We normally focus on winter driving tips as it is the most challenging weather and conditions we experience. Statistics show that there are more fatalities during the summer months, so employers should ensure that those who drive for them are aware of the hazards and drive safely all year round.
Summer months bring tourists and extra congestion to our roads such as bicycles, motorcycles, caravans. Schools are now off on holidays so there are more children about, so drivers need to be extra vigilant when driving.
Employers need to be urged to communicate the following tips to the attention of their employees who drive for work. Now that the summer is here it’s a good time to remind staff of the dangers the summer season brings and to all who drive for work, it’s also a good time to remind staff of safe driving for work practice in summer.
Vehicles must be roadworthy. Make sure that vehicle is regularly serviced and maintained to a high standard.
The following should be checked daily before you start your journey:
- Tyre treads and pressures.
- Oil, water, fluid levels and windscreen washer.
- Head, brake and indicator lights.
- In the event of a break down have a warning-triangle, torch, hi-vis jacket in your vehicle.
Whilst driving everyone in the vehicle should wear a seat belt including back seat passengers.
- Plan your route in advance of your journey.
- Be alert and aware of actions by others.
- Check the weather forecast for poor driving conditions.
- Obey the rules of the road.
- Never ever use alcohol or drugs and drive.
When driving a large vehicle, van or four wheel drive
- Be vigilant and take extreme care reversing.
- Check carefully for pedestrians such as children when you arrive and leave your destination.
- Slowdown in built up and residential areas
When driving a car
- Keep out of others’ blind spots.
- Use daytime running lights.
The rules of the road must be adhered to and staff should follow these rules on every journey.
- you should be fit to drive and not begin a journey when tired or under the influence of drugs or medication.
- avoid driving long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness will be at a minimum.
- plan your journey to take sufficient breaks - 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.
- take additional breaks if you feel at all sleepy. Stop in a safe place - not on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
- the most effective way to counter sleepiness is to drink, for example, two cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short 15 minute nap.
For further information please visit the below link to the Health & Safety Authority website;
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_at_Work/Driving_for_Work/Summer_Driving_Tips/#sthash.fylkqVtI.dpuf
You need to ensure your Safety Management Systems are up to speed - Call us at
Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd for more details on
0818 923 923.
Stephanie Byrne is a Health & Safety Technical Advisor working with Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd; who are Ireland’s leading provider of employment law and health & safety services. Established in Ireland since 1997, we have thousands of businesses who have already integrated Peninsula to work as part of their HR and Health & Safety departments. With offices in Dublin, Belfast, Sydney and Manchester, Peninsula employs 1000 people across Ireland, Australia and the UK. - See more at: https://www.peninsulagrouplimited.com/ie/
