Background: Millions of workers drive or ride in vehicles to work, and some of us must drive as part of a work activity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation accidents accounted for more than 2,000 fatalities in 2022. Transportation fatal occupational injuries are almost three times the next nearest cause. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the total cost of motor vehicle crashes to U.S. employers is over $39 billion annually, with an average cost of $75,000 per non-fatal injury and ten times that at $751,000 per fatality. All workers are at risk of crashes, whether driving is the main or incidental job duty. Qualifications: All employees driving dealership vehicles must have a valid state driver’s license and provide DMV records to their HR manager. Based on the driving record, the employer may deny driving privileges. Any changes to the driving record, such as a speeding ticket or DUI, must be communicated to your manager immediately. Your Mindset: Before getting in front of the driving wheel, ask yourself if you are ready to drive in a safe manner. Have you had a good night’s sleep? Are you rested and fully alert to drive a vehicle? Is there any mental anguish that is disturbing you and compromising safe driving? Your ability to drive safely is best answered by you. If you are not ready, let your manager know and do not drive a vehicle. Safety Checks: Before entering the vehicle, always walk around the vehicle. Are the tires properly inflated? Are there any visible fluid leaks? Are the front and rear windows clean? Are there any loose packages or items on seats or dash? These can become flying projectiles during turns or if the vehicle is suddenly halted and can distract you from emergency maneuvers. Check the glove box for company papers, including insurance papers. Keep an “Accident To-Do List” that includes emergency phone numbers. The list is a ready referral of the information you must gather if you are involved in an accident. Once seated, start the vehicle and check: Are the wipers working properly? Are there any fault messages on the dashboard? Dealer drivers must ensure all in the vehicle are belted. Do not move the vehicle until all are secured. Infants and children must be secured per state law in infant car seats or boosters as selected and installed by the parents. Traffic Laws: All employees must follow the mandated traffic laws, such as staying within speed limits, wearing seat belts and following the prohibition of texting and talking on the cell phone. • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence is illegal and prohibited. • Obey all speed limits and traffic signs and signals, such as stop, slow, yield, bicycle and pedestrian lanes and traffic lights. Reach a complete stop at stop signs. • Yield to other drivers who have the right of way at an intersection. • For children in the vehicle, you must use the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat for their age and weight. Be sure to ask the customer with a child to install their own seat in your vehicle. Do not do it for them, as this is a liability for your employer and you. • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pedestrians. • Always use your signals and mirrors when changing lanes or turning, even if there appear to be no other vehicles or pedestrians. • Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, even when they are not on a crosswalk. • Always pull over to let emergency vehicles pass. • Do not pass a school bus with flashing red lights unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway. Other Considerations: Following traffic laws is only the beginning. Also note the following: • When entering/exiting a vehicle, parking or pulling away, be aware of others and be cautious, especially in an active driveway. • While backing up, use your rear-view mirrors and turn your neck to ensure there is no traffic in your intended pathway. Safe Driving at Work By Sam Celly, BChE MChE, JD CSP, Celly Services Inc. 16 SAN DIEGO DEALER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==