Traffic crashes are one of the main causes of job-related deaths, but there are things you can do to minimise the potential for tragedy. Many strategies focus on the education of drivers and the imparting of relevant information to employees, as the following five tips demonstrate.
Seat belt campaigns
It is a fact that seat belts save lives, making it essential that businesses have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to non-use at all times. Night-time drivers often use seat belts less than daytime drivers but are still at the same risk on the road, if not more.
Companies can actively encourage seat belt use by offering safety incentives, putting up signs in vehicles and discussing the issue during safety meetings. There should also be a written company policy stating that seat belts must be used.
Driver-signed agreements
Employees should be asked to sign an agreement that spells out their responsibilities when using company vehicles. This should include such issues as safety rules, maintenance of the vehicle, who is eligible to drive the vehicle, accident procedures and terms and eligibility.
Driver payments
Just as a vehicle tracking service available from companies such as http://www.vehicle-accessories.net/Vehicle-Tracking can lower insurance costs, requiring drivers to pay in the case of avoidable accidents can work to reduce risks, too. Many businesses that currently hit employees with charges for avoidable crashes report a reduction in accidents.
Drink driving education
Education must be used to ensure drivers understand the dangers of driving under the influence and they must recognise that their jobs are on the line if they are convicted of the offence. Methods include using videos, pamphlets and newsletter information to make sure drivers are fully informed. More information about the dangers of drink driving can be found on the government’s Think! website at http://think.direct.gov.uk/drink-driving.html.
Meetings and workshops
One of the easiest way to educate drivers and boost safety is to hold meetings, workshops and lectures. Invite experts to speak at the events to really get the safety message across. These could include police officers and paramedics, along with relatives of drink driving victims.
Some companies schedule regular monthly safety meetings for drivers to ensure safety standards are maintained and to make certain that employees have access to the very latest information and advice.
