On average during an 8-hour workday in the U.S., there are 5,750 vehicle crashes, 1,566 injury crashes, and 29 crashes that end in death. 1

Safe driving habits, like defensive driving, can reduce motor vehicle crashes by as much as 30 percent in the workplace. A safe-driving program at your workplace can help your employers develop these habits. The program should combine policies, procedures, and training into a comprehensive safety program for your drivers. And, your employees would then know what to do before they hit the road, while driving, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Before hitting the road

Require your employees to sign a safe driver contract, which acknowledges awareness and understanding of safe driving policies, procedures, and expectations.

Train your employees to know how to perform a basic vehicle safety inspection, and that they do so before every use.  The safety inspection should include:

  • Checking for low tire pressure.
  • Turning on the engine and looking for maintenance lights.
  • Using a checklist to inspect the vehicles emergency kit to ensure it is fully stocked.

Another step is to ensure your employees have a fully charged cell phone before hitting the road.

While driving

Provide regular training on safe driving and defensive driving techniques. In addition, instruct employees to avoid distractions including the use of a mobile device, talking to passengers, eating, and drinking. Also, discourage aggressive driving, frequent breaking and lane changing, and other behaviors that can increase the risk of an accident.

If an accident occurs

Be sure to include a crash reporting and investigation process in the program. Review all crashes to determine the cause of the crash, consider disciplinary action if warranted, and require refresher safe driver training.

Also include an incentive program to reward drivers for following safe driving practices. Incentives that promote safety include:

  • Recognition among peers.
  • Tangible rewards including plaques and trophies.
  • A prize or cash incentive program.

Your program should have written policies and procedures that reference appropriate regulatory compliance from the California Vehicle Code, U.S. Department of Transportation, and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

For more information on how to develop your safe driving program, click on the resource links below:

All of us drive on the road, so let’s be aware of and practice safe driving!

 1 DOT 2015 Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview, 2016, Table 2, Number of Police-Reported Crashes, by Crash Severity