Driving on gravel roads to work

P bar Y Safety Consultants Alberta Canada

Ever stood on top of marbles?Now add 2000lbs and Forward Energy

Driving on Gravel Roads


The risk can be slow or fast

The result are always high risk injury• Gravel roads present driving challenges• High speed and quick manoeuvers on gravel roads are

ingredients for disaster. Here are a few tips for safe travel off the pavement.

• Less traction means less control• Your tires have less traction on loose gravel, so speed and

cornering increase the risk. Accelerate gradually and brake slowly to avoid skidding. Swerving to avoid an object or animal on the road can lead to a skid or even a roll-over.


Some thing are way to close – like the bumper on the vehicle in front of you!


Everything has a price• costs (personal & financial) associated with

vehicle damage:– Personal Injury & Loss of Life (unlimited personal costs)– Lost time for planters, lost production – Time spent on investigations / poor image with client– Project downtime– Lost vehicle bonus– Frustrated Staff– Missed Dead lines– Increase in WCB rates– Increased Insurance Premiums


Stay in the tracks

Stay in the tracks • Drive in any existing tire tracks, even if there’s only one set of tracks in the centre of the

road. When driving in these centre tracks, be prepared to slow and pull over to the right if you meet a vehicle travelling from the other direction.

Roll-over danger increases• If a vehicle drifts too far to the right and the right tires go off the packed surface a roll-

over can result. If this happens to you, slow down gradually, without slamming on the brakes, before steering back onto the road.

Allow for more following distance• It takes longer to stop safely on a gravel road and dust can decrease visibility. Even under

ideal conditions, allow at least six seconds of following distance on a gravel road. Increase your following distance if conditions are worse.

Match speed to road conditions• Under ideal conditions, the speed limit on any gravel road in Manitoba is 90 km/h unless

posted otherwise. Even the best-maintained gravel roads may have rough sections and loose gravel that will require lower speeds. Reduce your speed for safety.


Load balance• An employee lost control of his vehicle at a slow speed (approximately

10 – 15km/h). The vehicle slid sideways in the soft mud and tipped onto the left hand passenger side. The employee did not sustain any injuries.

Critical factors• 1. Road Conditions• The condition of the road was very wet, muddy and slippery from rain

and featured ruts from previous vehicles• 2. Vehicle Issues• The vehicle was not engaged in four wheel drive which contributed to

the lack of steering control• The high centre of gravity and unbalanced weight of the toolbox and

spare wheel on the passenger side contributed to the vehicle tipping


Just going to the lease site


Rural Transportation Issues

• Large machinery• Slow moving vehicles• Livestock and animals• Pickup trucks• Trains


Sharing the Road with Large Vehicles

• Farm machinery takes up much road area

• Be alert to farm machinery, especially during spring planting and fall harvest


Sharing the Road with Slow-moving Vehicles

• Be alert to slower farm machinery sharing the roads

• When operating farm machinery use your seat belt


Safety Tips

• Apply SIPDE when driving – Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.• Constantly Scan the Road -- Your eyes should be constantly scanning, taking

in the entire road. Look ahead as far as you can see. If you're looking 12 seconds ahead of your vehicle and you see any situation or hazard, you should be thinking 12 seconds ahead and slowing down to handle the hazard safely. Remember SIPDE driving. Reduced sight distances require you to make a special effort to look as far ahead as you can possibly see. Look 12 - 15 seconds ahead at all times. As the speed limit increase, increase your scanning distance.

• Wildlife or stray farm animals could be grazing in the ditch along a road. As you drive, scan the ditch now and then so you can safely avoid animals. Areas with a lot of bush near the road could hide deer or farm animals. Slow down in these areas and you will be at a safe speed to steer around an animal should it climb to the road.


See 360

• See 360 -- Know what is 360 degrees around you. When you look ahead on the road, look up and reference down. Keep your eyes moving. Check your mirrors -- Know what, if anything is behind you. Watch the ditches, bushes and any approach roads or intersections.

• Vehicle Maintenance – Constant driving on gravel roads can cause headlights to become unaligned so have your vehicle checked regularly.


