Vehicle Safety

Parking Brakes

Use the vehicle’s parking brake.  Brakes properly applied are well able to do their work.

Seat Belt Safety Facts

1. Seat belts cut your risk of death in an accident by 80%.
2. Seat belts reduce serious crippling and maiming injuries by up to 60%.
3. 80% of all auto accidents take place within 25 miles of home.
4. 84% of all auto accidents occur at speeds under 40 mph.
5. The average driver has 1 chance in 3 of having an accident in the next year.
6. Seat belts keep you inside the car where you’re safer. You are 8 times more likely to be killed if thrown from your car, and one or both front doors open in 72% of fatal accidents.
7. Seat belts would save 5,000 lives a year if everyone used them.
8. Seat belts protect your children and keep them in their seats so you can keep your eyes on the road. It’s easy to get the kids to wear seat belts, too! Just remind them that race drivers, pilots, and FBI agents do.

Parking on Grades

1. DOWNHILL: Turn wheels into curb, set parking brake, put gearshift in reverse. If automatic, in park or reverse
2. UPHILL: Turn wheels away from curb, set parking brake, gearshift lever in low, or if automatic, in park.

Guidelines

Vehicles are used every day on our job sites, and we become so familiar with them that we forget the importance of vehicle safety.  Here are some things we need to keep in mind when using vehicles.

Vehicles must be in proper condition. Vehicle inspections are the responsibility of each driver/operator.  Check fuel, oil and water levels each day. Never take the inspection of the vehicle for granted.  Look at the condition of tires and make sure that turning signals and headlights are working.  Record the results of your inspection in a vehicle inspection log.

When operating a vehicle, observe these rules for vehicle safety.

1. Always obey the speed limit. Just because the speed limit is 55 miles per hour, is that speed always safe?  Adjust your speed for traffic, weather and other factors that can affect your ability to stop.
2. Equip all materials that hang over the sides or extend beyond the tailgate with red flags. Check to make sure that tailgates are closed and materials are properly secured before starting out.
3. The maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle depends on the number of seats equipped with safety belts. Safety belts are to be worn by all occupants of the vehicle.
4. Failure to wear your seat belt could result in your termination.
5. Remember to drive defensively. Right of way is something to be given, not taken. When you are driving, you must be concerned about the other driver and his or her actions.  Watch them while you watch yourself.
6. Remember to report any problems with a company vehicle to your supervisor immediately. Any abuse of company vehicles could result in your termination. Treat them with care and respect.

Remember to check your blind spots before changing lanes!