Safe Driver, Vehicle and Journey
SAFE DRIVER
Drivers of company cars, vans, buses and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCVs) are more likely to take risks and to be at fault when a driving incident occurs. This is not just due to driving skills and attitudes. Driving for work involves specific risks because of the type of vehicles driven and the amount of time spent behind the wheel. The greater the time spent behind the wheel, the greater the exposure to risks associated with driving for work.
Employers should check that drivers always have a valid driving licence, insurance, tax and roadworthiness certificates for each vehicle driven. In addition it is important to check your driver’s health and medical history. Drivers have an individual responsibility for their driving behaviour and must assess their own fitness to drive. They should never drink and drive, drive when tired, or drive under the influence of drugs (either prescribed or over the counter).
Some important rules for your employees to follow when driving for work might include:
carry out pre-journey checks,
switch off your mobile phone while driving; check for messages during scheduled breaks,
avoid being distracted when driving by phones, hand held devices, passengers or satellite navigation,
make sure you have a safe and comfortable driving position,
drive with seat belt fastened and make sure that all passengers are wearing their seat belts before driving,
drive with lights on at all times,
observe and obey road safety signs, in particular road signs warning of road works,
observe and obey speed limits,
stop driving if you are feeling tired or sleepy; find somewhere safe to rest straight away,
report any collisions or near misses to Gardaí and your employer, and
always park legally.
SAFE VEHICLE
Daily vehicle pre-use checks are a simple and effective way to spot potentially dangerous issues or defects before vehicles are used. Employers and self employed people should have a system of routine daily checks in place to ensure that vehicles are in good working order, safe and fit for purpose. Drivers must know their vehicle capabilities and not exceed them. They should familiarise themselves with the correct operation of their vehicle. For information on how to carry out a daily vehicle walkaround pre-check for cars, vans, buses and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), see DrivingForWork.ie.
Drivers using their own vehicle for work are responsible for its roadworthiness, motor tax, insurance and condition. The motor insurance policy must include cover for business use. The vehicle must have a valid certificate of roadworthiness (NCT or CVRT) and be serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Employers have a legal duty to check that the employee’s vehicle is safe and legal when it is being used for work and you may request documentary evidence to confirm this.
Drivers should:
only carry loads for which the vehicle is suited (remember: a car is not a van)
only carry the number of passengers for which seat belts are provided and working
not use the vehicle in conditions for which it is not designed (for example off-road)
keep at least one hi-visibility jacket in the cab or glove compartment and
carry a torch, first aid kit and warning triangle.
SAFE JOURNEY
Almost all road collisions involve human error, ranging from simple mistakes to deliberate dangerous and illegal behaviour. Every year people are killed in collisions in which someone was careless, reckless or in a hurry. Speed is the single biggest contributory factor in vehicle collisions.
There are some straightforward steps drivers can take to make their journey safer:
allow plenty of time so you are not under pressure to drive at unsafe speed
plan and note your route before setting out
plan for the safest route, avoiding urban and residential areas if possible, particularly schools
try to use dual-carriageways and motorways where possible
check travel and weather information before travel and during the course of your journey
slow down or even cancel your journey in severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, high winds, ice or snow
always use daytime running lights
plan when and where you will take breaks. Rule of thumb is a 15 minute break for every two hours driven
always drive in a safe and legal manner and
be courteous and considerate of all other road users when driving for work.
Employers you should have procedures for emergencies such as accidents or breakdowns. Ensure that drivers have the following in their vehicles:
a copy of the emergency procedures
contact details of the person(s) to whom you should report emergencies and incidents
contact details of the breakdown firm and insurers your organisation uses and any reference numbers that may be needed to quote and
a fully-charged mobile phone to call for help if necessary. Do not use the phone while driving.
When dealing with collisions and emergencies, personal safety and the safety of any passengers should always be your first consideration. Use your hazard warning lights and high visibility clothing to make sure you and your vehicle can be seen by other road users. Never leave the scene of a collision. Collisions that result in injury while driving for work should be reported to the Gardaí and your line manager immediately. Details should be recorded on a preliminary incident report form.