place and ring ahead or ask your partner to ring for you to inform the site and or your supervisor that you are delayed.
Always drive within the speed limits and adjust your speed to suit traffic and road conditions and never overtake unless you are 100% sure the road ahead is clear.
Concentrate at all times - always be on the lookout for dangers ahead, try and avoid being distracted by mobile phones, let your partner answer the phone. If there are two of you in the van then the use of hands free and Bluetooth kits is prohibited as your concentration level will not be 100%. If you are on your own, don’t answer the phone, the caller will leave a voicemail if it is important and you can respond to it when it is safe to do so.
Never drive if you feel tired or unwell or under the influence of alcohol, you may still be over the limit if you have been drinking the night before, (try and refrain from drinking on a Sunday afternoon or during weeknights if possible). If you are caught driving under the influence, you may lose your job.
Inform your supervisor if you are unfit to drive due to illness.
Don’t get involved in road rage situations as this will distract you and your dropped concentration level could result in an accident. If you are being harassed or threatened by another road user, stay focused and avoid eye contact, ask your partner to discreetly note the other vehicle registration number and phone the police if you feel in any danger. If you have to stop, keep your van doors locked - do not leave the van to confront the aggressor.
Always try to be a courteous driver at all times, be considerate of other road users and always follow the Highway Code.
The Highway Code says that we should have our eyes tested regularly. If you are required to wear glasses for driving then you should do so - insurance will be invalid if in the event of an accident, you are found not to be wearing your prescribed glasses.
See your doctor if you are having recurring headaches or illness as this can affect your ability to drive, deeming you unfit to work.
REMEMBER getting home or to work is not a race so if you THINK SAFE you will DRIVE SAFE and you will BE SAFE!