17 Jul Safe Fleet Driving – Defensive Driving

Safe Fleet Driving – Defensive Driving

Safe fleet driving requires drivers to continuously evaluate traffic, road, weather, vehicle, and pedestrian conditions and recognize situations that could lead to a crash. Employees operating company vehicles are responsible for driving safely, obeying traffic laws, protecting passengers and the public, and representing the company professionally whenever they are behind the wheel.

Plan Your Trip

Whenever possible, prepare before leaving rather than making decisions while driving.

• Review your route and destination before starting.
• Allow sufficient time to reach your destination without rushing.
• Check expected weather and road conditions.
• Consider construction zones, congested areas, and other known hazards.
• Identify safe locations for planned stops when traveling long distances.
• Set navigation devices before putting the vehicle in motion.

If you miss a turn or exit, continue until you can safely change direction. Never make a sudden or unsafe maneuver to correct a navigation mistake.

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is in operation.

• Buckle up before moving the vehicle.
• Make sure passengers are properly restrained.
• Never disable or bypass seat-belt systems.
• Adjust the seat and head restraint for proper positioning.

Seat belts remain one of the most effective protections available during a crash.

Obey Traffic Laws and Control Your Speed

Follow posted speed limits and all applicable traffic laws.

A posted speed limit may still be too fast for existing conditions. Reduce your speed when necessary because of:

• Rain, snow, ice, or fog.
• Heavy traffic.
• Construction or work zones.
• Poor road surfaces.
• Limited visibility.
• Pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Curves, intersections, or other roadway hazards.

Never allow schedules, deadlines, or customer demands to pressure you into unsafe driving.

Stay Focused on Driving

Keep your eyes on the road, your hands ready to control the vehicle, and your attention focused on driving.

Watch for:

• Traffic slowing or stopping ahead.
• Pedestrians entering the roadway.
• Vehicles changing lanes.
• Road debris and obstructions.
• Traffic signals and signs.
• Construction activities.
• Emergency vehicles.
• Changing road or weather conditions.

Scan well ahead and check your mirrors frequently rather than focusing only on the vehicle directly in front of you.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Do not allow phones, radios, navigation systems, paperwork, food, or other activities to interfere with safe vehicle operation.

• Do not text while driving.
• Avoid handling or programming electronic devices while the vehicle is moving.
• Set navigation before beginning the trip.
• Keep necessary communications brief and comply with applicable laws and company policies.
• Pull over and park in a safe location before participating in a lengthy or distracting conversation.

Driving safely takes priority over answering a call or message.

Know Your Blind Spots

Adjust mirrors before beginning your trip and check them frequently.

Before changing lanes, turning, merging, or backing:

• Check mirrors.
• Check blind spots.
• Signal your intentions.
• Make sure sufficient space is available.
• Move only when the maneuver can be completed safely.

Remember that larger fleet vehicles may have significantly larger blind spots than passenger vehicles.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Do not tailgate. Maintain enough distance to recognize a hazard, react, and safely stop.

A minimum following interval of several seconds under favorable conditions provides a useful starting point, but increase your following distance when:

• Roads are wet, icy, or slippery.
• Visibility is reduced.
• Traffic is heavy.
• You are driving a larger or heavier vehicle.
• You are towing a trailer.
• Following motorcycles.
• Driving at night.
• Traveling through construction zones.

The greater your stopping distance, the more space you need.

Maintain an Escape Route

Avoid driving in a position where surrounding vehicles leave you with nowhere to go.

Whenever practical:

• Maintain open space around your vehicle.
• Avoid traveling beside another vehicle for extended periods.
• Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots.
• Avoid becoming boxed in by surrounding traffic.
• Signal intentions early.
• Allow other drivers room to merge or change lanes safely.

Having an escape route can make the difference when another driver suddenly makes an unsafe maneuver.

Never Drive Drowsy

Fatigue reduces alertness, reaction time, judgment, and decision-making ability.

Warning signs include:

• Frequent yawning.
• Heavy eyelids.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Drifting within your lane.
• Missing signs or exits.
• Difficulty remembering the last several miles driven.

If you become too tired to drive safely, stop driving. Pull into a safe location and follow company procedures. Do not depend on caffeine, open windows, loud music, or other temporary measures as substitutes for adequate rest.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Drivers should complete required vehicle inspections and report safety-related defects.

Before driving, check appropriate items such as:

• Tires and wheels.
• Lights and signals.
• Mirrors.
• Windshield and wipers.
• Brakes.
• Horn.
• Seat belts.
• Fluid leaks.
• Loads, tools, and equipment being transported.

Do not operate a company vehicle when a defect makes it unsafe.

Remember

Safe fleet driving means anticipating problems before they become emergencies. Plan your route, buckle up, maintain adequate following distance, eliminate distractions, watch your blind spots, control your speed, and never continue driving when fatigue makes it unsafe.

Getting there safely is more important than getting there quickly.