Animals

• Give livestock used for transportation room on the roadway

• Be alert for wild game animals that can dart in front of a vehicle

Ohio State University


Pickup Trucks

• The cargo area of a pick up is never a safe place to ride

• Always use your seat belt while in the pickup cab


Railroad Crossings

• Trains weigh many tons and can not stop quickly

• Always stop at train intersections

Limited sight

Narrow crossing

No RR signage


Rural Roadway Conditions

• Slippery surfaces• Soft shoulders• No center markings• Lack of stop signs• Obstructed vision• Narrow road surfaces


Loose Gravel

• Loose gravel can pull vehicles to the edge of the road causing loss of control


Soft Shoulders/Culverts

• Shoulders on country roads may be soft and cause your vehicle to be pulled off the road

• Shoulders may wash away around culverts


Curves and Hills

• Hills can prevent you from seeing clearly over the rise

• Time required to stop to avoid a crash may be shortened due to lack of visibility


Blind Intersections

• Crops, trees, and dust can hinder your ability to see oncoming traffic

• Before entering any road make sure no other traffic is coming


Steep Ditches

• Avoid getting too close to the edge of the road near steep ditches


Weather Related Conditions

• Weather can cause concerns, especially on poorly maintained roads

• Be alert to changing road surfaces

Snow and ice

Water over road


Poor Road Surfaces

Deteriorating Surfaces Mud Roads


Narrow Roads and Bridges


Be Alert to Changing Conditions

• Slow down for speed bumps


Braking• Allow longer braking distances. Plan on starting your braking

sooner than you normally would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room, and use more gentle pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don't lock your wheels when braking. Locked wheels can make the vehicle slide or skid. If you have a vehicle without an antilock braking system (ABS), you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly to avoid having them lock up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. ABS typically sends a vibration or pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. If you feel this, don't let up; it's normal.


Accelerating• Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If starting from a

standstill on slick snow or ice or in mud, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission so the vehicle is less likely to spin the tires. The automatic transmissions on some vehicles have a winter mode that automatically starts in a higher gear.

• Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. In slippery conditions, tires lose their grip more easily, affecting all aspects of your driving: braking, turning, and accelerating. The key is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding sudden actions or rapid movements of any kind. Drive as if you have a full cup of coffee on the dash board or a bowl of water in your lap and don't want to spill any.


Changing Visibility at Night

Distance you can see ahead is limited Headlights provide limited illumination of off-road areas Loss of contrast and impaired distance judgment Glare from lights of oncoming and following vehicles Glare recovery time


Beam hits roadway 35 metres ahead Illuminates area 100- 120 metres ahead Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect

light beam distance

Headlight Alignment and Speed

Visual Line

Properly aligned low beams


Headlight Alignment and SpeedProperly aligned high beams

Visual Line

Beams hit roadway 350 to 500 feet ahead Illuminate area road 500 to 1800 feet ahead Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect

light beam distance Maximum safe speed 65 to 70 mph, based on ability

to stop within lighted area

T – 8.4


Nighttime Precautionary Measures Clean windshield inside and out

Reduce daytime speed Increase following interval Look to right of oncoming vehicles

Special problem of windblown sand/dirt particles Diffused light gives appearance of halo around headlights

of oncoming vehicle. Clean all lights. 50 to 90 percent loss of headlight

efficiency due to road grime


Visibility Limitations in Fog

Reduce speed, but do not stop in a travel lane Turn on emergency flashers Look for an exit from the highway If impossible to leave highway:

stop beyond end of guard rail back up to outboard of the

guard rail turn off all lights wait for fog to lift

Driving in Heavy Fog


Controlling Consequences Avoid Head-On Collisions Drive off road rather than skid off road Hit something soft rather than something hard Hit something going your way rather than something stationary Hit stationary object with glancing blow Hit stationary object rather than an approaching object Steer to avoid oncoming traffic

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General Requirements Secure that load• Before operating a commercial motor vehicle, you must make sure that your vehicle’s cargo and equipment is secured properly. This

includes:

• Tailgates• Doors• Tarps• Spare tires• Boards


Pick-ups and Small Vehicle Securement


General Cargo Securement Requirements

All cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured so that it does not:• Leak• Spill• Blow off the vehicle• Fall from the vehicle • Fall through the vehicle


Securing DevicesWhat is a securing device?

