Occupational Driving Safety: What Employers and Employees Can Do

Driving for work purposes is a routine activity for many, but it’s one fraught with risks not just to the driver but also to the public. Each year, thousands of workers are involved in motor vehicle accidents, some of which are fatal. However, most of these accidents can be prevented with the right measures in place. 

Here’s a look at the common risks and actions each can take to promote safer driving practices.

Common Risks in Occupational Driving

Occupational driving involves a myriad of risks that can compromise the safety of drivers and the public. Insights from experts like Karen Rehm from the Nebraska Safety Council and Dan McGehee from the National Advanced Driving Simulator highlight several common hazards associated with driving for work. 

Understanding these risks is crucial for both preventing accidents and fostering a culture of safety within workplaces.

1. Distraction

Distractions while driving can be visual, manual, or cognitive:

• Visual distractions draw the driver’s eyes away from the road. These can include external factors like billboards and accident scenes or unexpected events such as an animal crossing the road.
• Manual distractions involve activities that require the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel, such as adjusting the radio or retrieving items from the floorboard.
• Cognitive distractions occur when the driver’s mind is not focused on driving. This might be due to daydreaming, planning the day’s tasks, or engaging with complex auditory inputs like audiobooks or loud music.

Each type of distraction not only reduces the driver’s ability to react to road conditions but can also interplay with one another, increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is especially prevalent among shift workers, such as nurses or long-haul truck drivers, who may work irregular hours or long shifts. Fatigue impairs cognitive abilities and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of ‘microsleeps’—brief episodes of sleep that can lead to the vehicle drifting or colliding with other vehicles.

3. Poor Scheduling

Inadequate scheduling that does not consider the natural circadian rhythms of workers can exacerbate fatigue. Employees working against their biological clocks are more prone to attention lapses and decreased performance.

4. Technology Misuse

The ubiquity of smartphones has introduced significant risks to driving safety. The use of mobile devices for calls, texting, or other functions while driving diverts attention from the road and is a leading cause of vehicular accidents today.

5. Lack of Seatbelt Use

Seatbelt use remains a critical issue. In many regions, a significant portion of the population still does not use seatbelts regularly, leading to a higher incidence of fatalities and severe injuries in accidents. Ensuring that all passengers, not just those in the front seat, are buckled up is vital for reducing the severity of injuries in crashes.

6. Speed and Compliance with Road Laws

Speeding and not adhering to road laws are common risk factors that can lead to accidents. Work environments that do not enforce or encourage compliance with traffic laws may see higher rates of incidents.

What Employers Can Do

1. Implement a Comprehensive Driving Policy

Employers should establish a clear driving policy that includes guidelines on driver behaviour, vehicle usage, and accident reporting. This policy should be communicated effectively to all employees and should be reviewed and updated regularly. Key components might include rules against using mobile phones while driving, requirements for regular breaks on long trips, and procedures for vehicle maintenance checks.

2. Provide Regular Training

Driving safety training should be mandatory for all employees who drive for work purposes. This training should cover defensive driving techniques, the importance of using seat belts, and the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Online driving awareness training can also be a good alternative to in-person training for some employers.

3. Conduct Driver Risk Assessments

Employers should assess the driving capabilities of all employees before they are allowed to drive for work. Assessments could include checks on driving records, health evaluations, and even practical driving tests. Regular assessments can help identify risks early and mitigate them before accidents occur.

4. Maintain Vehicles Regularly

The condition of the vehicles is just as important as the behavior of the drivers. Employers should ensure that all work-related vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and road safety standards. Regular checks should be performed for critical elements such as brakes, tires, and lights.

5. Monitor and Evaluate Driving Practices

With advancements in technology, employers now have tools at their disposal to monitor driving practices. Using telematics systems, employers can track information such as vehicle location, speed, and driving patterns. This data can be invaluable for identifying risky driving behavior and implementing corrective measures.

What Employees Can Do

1. Adhere to the Driving Policy

Employees must take the driving policy seriously and adhere to all the guidelines laid out. This includes avoiding the use of phones, adhering to speed limits, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance with these rules not only ensures their safety but also that of others on the road.

2. Attend Training Sessions

Employees should participate in all training sessions provided by their employer and apply the knowledge gained to their driving practices. Active participation is crucial as it ensures that employees are up to date with the latest safety protocols and techniques.

3. Self-Assess and Report

Drivers should assess their own health and fatigue levels before starting their journey. If they feel unwell or too tired to drive, they should report this to their supervisor rather than risk driving in such states. Additionally, any incidents or near-misses while driving should be reported to help improve the overall safety measures.

4. Conduct Pre-Drive Checks

Before starting any work-related journey, drivers should perform basic vehicle checks. This includes checking the fuel level, lights, tire pressure, and mirrors. Such checks can prevent accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions.

5. Be a Responsible Driver

Ultimately, every driver has a responsibility to drive safely and considerately. This means being aware of their surroundings, anticipating the actions of other road users, and adjusting their driving according to road conditions and weather.

Occupational driving safety is a shared responsibility. While employers can set the framework for safe driving practices through policies, training, and technology, employees must follow these guidelines diligently. Together, proactive measures from both can lead to a significant reduction in driving-related mishaps, creating a safer work environment for everyone involved.

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