Defensive Driving
When you drive defensively, you drive safely to save lives, time, and money, despite the conditions around you and the actions of others PPT-SM-DD 2015
We are on the road every day of our lives Our driving affects everyone around us Unsafe driving can hurt or kill innocent people PPT-SM-DD 2015
According to NIOSH, motor vehicles are consistently the leading cause of work-related deaths in the US About 36% of all work-related fatalities reported by the BLS are associated with motor vehicles PPT-SM-DD 2015
Everyone can and should drive defensively Check your company’s policy for specific driving rules that apply to you on the job PPT-SM-DD 2015
Driving hazards include Distracted driving Speeding Aggressive driving Drowsy driving Driving under the influence Severe weather Not wearing a seat belt Unexpected road conditions PPT-SM-DD 2015
You can be exposed to driving hazards every day, on and off the job Your own driving or others’ driving could be the source of exposure PPT-SM-DD 2015
Do not use your cell phone or eat and drink while driving Protect yourself by driving defensively using these safe driving practices Do not use your cell phone or eat and drink while driving Obey the speed limit Do not engage in or respond to aggressive driving behavior PPT-SM-DD 2015
Check the weather before you go, and do not drive in severe weather Get enough sleep before you drive and practice journey management for long drives to avoid fatigue Always drive sober Check the weather before you go, and do not drive in severe weather Wear your seat belt PPT-SM-DD 2015
Take steps to prevent distracted driving Send texts or make phone calls before you get on the road Keep your phone on silent while you drive Eat or drink before you drive Keep conversations with passengers to a minimum Plan and review your route beforehand Pay attention to your surroundings PPT-SM-DD 2015
According to NCS, speeding causes about 30% of roadway fatalities PPT-SM-DD 2015
Avoid speeding Stay aware of the posted speed limit Use cruise control if you have it Watch your speed PPT-SM-DD 2015
Avoid aggressive driving behavior like Honking the horn, yelling, or making rude gestures Tailgating Wildly changing lanes to get around slower cars Speeding around other Responding to rude gestures or comments with your own two cents PPT-SM-DD 2015
Drive defensively instead Pay attention to your own driving Leave at least two car lengths between your car and the car in front of you Use your blinker and safely merge into another lane as needed PPT-SM-DD 2015
Leave at a time that allows for detours and unexpected delays Ignore aggressive behavior and give aggressive drivers a wide berth PPT-SM-DD 2015
Stay alert while you drive Make sure you are well-rested before you get behind the wheel Commit to getting enough sleep the night before driving If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over and take a 30-minute nap PPT-SM-DD 2015
According to NCS, alcohol causes about 31% of roadway fatalities PPT-SM-DD 2015
Do not drive if you have taken illegal drugs or have drunk alcohol Do not become a statistic because you chose to drive under the influence Do not drive if you have taken illegal drugs or have drunk alcohol Do not take over-the-counter medicines that could impair your ability to drive Check your prescriptions for warnings about driving PPT-SM-DD 2015
Severe weather to avoid driving in includes Floods and heavy rainstorms Snowstorms and hail Dense fog Tornadoes PPT-SM-DD 2015
Buckle up every time you drive According to OSHA, seat belts save 14,000 lives each year According to the CDC and the NHTSA, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50% Buckle up every time you drive PPT-SM-DD 2015
Unexpected roadway conditions can include Road work Heavy traffic Car accidents Wildlife crossings PPT-SM-DD 2015
Avoid unexpected roadway conditions by staying aware of your surroundings Look for roadwork signs Scan mirrors and the road in front of you often Adjust your speed to surrounding traffic Look for wildlife crossing signs Be alert to animals crossing the road PPT-SM-DD 2015
Drive defensively It could save your life or someone else’s life Remember to drive safely, and watch out for common driving hazards PPT-SM-DD 2015
PPT-SM-DD 2015