Friction Mats BindersChains ShacklesWire Rope WinchesManila Rope Stake PocketsSynthetic Rope D-RingsSteel Strapping PocketsClamps and latches Webbing RatchetsBlocking BracingFront-end structure Synthetic WebbingGrab Hooks Binders

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00KMIQnuJdlVbG/Eye-Grab-Hook-Forging-.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tsforging.en.made-in-china.com/product/KMuQCROdrIhG/China-Eye-Grab-Hook-Forging-.html&usg=__984jd3RPs63LetE7XrHZSWxGLcY=&h=369&w=369&sz=53&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=LUzmM7LmI55bBM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=122&prev=/images?q=grab+hook&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS336US337&tbs=isch:1




Pick-ups and Small Vehicle Securement

Inside the Cab It is the driver’s responsibility

to assure loads, equipment and other items transported inside a vehicle are secure and/or positioned to eliminate/minimize safety risks to the occupants. Regarding these items, consideration shall be given to:

transporting in the trunk of a car, i.e. suitcase, computer bag

stowing under or behind a seat, glove box or armrest console

covering by netting holding in the seat by a seatbelt or

similar device


The Golden Rule for Driving Safety

• All categories of vehicle, including self-propelled mobile plant, must not be operated unless:

vehicle is fit for purpose, inspected and confirmed to be in safe working order passenger number does not exceed manufacturer’s design specification for the

vehicle loads are secure and do not exceed manufacturer’s design specifications or legal

limits for the vehicle seat belts are installed and worn by all occupants safety helmets are worn by riders and passengers of motorcycles, bicycles, quads,

snow-mobiles and similar types of vehicle

Drivers must not be authorised to operate the vehicle unless: they are trained, certified and medically fit to operate the class of vehicle they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and are not suffering from

fatigue they do not use hand-held cell phones and radios while driving (best practice is to

switch off all phones and two-way radios when driving)

Basics of the Road it just our way I. The Law (Legal Element)Rules and regulations that apply to a (i) commercial motor vehicle; (ii) school bus; (iii) personal vehicle operation All drivers are governed by, and must comply with the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Drivers are not expected to be familiar with all aspects of

the HTA; but drivers are required to be aware of, understand, and abide by the portions of the act that apply to the driver, the driver’s vehicle and cargo which the driver carries.

This would include: The mechanical condition of the driver’s vehicle (is the vehicle safe to drive) Driver’s physical and emotional condition (is the driver fully alert and physically able to drive) The security of the load which the driver is carrying or pulling

(roof rack cargo, truck bed cargo and/or trailer cargo) The visibility of the driver’s vehicle and visibility from the vehicle

(lights, mirrors, windows) Licenses, validation stickers and insurance

II. The Driver (Human Element)As experienced drivers, we are confident in our knowledge and abilities. As a result, many of us feel we can deal with anything. No matter

what the problem, mechanical failures, bad weather, poor roads or bad drivers, we believe we can deal with the situation and survive.

Overconfidence such as this is common among people who are thoroughly familiar with their work. If you think about it though, it’s a pretty arrogant and potentially dangerous attitude to take.

The basic human factors that affect our ability to drive safely are Attitude, Mental and Emotional State, Physical State and Knowledge.

TRAINER DISCUSSION: Attitude Mental/Emotional State: Fatigue (Tiredness), Stress (Emotional Strain), Complacency, Emotions Physical State: Physical Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, The Sleep/Wake Cycle, Minor Illnesses/Injuries, Major Illnesses, Hearing,

Drugs and Alcohol

Defensive Driving:


Client Policies Before the contract begins the Supervisor must ask the client if there are any specific driving rules or procedures that they should

be aware of. It is the Supervisor’s responsibility to communicate these rules and regulations to his/her staff. Seat Belts You and all of your passengers MUST WEAR a seat belt at all times while driving in a company vehicle—NO

EXCEPTIONS!!. It is the law.Maximum Speed The maximum speed of travel in a company vehicle on a bush road is 70 km/hr or the posted limit. The maximum speed of travel in

a company vehicle on the highway is the posted limit. Actual driving conditions may reduce the acceptable maximum speed of travel on bush roads & highways. SPEEDING IS THE #1 CAUSE OF VEHICLE ACCIDENTS IN THE COMPANY

Smoking All vehicles should be non smoking! Set the policy early and lead by example (i.e. Supervisors can’t smoke in their trucks either!)Safe Driving is Everyone’s Responsibility During the Camp Safety & Orientation Day the Supervisor will make a personal commitment to safe driving. The Supervisor will

tell the camp that each person has the responsibility to report unsafe driving to the Supervisor, the Safety Officer. If anyone is driving unsafely, the Supervisor & Garth must be aware of the problem and action will be taken.

