Transcript General Vehicle Safety

Vehicle Safety
 #1 cause of work related fatalities.
 This includes truck drivers and others who drive full time
for a living as well as highway workers and others who
are struck by a vehicle.
Outside/Walk Around Inspection
Check for:
 Tires
 Tread & Tire pressure
 Body damage or vandalism
 Damaged windows/exterior mirrors
 Obstacles left behind the vehicle
Interior Checks




Adjust seat and steering wheel
Check rearview mirror
Adjust side mirrors
Start the Engine
 Look for any check engine lights
 Check your headlights
 Reverse/backup alarm
Vehicle Issues
 Tell your supervisor of any problems.
 With minor problems you may still be able to use the
vehicle.
 Major problems will have to be corrected before a vehicle
is used.
 If the damage does not compromise the safety of the vehicle
you can keep using it until the vehicle can be repaired. When
in doubt, take it out of service until the repairs are complete.
Follow the Law
 Obey all traffic signs and speed limits.
 Do not drive the wrong way on a one way street.
(This includes mowers and utility carts)
 Wear a seat belt. Everyone should have one.
 Never ride in the back of a truck.
Distracted Driving
 PAY ATTENTION!
 Never talk on the cell phone when driving.
 Don’t play loud music or be changing the radio station
while moving.
 Pay attention to the road, not what’s going on around
the area.
Other Driving Safety
 Use extra caution on left hand turns.
 Why are Left Turns more dangerous?
 You are 8 times as many accidents occur making a left
hand turn vs. a right hand turn.
 What should be your biggest concern when driving on
campus?
Pedestrians!
Other Driving Safety
 Know what kind of load you are carrying and
drive accordingly.
 Check each direction before you pull out.
 Use turn signals.
 Watch for pedestrians. Always give them plenty
of time in crosswalks and the right of way.
 Be cautious around railroad tracks.
Other Driving Safety




Don’t tailgate.
Avoid sudden moves or swerving.
Know you blind spots.
Use your horn when backing up if your vehicle does
not have a backup alarm.
Loading a Vehicle
 When possible:
 Carry the load with the tail gate up.
 Keep the load under the side of the truck.




Center heavy loads over the axle(s)
Secure the load with rope or cords.
Don’t stack material too high.
Allow for more stopping time with a full load.
Backing & Parking
 Always back in to unload when possible.
 It is easier to pull out than back out.
 Turn your vehicle off when parking and leaving sight
of it (or if you are going more than 25 feet from it).
 When a second person is available they should be
directing the driver to back up.
Driving Under the Influence
 Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
(including prescription drugs)
 Will lead to termination.
 40% of all work related accidents involve drugs or
alcohol.
 Never drive tired or drowsy.
 If you’re too tired to drive say so.
Weather Conditions
 Drive slower in rain or snow. It takes longer to stop.
 Watch for fog. (No U-turns)
 Check you tires (again!)
Unique University
 Rail Road Tracks – There are 6 railroad crossings on or
adjacent to campus.
 Interstate – Several Interstate accidents have resulted
in vehicles coming through the fence and onto JMU
property.
Other Vehicles
 You must be licensed and/or certified to drive any
specialty vehicle.
 Utility Carts
 Bobcats
 CDL vehicles.
 You must be 19 years old and have a valid driver’s license
to driver any vehicle on campus.