Working Safely When You Drive
Every time you step into a vehicle, you face a potential driving hazard.  Professional drivers, who spend the majority of their workday behind the wheel, are at an even greater risk.  Take a few minutes to review these basic tips for working safely when you drive.  Be a safe driver, not a statistic.

Your Vehicle is Your Tool
All workers use tools, from office equipment to industrial machinery.  Your tool is your vehicle.  Treat your vehicle like you would any tool - use it with respect and keep it in good condition.  Check your vehicle frequently - at least once a week - to be sure that brakes, accelerator, belts, radiator, oil, battery, tires, head lamp, wipers, and brake lights are all in good working condition.  If you notice anything abnormal in the way your vehicle sounds or operates, have it repaired by a qualified mechanic immediately.

Drive Defensively
You can't assume that everyone on the road is as good a driver as you are.  Steer clear of drivers who swerve in and out of lanes, respond slowly to traffic signals, or appear to be driving erratically.  Pay attention at intersections.  Wait before accelerating when a red light turns green, never accelerate through a yellow signal, and always yield the right of way.  Pass only in designated passing zones, and only after you've checked blind spots for clearance.  Use the four second rule for establishing safe following distance.  If you can't count to four before passing the same object, you're driving to close.

Tune Into the Weather
Before you begin any trip, check for weather conditions along your route.  If roads are slick from rain, ice, or poor surfaces, reduce your speed and proceed cautiously.  Use low gear on steep grades or slippery surfaces.  If you should skid, do not brake.  Instead take your foot off the accelerator, and turn in the direction you want the front wheels to go.  In dense fog or heavy rain, where visibility is bad, pull to the side of the road, if possible wait until conditions improve.  When you start to drive again use low beams until fog clears.

Stay Alert
The best defense you have against potential accidents is your own ability to remain alert and aware while driving.  That's why alcohol, drugs, or other medications can be lethal when you drive.  They affect your ability to concentrate and impair your reaction time which can lead to injury, disability, and all to often, death - not only to the driver, but to innocent victims as well.  If you're angry, distracted, or tired, don't get behind the wheel - you'll be less able to react to potentially dangerous situations.  Be alert, be aware, and be safe - that's the professional way to drive.

To show that you have received and understand this safety information, please sign and return one copy to the foreman at your
Monday morning safety meeting.  Keep the other copy for your reference.

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