Driver Safety Driving Safety Statistics Someone is injured

Driver Safety

Driving Safety Statistics • Someone is injured every 18 seconds • Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death • 35% of work-related fatalities are associated with motor vehicles (source: BLS)

More Statistics • Most collisions occur in daytime and in good weather conditions. • 62% of work-related vehicle fatalities occur between 7 AM – 4 PM except trucking which occur between 3– 7 AM. • Most urban collisions occur at intersections.

Overview • Leading Driving Hazards • Accident Avoidance • Safe Backing Techniques • Other Driving Hazards

General Safety Always use seatbelts! When backing up, use caution: if you have passenger, ask them to get out and direct; if not, get out and check area before backing. If vehicle is not operating properly, report and discontinue use. Shut off motor and do not smoke or use cell phone while refueling. Do not leave engine running in an unattended vehicle. Report all work accidents, no matter how minor, to your supervisor. 1/05

Leading Causes of Collisions • Unsafe Lane Changes • Following Too Closely • Excessive Speed • Distracted Driving • Vehicle Malfunctions • Not Adjusting to Road/Conditions • DUI’s

Rear-End Collisions § § § Rear-ending other vehicles is the leading cause of vehicle accidents Maintain 3 -second following distance to react safely. Braking distance is 3 – 12 X longer in bad weather conditions 7

Accident Avoidance Tips § § Keep Space around Vehicle’s Never Drive Side-by-Side Know Your Blind Spots Keep Out of other Peoples Blind Spots 8

Unsafe Behaviors 9

Distracted Driving The #1 source of driver inattention: using a wireless device. Drivers that use cell phones are four times more likely to get into injury-producing crashes. Cell phones contribute to 24% of crashes (National Safety Council, 2012) Text messaging, talking on a cell phone, grooming, watching a movie, writing a grocery list, putting in contact lenses, changing radio stations, looking for items in your vehicle, changing your vehicle instrument settings all equal distracted driving. Emotional conversations where people get angry and upset can lead to deadly distractions.

Driving Hazards: Dangerous Conditions • Bad weather • Difficult road conditions • Poor light or glare • Heavy traffic • Road work • Accidents

Vehicle Maintenance § § § Neglecting maintenance can cause crashes. Monitor condition of and air pressure in your tires. Not doing so could cause blowout or a flat. Change wiper blades regularly. 12

Pre-Drive Inspection • Tires • Leaks under vehicle • Windows clean, nothing blocking vision • Mirrors properly adjusted • Lights working properly

Watch Out for Fatigue • Be especially careful during late night, early morning, and mid-afternoon hours • Stop, take a nap, and drink coffee if you’re tired • Avoid medicines that make you drowsy

Keep Cool in Traffic • Keep your emotions in check • Take steps to stay relaxed no matter what • Allow enough time to get there • Don’t provoke other drivers • Report aggressive drivers to the police

Avoid Road Rage Incidents § § § § Don’t offend, don’t engage. Adjust your attitude (stay calm). Avoid cutting people off. Don’t tailgate or follow closely. Don’t make obscene/questionable gestures. Avoid eye contact. Give angry drivers lots of room – You just can’t know what else is going on with them! 16

Don’t Drink or Take Drugs and Drive §Alcohol and drugs impair: • Ability to determine distances • Reaction time • Judgment • Vision §Remember: • Only time, not coffee, will sober you up • Use a designated driver

Night Driving § § § Traffic deaths are three times greater at night than during the day (Source: National Safety Council). Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision is compromised. Aging eyes need more light. 50 year old needs 2 x more light than 30 year old. 18

Night Driving § § § Increase following distance to 4+ seconds Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows (at least weekly). Replace wiper blades. Have vehicle headlights properly aimed. Don’t overdrive headlights – should be able to stop inside illuminated area Turn lights on 1/2 hour before sunset 19

What’s behind you? 20

Vehicle Backing Safety § § Think In Advance Use a Spotter Do a Walk-Around Know Clearances Backing out of a driveway 21

Think in Advance § § Try to position vehicle so you don’t have to back up. Choose easy exit parking spots that don’t crowd neighboring vehicles. Back into the space if possible when parking. Back to the left if possible so you can see objects on the driver’s side. 22

Use a Spotter § § Use another person to help when backing. Turn off radio and roll down window to hear what spotter is telling you. Make sure driver and spotter clearly understand hand signals. Don’t have spotter walking backwards while giving instructions. 23

Do a Walk-Around § § Conduct a circle of safety walk-around to look for hazards. Get back into vehicle ASAP Look over shoulders & check both mirrors. Give two horn blasts before backing up. 24

Know Clearances § § § 6 Dimensions of Vehicle: front, back, left, right, above and below. Walk-around will identify obstructions, low hanging branches or clearance-related problems. Be vigilant of vehicle’s blind spots. 25

Best Back-up Solutions § § Park defensively to minimize need to back-up. Take a moment to get a spotter to assist. Practice situational awareness. Encourage management to pursue back-up sensor and/or rear camera technology. 26

Did You Know § § Immediately after driving you have an increased chance of a lower back injury from lifting? Neck, shoulder and back pain are common after sitting for long periods, and from whole body vibration. 27

Driver Ergonomics § § Change seat position a notch or two every 30 minutes. Use lumbar support and seat cushions. Adjust steering wheel periodically. Rest/stretch break 5 minutes every hour. 28

Did You Know? § About 25% of reported slips in snowy and icy conditions in NEWESD 101 School Districts happen when employees are exiting their vehicle. 29

Ten Driver Safety Tips from “How Stuff Works” § § § Keep Your Vehicle Safe Practice Defensive Driving Watch Out for the Other Guy Don’t Follow Too closely Be Extra Careful in Bad Weather § § § Wear Your Seat Belt Don’t Drive Drowsy Don’t Speed Avoid Distractions Don’t Drink and Drive 30

Need more info? § Don Ebert NEWESD 101 Risk Manager (509) 789 -3517 debert@esd 101. net