On-The-Job Driving Can be Hazardous to Employee Safety
19 April 1999
On-The-Job Driving Can be Hazardous to Employee Safety
LOS ANGELES--April 19, 1999--On-the-job traffic crashes are the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the nation, according to an analysis by the Automobile Club of Southern California.In 1997 (the latest year figures were available), traffic crashes accounted for 22 percent of fatal work injuries, the highest number since 1992.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics attributes the higher number to an increase in workers killed in crashes with objects on the side of the road, jack-knifing tractor-trailer rigs, and overturning vehicles.
During National Drive Safely at Work Week (April 19-23), the Auto Club is reminding motorists to pay attention, buckle their seat belts, avoid road rage, share the road safely and avoid drinking and driving. The national safety campaign hopes to reduce work-related traffic crashes.
"Employers can help reduce tragic and costly job-related motor vehicle crashes by making employees aware of traffic safety," said Arline Dillman, Ph.D., the Auto Club's traffic safety manager. "The increased use of pagers, electronic organizers, cell phones, and lap top computers among the workforce means there's a greater likelihood that drivers will be distracted. Drivers should allow enough time to get to their destinations so they're not tempted to exceed the speed limit or run red lights."
The Auto Club offers these safe driving tips to make the roads safer for all motorists:
Buckle Up -- Always buckle up, every time, on every trip, even if the destination is only a few miles away. Drivers need to be sure their passengers buckle up too. Not wearing a safety belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety-related behavior. Air bags are not a substitute for safety belts. In frontal crashes, air bags only provide supplemental crash protection.
Avoid Road Rage -- Don't offend, don't engage and adjust your attitude are the basic ways to avoid becoming a victim of road rage. Drivers should follow these guidelines:
-- Avoid cutting other drivers off; use turn signals to show your
intentions.
-- Don't tailgate. Allow a three-second space between your car
and the car ahead of you.
-- Avoid making gestures that might anger others, even harmless
ones like shaking your head.
-- Don't start a fight. Don't become angry at other drivers and
give angry drivers lots of room.
-- Avoid eye contact if another driver seems angry with you.
Pay Attention -- Focus on driving, not on distracting activities such as applying makeup or shaving, reading, eating/drinking, disciplining children, changing CDs or tapes, thinking about work or personal stress, or using cell phones and other electronic equipment. If you need to engage in these activities, pull over to the side of the road or go to a parking lot. Be extra attentive when driving through construction zones and watch for changing road surfaces and traffic patterns. Also, watch for workers on the road.
Share the Road Safely -- Trucks and other large vehicles have limited maneuverability and large blind spots because of their size and weight. If you're driving a car, don't follow large vehicles too closely and keep a safe distance if you're in front of them. Minimize the chance of a crash by not driving in a truck's blind spot -- a good rule of thumb is if you can't see truck drivers in their side mirror, they can't see you. When passing large vehicles, be sure you can see the entire cab of the truck in your rearview mirror before signaling and pulling in front of the vehicle. Never cross behind a truck that is backing up -- wide trailers hide cars and prevent their drivers from seeing cars.
Drivers of trucks and other large vehicles need to watch their speed, adjust their mirrors so they can see smaller vehicles and use caution when making lane changes.
Don't Drink and Drive -- People convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, other drugs or a combination can be docked salary, lose face in their companies, and even lose their jobs. The Auto Club estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost about $11,000 in fines, penalties, restitution and legal fees, and insurance costs. Motorists can avoid DUI by making alternative transportation arrangements if they plan to drink at social gatherings.
The Auto Club maintains a variety of ongoing DUI and traffic safety programs, including a new award program recognizing Southern California colleges that prevent or reduce campus drinking and driving. Free materials on safe driving, the costs of DUI convictions and California's DUI Laws are available to the public at Auto Club offices throughout Southern California.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
