TOOL BOX TALKS Safe Driving Risk Reduction Strategies

TOOL BOX TALKS Safe Driving

Risk Reduction Strategies Vehicle • Ensure adequate insurance and licence • Check condition of vehicle prior to departure: – Tyres – Petrol – Water – Windscreen – Lights

Risk Reduction Strategies Speed • Observe speed limits • Drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions • Respond to speed warning alerts • Adjust arrival times to compensate for delays • Plan trips on the basis of time within speed limits

Risk Reduction Strategies Fatigue • Share the driving • Use alternatives such as public transport or taxis • Plan longer trips to allow for regular breaks encouraging drivers to take power naps if sleepy • Minimise night driving (avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping) • Enable staff to sleep overnight in motels where necessary • Provide information on sleep, nutrition and drinks, such as water and coffee

Risk Reduction Strategies Mobile phone use • Adopt a policy to ban the use of mobile phones while driving • Comply with the ban on use of hand held phones • Allow calls to go to a message bank • Answer calls only after the car is pulled over to the side of the road • Leave a message on voicemail advising incoming callers that you are driving and cannot take calls • Do not text whilst driving

Risk Reduction Strategies Adverse conditions • Use alternative routes • Reschedule trips to times of less extreme conditions • Provide information about driving techniques in adverse conditions, such as driving slowly in fog conditions • Use specialist vehicles suitable for conditions • Where appropriate, provide specialist training for driving in adverse conditions.

Risk Reduction Strategies Drugs and alcohol • Adopt a zero drugs and alcohol policy for work related driving • Use transport alternatives at functions with alcohol (designated driver, taxis) • Avoid or minimise the use of alcohol prior to driving • Comply with road rules in relation to the prescribed level of alcohol • Take into account the influence of medication before driving

Risk Reduction Strategies General safety – Employee responsibilities • Wear seat belt • Don’t eat or drink while driving • Preset music/radio and climate controls • Secure any loose objects • Pull over to adjust equipment, check maps or attend to personal grooming • Ask passengers to help with tasks (e. g. checking map for driver).

Risk Reduction Strategies Participant transport • Identify correct vehicle for participant needs • Utilise back passenger seat if participant has behaviour issues • Ensure seat belt worn or exemption carried • Consider safe carrying numbers in vans so able to access participant in an emergency • Utilise safe work procedures for strapping wheelchair or assisting participant into seat