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Driving Off-Road/Field Work
Planning(What am I about to do?)
Determine if it will be necessary to drive off of paved roads.
Perform research and reconnaissance to learn as much as possible about road conditions.
Review maps and aerial photos
Interview individuals who have recently navigated the roads
Check recent weather and weather forecasts for the area
Planning Address driving hazards in the Safe Work
Plan and Job Safety Analysis
Include available maps of the area
Identify a “plan B” to implement if your vehicle becomes disabled or stuck
Use the buddy system
Recent Incidents and Near-Miss Events (What could go wrong?)
Damage to multiple URS and rental vehicles on multiple projects
Most common is undercarriage damage and scratches
Vehicles disabled at remote locations
Stuck vehicles requiring extraction
Select a Vehicle
Select a Vehicle(What can be done to make it safer?)
Obtain a URS fleet (leased) vehicle or rental vehicle that meets your needs for the project
Treat the vehicle as if it was your own
Consider equipment and personnel needed as well as road conditions
Adjust the seat and mirrors on the vehicle and become familiar with the controls prior to operating the vehicle
Insurance Your vehicle – your insurance
LDW coverage for our Avis and Enterprise vehicles is not valid off paved roads
URS is self-insured, meaning that repair costs come straight off the bottom line
Look for and document damage before you take a rental or fleet vehicle
Driving Tips
Pack appropriately
Clearance
How to deal with ruts
How to deal with slippery spots
How to deal with hills
How to deal with construction/mine sites
Other tips
Pack Appropriately Plan on getting stuck
Secure items so they don’t bounce around
Items to bring should include: Extra water
Extra food
Tools, spare tire
Means of communication
Blankets
Tow/extraction strap or winch
First aid kit fire extinguisher
Gloves and safety glasses
Clearance
Know your clearance to avoid becoming high-centered and avoid under carrage damage
Ruts, rocks, hills and dirt piles can reduce available clearance
Navigate to maintain adequate clearance and a buffer
Cross ditches at an angle so that only one tire enters at a time
Also watch the sides of your vehicle in narrow spots – use of a spotter can help
How to deal with ruts Try to straddle ruts.
If muddy conditions force you to drive in the ruts, know where your front wheels are pointed at all times. Your vehicle will follow the ruts, even with the wheels turned. If you encounter a dry spot with the wheels turned, then the front wheels can regain traction and suddenly throw the vehicle out of the ruts.
How to deal with slippery spots
Use a steady momentum to carry you through slippery spots – don’t spin tires
If you lose traction and the vehicle is barely moving, turn the steering wheel quickly from side to side in short strokes (only 1/8th turn) to allow the front tire walls to find extra grip.
Remember that hard snow or ice crossed in the early morning can be impassable when it melts in the afternoon.
How to deal with hills Drive straight up and down hills to minimize the risk
of rolling
Remember to use 1st gear/low-range on down hills... engine braking
Remember that any hill you go down you may also have to come back up
Note that the other side of the hill is likely not visible
How to deal with construction/mine sites
Familiarize your self with site traffic plans and parking areas
Stay clear of heavy equipment and understand blind spots
Stay clear of work areas
Survey the area for tire hazards such a re-bar and nails
Note that some mine haul roads have left-hand drive
Other tips Discuss hazards in a tailgate safety meeting
Scout tricky or obscured terrain on foot
Drive "as slow as possible, but as fast as necessary." Use the gears to efficiently manage engine power, braking and torque
Don’t wrap your thumbs around the wheel because it may move suddenly
Wear your seatbelt
Other tips Don’t enter water more than 12 inches deep and
beware of mud
Note potential turn-around points on narrow roads
Dust buildup on windows can decrease visibility – especially when the sun angle is low
Use all your normal safe driving techniques
Not all fleet 4X4 vehicles are shift on the fly – shifting on the fly can cause damage
Hazard Recognition
Hazard Recognition
Hazard Recognition
Hazard Recognition
Fixing a flat Use 4sight to evaluate hazards
Navigate to a relatively flat area out of traffic
Set the parking brake, put the vehicle in park and use wheel chocks
Loosen lug nuts
Use the jack provided to lift the vehicle
Remove lug nuts and remove the flat tire
Install the spare
Getting un-stuck The trick is not to get stuck in the first place
Call for assistance or a tow if the situation is difficult
Look at your situation, then clear any/all moveable obstacles from in front of each tire (vehicle should be in park with brake engaged)
Adjust air pressure as necessary, then begin a rocking motion (forward-reverse, etc.). In most cases it will do the trick
Getting un-stuck A winch, toe straps, or even jacking up the car and
placing rocks under the tires may be able to get you out, but each also creates serious safety concerns
A great deal of restraint and caution is required here – Practice 4sight
What if there is an incident?(What have I done to communicate with others?)
Secure emergency help if needed
Report any vehicle incidents to the rental company
Any good lessons learned can be added to this training and communicated .
Questions and Comments
We’re back on solid ground