Motor Vehicle Safety Toolbox Talk

Driving at work safety talk

It is important to always drive safely when operating a moving vehicle. Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of fatalities on and off the jobsite. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in the U.S. there were approximately 5.93 million car accidents that occurred in 2022, according to police reports.

Automobile accidents can lead to serious injuries that leave people unable to continue with their current jobs or even their careers. This can put you and your family in a tough spot, if you're no longer able to earn an income.

Below, we'll discuss some general safety tips for driving at work, provide a crash course on defensive driving, describe important vehicle safety features, and list the reasons why you should always drive with the proper identification.

Safe driving tips

Car accidents can have a tremendous impact on your family financially and emotionally. When employees are involved in automotive wrecks on or off the job, it can affect their place of business as well.

Everyone who drives should make safe choices anytime they’re behind the wheel of a car. Here are some safe driving tips to follow:

1. Stay focused

When you are driving, your only focus should be on the road ahead of you. No other devices, people, or things should have your attention. Avoid using your cell phone, applying makeup, or even eating while the car is moving. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents.

2. Vehicle housekeeping

A dirty car is a hazard in many ways. If your windows and mirrors are dirty, they can obstruct your view of the road.

It is best to always have only what you need in your car while driving. Items like trash, water bottles, books, or other loose objects in your car can cause harm to you if you are in an accident.

A tidy vehicle is a safe vehicle—that's why frequent housekeeping is so important.

3. Be a defensive driver

A defensive driver is a good driver. When you are driving, you should always know what to do or where you should go if something goes wrong. Having a plan can help you in those split seconds that you have to react to distracted or reckless drivers. Driving defensively can save your life.

4. Wear a seatbelt

Cars have seatbelts for a reason, and they should be used at all times when the car is moving. According to statistics recorded by the NHTSA, your chances of moderate to critical injuries in a crash are reduced by 50% when you are wearing your seatbelt. Anyone who is in the car should be wearing one as well.

5. Keep a safe distance

The general rule of thumb when operating a vehicle is to stay 3 to 4 seconds behind the car in front of you. By doing this, you are giving yourself enough time to reacts in case they stop abruptly. Hitting someone from behind can not only damage both vehicles, but injure both drivers and their passengers as well.

How to be a defensive driver

A defensive driver is aware and observant of their surroundings. Have a plan of action in case anything happens. Here are a few simple defensive driving safety tips that you can follow:

1. Look ahead

Always look ahead. When driving, you are looking out the windshield, but you should also be looking ahead of the car in front of you. That way you are aware of what is going on ahead of you and can adequately prepare for any hazards.

2. Blind spot

Every car has blind spots, but they are all in different areas. It depends on the type of car that you are driving. You should always familiarize yourself with where your blind spots are when you first get into the car. That way you can be extra careful.

3. Adjust your speed

Be cautious and always adjust your speed appropriately at intersections. You never know when someone is going to speed through a red light or stop sign. Always check and consider adjusting your speed, even if you have the right-of-way. Be prepared for situations where someone else is breaking driving laws.

4. Watch your distance

Watch your distance. Following too closely can result in a collision if the car in front of you stops suddenly. Most of the time, the second vehicle is responsible for the accident when it comes to police reports. If you keep a safe distance from other cars, you will be able to fully stop in time in case of an emergency.

5. Minimize distractions

Try to be as focused as possible on the road and not on other things going on in the car. Don’t hold cell phones, apply makeup, try to eat, or even turn around to look at people in the back seat. Minimize all distractions and keep your focus on the road ahead of you to be safe while driving.

Vehicle safety features

When you are driving a company vehicle, you are most likely covered under their insurance. Certain safety features should be in all cars, such as:

• Airbags

• Traction control

• Anti-lock braking system

• Adaptive headlights

• Electronic stability control

The seatbelts in the vehicle are also a safety feature. They should be worn at all times when the car is being operated. This is also required by law.

All of these features have their own function in helping make the car as safe as possible.

Never drive without identification

Whether you are driving at work or off the job, when you are operating a car, you should always have the correct identification on you. You will need identification and other important documents in case you get pulled over or are in an accident. Your license, vehicle registration, and insurance cards should always be easily accessible. You can get a ticket if you don’t have them on you when asked.