It is very important that at the beginning of the season that all persons in camp are versed on the dangers of bush road driving. Personal vehicles are a significant hazard to safety and the drivers must understand the basics of our safety standards. Personal vehicles must follow in a radio-controlled convoy while traveling on active bush roads.

Personal Vehicle Drivers. Anyone wishing to use a Personal vehicle during the season MUST review and sign the “SOP—Bush Driving for Personal

Vehicles” and submit a signed copy to their Supervisor. This SOP is on the “Pre-Season” page and your Supervisor will have copies available at start-up.

Rules of the Road for Safe Operation of Vehicles:


Backing-up a Vehicle As a policy for 2011 drivers must sound their horn twice quickly before reversing any vehicle. A high percentage of our vehicle

damage is a result of hitting objects when in reverse. You will forfeit your entire vehicle bonus and it will effect your end of season performance review & bonus if any damage or injury is caused by improperly backing-up a vehicle. This is an avoidable incident.

Drinking, Driving and Illegal Drugs Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate

dismissal. The management will appoint designated drivers if drivers are required on the night off. Keys Keys must be removed from the vehicle when in town or during in-camp nights off. Keys should never be left attached to the

vehicle (in the gas flap, under the bumper). The last driver is responsible for the care of the keys and respective vehicle. Keys must be kept in a safe place and all management should designate a common location, (i.e. Key box in the office at camp)

Key Points & Review:The use of the word accident is inherently misleading. Accident by definition means that an incident is unavoidable. What we are trying to

get across is that problems that occur with Coast Range’s drivers are in fact avoidable. A better word may be “a preventable” or “avoidable incident”. It is necessary to communicate to drivers that they can avoid being put in dangerous situations by driving more safely, responsibly and carefully.

Make sure people know where you are. Do checks on your vehicle daily. Make sure you have the equipment that you need. (Spare tire, jack-all, chains, shovel, etc.) Wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers are belted. Keep your sights high and wide in order to anticipate danger. Drive according to existing conditions. Adapt speed accordingly. Slow down for: fog, dust, loose gravel, boulders, potholes, washboard, sand, wet clay, soft shoulders, grader working. Investigate flooded roads before proceeding. Be careful when turning around. The most common method of getting stuck is trying to turn around in a bad spot. Get out and

check the area where you plan to turn around.



Key Points and Review (cont’d): Approaching a grader: Slow down. Make sure the grader driver knows you are there (use your radio to communicate with him, if

possible). Wait until driver signals you before you pass. Be sure that it is safe to enter the oncoming lane before you pass the grader. Be careful crossing the line of gravel that the grader leaves.

Haul Trucks: Be sure to keep the noise down in your vehicle so you can hear the radio and anticipate when haul trucks are coming. It is just as important that they know you are coming. You must use your radio and call every 2 kilometers. Look for a safe “pull-out” and wait for the truck to pass. Continue on only when the dust has settled and you are sure that it is clear. Radio your position again before you pull onto the road.

Animals: When you see an animal, brake, slow down and/or stop if you can without risk to vehicles behind you. If there is no traffic and no danger of colliding with any other object, steer around the animal, staying in control of your vehicle.

Distractions: The Driver must be free of distractions. Co-pilot will operate 2-way radio calling km’s and truck stereo. Music must not be loud enough to distract the driver. Passengers will not distract the driver verbally or physically at anytime during travel.

Always stay right on hills. There is a legal center-line on bush roads. Drive within your capabilities and that of your vehicle. See and be seen. Use headlights at all times. Reduce speed to increase warning time.Radio Usage: Co-pilot will operate truck radio for traffic communication & handheld radio for company communication.

Be clear on your client’s expectations on radio use. As a company rule, call out your position every 2 kilometers. Use the radio to call out a description of who you are, where you are and what you are doing. (I.e. “Pick-up, Up Bear at 6.”) Be sure to listen for other on the road and pull-over for larger vehicles. Anyone found not using their radio properly will be subject to discipline and loss of management or driver bonus.

Radio Checks: Each time a convoy of vehicles leaves camp or the block, a radio check must be completed to ensure that all vehicles are on the proper channel and that clear communication is established. Co-pilot will operate truck radio and company handheld.

