Driving safely

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Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and are life-altering for everyone involved.

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What can drivers do to arrive at their destination safely?

• Stay focused. Avoid distractions.
  • Pull over when talking or texting on a cell phone. Studies have repeatedly shown that talking on a hands-free device decreases the driver’s ability to focus and increases the risk of a crash.
  • Don’t eat while driving.
  • Avoid personal grooming while driving, such as applying make-up.
• Get enough rest. Pull over if you are tired. (Share the handout on the next page.)
• Wear a seat belt.
• Keep your distance. Four to five seconds of distance between vehicles allows you enough reaction time in the event of a road hazard.
• Check mirrors regularly. Position them properly so you can see the roadway.
• Drive sober.
• Maintain your vehicle.
• Keep windows clean.
• Remain calm. Avoid aggressive driving or road rage. Don’t retaliate for another driver’s errors, such as cutting you off.
• Provide yourself with plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Take a defensive driving class.
• Slow down after dark, when it is harder to see potential hazards.
• To avoid headlight glare, look at the white line marking the outside edge of the traffic lane instead of oncoming traffic, to avoid headlight glare.

Consider asking:

What’s one thing you can do to improve your driving? Share a personal example.

Ask:

Any safety concerns or suggestions?

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/education.