Driving and WalkingSafely

WHILE DRIVING WHAT CAUSES MORE ACCIDENTS?

In general, driver distraction is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.

Using and talking on a cellular phone requires a large amount of attention and can be a contributing factor to accidents.

However, using a cellular telephone is one of many distractions a driver faces.

In other words, concern about driver distraction should not be limited to cellular telephones.

WHAT SKILLS DOES A DRIVER NEED?

Visual (Seeing)Watching the road (in front and around the vehicle) using

mirrors, shoulder checks checking gauges, speedometer, etc.

Auditory (Listening)Squealing of brakes, the sirens of an emergency vehicle,

vehicle sounds

Biomechanical

('Doing', Activity, Hand-eye coordination)

Turning the steering wheel activating signals, headlights, horn, etc. pressing the accelerator, brakes, clutch

Cognitive (Thinking)Anticipating any future movements assessing situations such

as movement of other vehicles, weather conditions, etc. preparing to avoid hazards

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON DRIVER DISTRACTIONS?

Your driving skills are negatively affected by common driver distractions.

It is not known how much distraction a driver can "handle" before he or she loses focus on the road. We probably have all seen examples of activities that can distract drivers such as:

Eating/Drinking;

Reading (including looking at a map, book, etc.);

Primping: applying makeup/shaving, etc.;

Inspector Gadget: Adjusting radio, climate, or other controls;

Reaching for unreachable objects;

Adjusting features such as pedals or steering wheel;

Watching a person, object or event outside the vehicle;

Moving objects in the vehicle (food containers, insects, etc.);

Distracting discussions: talking to others in vehicle;

Dialing and talking or texting on a cellular telephone; and

Using radio or other communication devices.

DRIVING TIPS

Before leaving:

Stow belongings and items.

Adjust seat, mirrors, steering wheel, climate controls, etc.

Select a radio station or have the tape/CD in the player.

Plan your route, check the map or read the directions.

While driving:

Pay attention.

Keep distractions to a minimum (eating, drinking, adjustment to radio, etc.).

Be aware of changing driving conditions such as the volume of traffic, weather, etc.

Do not reach for items that have fallen or shifted unless absolutely necessary and can be done safely. Pull over and adjust or reach.

Do not write notes while driving.

Be aware of your surroundings (things and other people).

DRIVING TIPS

DO

Avoid using the phone or device (laws are coming in the near future banning devices).

Pull over to a safe location to take the call.

Let the caller leave a message and get back to them when you have safely stopped your vehicle.

Have a passenger answer the call.

DO NOT

Do not participate in very emotional or stressful conversations while driving.

Do not take notes or look up information while driving.

Do not use the text feature on your phone while driving.

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ORDINARY DRIVER AND A GOOD DRIVER?

An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations.

A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them.

WINTER DRIVING

Driving in winter weather -- snow, ice, wet and cold -- creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers.

Keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances for any mishap or disaster while driving -- particularly in winter weather.

To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete checkup:

Tires Brakes Lights Fluid (always full) Gas (always full) Windshield Wipers

Do daily vehicle inspections and note any hazards.

WINTER DRIVING Ensure your vehicle is completely rid of snow and frost before driving (windows,

mirrors, head and tail lights, etc).

Buckle up before you start driving. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times.

SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible.

BE ALERT. Black ice will make a road look like shiny new asphalt. Pavement should look grey-white in winter.

Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control at all times.

Reduce your speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow; you may not be able to stop as quickly as you think.

Allow for extra traveling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement.

WINTER DRIVING

Drive with headlights on, this also activates the tail lights and makes your vehicle more visible.

Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. Stopping distance on an icy road is double that of stopping on a dry one.

Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding.

Use low gears to keep traction.

Be aware and slow down when you see a sign warning that you are approaching a bridge. Steel and concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the asphalt surface, (because bridges over open air cool down faster than roads which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.)

BE ALERT and be patient with other drivers.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU START TO SKID?

DO NOT PANIC, do not break, do not accelerate.

If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.

Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put it back in gear and accelerate gently.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Slippery surfaces such as water, ice and grease are one of the highest causes of worker's compensation claims.

Slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of workplace accidents.

Most slip, trip and fall incidents are preventable with general precautions and safety measures. 

Falls can cause serious injuries such as severe head injuries, back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, sprains and strains to muscles and even death.

Trying to catch your balance when you slip or trip can cause sprains and strains to muscles or joints and permanent back injuries, even if you don’t fall.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Because there are numerous causes of slips and trips, prevention takes various measures including:

Housekeeping, footwear, storage, procedures, awareness.

If you drop it, pick it up.

If you spill it, wipe it up.

Look where you are going………..and go where you are looking.

PERSONAL FACTORS:

Much like being a “defensive driver” to avoid accidents, one must also be a “defensive walker” to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Here are some simple ways to alter your behavior and avoid hazards:

Watch where you are going while walking—pay attention and look for slip, trip and fall hazards

Walk, don’t run—make sure to give yourself enough time to get where you’re going

Don’t engage in activities that may be distracting—for example, reading or writing while walking (work plans)

Use handrails while climbing or descending stairs

PERSONAL FACTORS:

Check that your walkway / work area is clear and that your view is not blocked before you lift anything

Don’t carry a load that is too heavy or awkward or that you can’t see over or around while carrying; ask for help

Walk carefully and slowly when you transition from one walking surface to another

Slow down and take small steps if the walking surface is cluttered, narrow, uneven, slippery at an angle

 Wear stable shoes with non-slip soles (have good traction)

When climbing in and out of equipment/vehicles use three point contact at all times

WALKING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

If you must walk on a slippery surface:

Point your feet slightly outward, keeping your center of balance under you

Take slow, small steps

Use your feet as probes to detect possible slip, trip and fall hazards

Get your feet underneath your body quickly to maintain your balance after an initial step

Pay close attention to the walking surface

Use rails or other stable objects that you can hold onto

Protect the more venerable parts of your body, like your head, neck and spine, if you do fall

The end……drive and walk safely.