Passing Equipment at Roadside: When approaching any heavy equipment that is working at roadside, come to a complete stop at least 35 meters back from the machine. Make sure you get the attention of the operator (use your radio to communicate if possible) and the machine comes to a complete stop. Always make sure that you establish eye contact with the operator and that he/she signals it is safe to pass.



Driving a vehicle is a major part of executing your job as a member of Coast Range’s management team. Driving on the block can be a hazardous part of your day and requires that you pay special attention. There are a number of elements that you must look out for on the block.

Drive at a much slower speed than normal. Roads on blocks are not maintained and usually much narrower.

Keeping close watch of any workers that may be on the road or at a tree cache. It is very easy to get stuck in soft landings. There is usually no shoulder on these roads. Keeping as eye out for animals as the block is often their home or former home. Block roads can change from good to bad very quickly. Wash outs can be very deep and often

not marked. Heavy sticks can be kicked up and hit a bystander or the side of your vehicle. DO NOT RUN

OVER LOGS OR ROCKS ON THE ROAD—TAKE THE TIME TO MOVE THEM! Do not take vehicles down roads if you know there is no turn around spot. Be careful when approaching tree caches as there could be someone under the tarp or near it. Park your vehicle so that it is pointing in the direction to leave the block—you

never know when you will need to leave in an emergency situation.

Driving on the worksite:



IN A HURRY?To speed or not to speed… that is the

question.IS IT WORTH THE RISK TO SPEED?

50 KM ROAD TRIP (100 km/hr speed limit)

OBEY SPEED LIMIT

DRIVER 15 km/h OVER

Total Driving Time 30 minutes 26 Minutes

Increased crash risk? NO YES

Amount of fine $0.00 $115.00

Driver Penalty Points 0 3

Risk of increased insurance premium due to a crash?

NO YES

Additional stress? NO Watching for policeFear of radar trapsIncreased risk of killing yourself or others

How much time do you save by speeding? Only 4 minutes!


10 m

20 m

30 m

40 m

50 m

60 m

70 m

80 m

90 m

REACTION: 22 m STOPPING DISTANCE: 34 m 80 km/h

85 km/h REACTION: 24 m STOPPING DISTANCE: 38 m





SPEED OF IMPACT 77 km/h

SPEED OF IMPACT 96 km/h - FATAL

SPEED OF IMPACT 44 km/h

* vehicle shown in proportion to actual stopping distances

REACTION TIME AND STOPPING DISTANCE CHART * Please note that this chart is based on pavement driving and “normal” conditions. We operate primarily on gravel roads where stopping distances are greatly increased. The maximum speed for Coast Range vehicles on gravel roads in “perfect conditions”

is: 80/km. Most of the time we experience less than “perfect” conditions—Therefore Coast Range Drivers must drive at a speed that is safe for the road conditions, which in most cases will be less than 80 km/hr.

DECIDETo STOP


RISKS OF SPEEDING

The less time and distance we have to react The more our field of vision is effectively reduced (need more information to keep

up with the rate of travel) Vehicle responsiveness and stability are reduced; brakes, tires, steering and suspension become less effective In the event of a crash, the violence of the impact is dramatically increased

THE FASTER WE DRIVE


Defensive Driving

• So, how does one avoid it? The DDC Formula!– Recognize Hazards– Understand the Defense– Act correctly and timely


Defensive Driving

• 5 characteristics of a defensive driver– Knowledge– Alertness – Foresight – Good judgment– Skill


Winter DrivingSlow down for wet, snowy, icy conditions.Avoid quick braking or acceleration.Find out about driving conditions before you go.Everytime – buckle up.Turn signals, brake lights and windows need to be clear of snow.You should never use cruise control in winter weather conditions.


Safety in Rural Areas

• Always wear your seat belt • Stay within the speed limit• Be alert to other traffic• Take extra caution when driving on rural

roads


Give Driving Your Full Attention• Avoid cell phone use when driving

• Limit the number of passengers

Never drive while impairedThe Cowboy Days Are Gone… You have a serious responsibility to ensure the safety of your passengers. No one thinks that you are the coolest because you drive the fastest. You won’t feel like much of hero if you find yourself upside down in the ditch with the blood of 7 planters on your hands. Driving too fast and out of control truly upsets people and is an extremely serious offense that will lead to termination of employment.

Leadership & Management

Driving on gravel roads to work