Driver Safety Tips

Reprinted Courtesy of Hortica

Written by: Brent. A. Bates, Senior Vice President/Director of Safety Services and Zach Bruce, Assistant Vice President Loss Control, Hortica Insurance & Employees Benefits

Vehicle accidents are all too common and most of the times are preventable when following safe driving practices. Let Hortica help you show your employees how important they are, by keeping them safe with these tips! 

1. Plan the Route in Advance! Reviewing addresses and planning where to go in advance can allow employees to focus on the road, not maps, papers, GPS, etc.  If drivers are using a GPS make it a policy that they only enter data into the device when they are stopped at a safe location.  

2. Drive the Speed Limit or Less! Speeding or being in a hurry is the #1 cause of accidents. Speeding does not always get you to your destination faster! 

3. Stop Backing Accidents! One of the most commonly reported accident claims involves backing into stationary or moving objects.  Train your employees on safe backing practices (see this month’s tailgate safety talk).  Is there a trailer attached to the vehicle? Train potential vehicle passengers on being a spotter and make having a spotter a requirement whenever possible.  Training should include hand signals that will be used as well as staying safe when helping a driver back up.  Make sure the spotter doesn’t get run over!  Provide spotters with a high-vis safety vest. 

4. No Distractions! Never allow employees or yourself to be distracted by texting, eating, music or phone calls while driving. If you don’t have one already, implement a written company cell phone policy prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. 

5. Expect the Unexpected! Be prepared for whatever may occur. Accidents, even a fender bender, can cause you to lose use of your vehicle while repairs are made. Make sure your drivers know what to do in the event of an accident.  We’ve included a vehicle accident report that can be placed in the glove box of all company vehicles as this month’s training topic.  Review this with your drivers and make sure they know what to do in the event of an accident.
   
6. Don’t Follow Too Closely! Coaching your drivers to maintain a 3 second following distance will help them avoid rear-end accidents. It could also prevent them from being rear-ended too by having some space to slow down.  Remember, if the roads could be slick from rain or snow increase the following distance to 4 seconds or more depending on the conditions. 

7. Follow the Law! Drivers should obey all traffic signs, markings and speed limits.  Confirm all drivers have a valid license and review driving records at least annually for all drivers.   

8. Secure Cargo! Unsecured items in the vehicle, truck bed or trailer can cause a loss of product or even lead to an accident! Make sure your product and driver are safely in the vehicle at all times. 

9. Wear Your Seat Belt! It is about your safety too. “Click It” not only to avoid tickets, but to keep yourself and your employees safe. This includes all vehicle occupants including those in the back seat, regardless of what the law says is required.  

10. Know Your Driver’s Limits! Do not send out a driver who is physically or mentally unable to handle the stresses of being a driver. They create the image of your company and impact your business beyond driving the vehicle. Calm and confident is better than frantic and flustered. Select part-time drivers with the same care as full-time drivers! 

11. Independents! If you hire independent contractors or drivers, make sure they have proper insurance and that your interests are protected in writing with a contract.  It is always recommended to have the contract reviewed by an attorney.  

12. Train Your Drivers! It’s an all too common thought that just because someone has a driver’s license it makes them a good candidate to drive your company vehicles.  Driver safety training can help driver’s realize the dangers of driving a vehicle and learn ways to make sure they make it home safely at the end of the day. Fatal vehicle accidents are the number one cause of workplace fatalities in the country.