Defensive Driving Presentation

(Construction Vehicle Hazards)

 Defensive Driving
AGENDA
 Introduction/Statistics
Company’s Driver Safety Performance

 Construction Vehicle Hazards

 Safety Videos
 15 Driver Safety Tips (handout)
General Discussion

WHY DRIVER TRAINING?

Driving is something we all do daily.
It’s the most dangerous thing we do, and is the
number one killer of those under 50 years of
age.
It’s responsible for over 50% of all work-related
fatalities.
General Discussion

Statistics
Nationwide:
– 40,000 people die each year!
– 115 drivers go to work today will never return!
Missouri:
– 180,000 Collisions:
 90,000 Injuries
 1,100 Fatalities
General Discussion

Continuation
 Missouri Statistics:

Leading cause of death in ages 5-34

Results: One injury every 6 minutes
Results: One death every 7 hours
General Discussion

Continuation
 Alcohol /Drug Related Collisions
Injuries Recorded:
– 7,000 people were injured
– 260 people were killed
– Estimated Cost of 4 billion dollars
General Discussion

Why Accidents Occur?

 Most frequent causes of accidents
Inattention to detail
Speeding
DWI/DUI
Driving too fast for conditions
Failed to yield
Driver Safety Accountability
Drivers & Operators are responsible for safe
operation of company vehicle & equip!
– Company’s name rides with you wherever you go!
– Company driver’s & truck becomes advertisement that
can build good will and respect for your company.
Safety Performance
9
8
7
6
5
4 Auto
3
2
1
0
1998 1999 2000 YTD
Continuation
3

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
1998 1999 2000 YTD

Rock struck OV Hit P.V. Rearend

Backing Struck Deer/Object
Vehicle Hazards
Construction Operations/Environment
Construction Vehicle Hazards
Three (3) Basic Hazard types:

– Operating Hazards
– Parking Hazards
– Maintenance Hazards
Operating Hazards
 Types:
Rollovers
Striking workers/pedestrians
Striking Overhead Objects (Inadequate clearance)
Operating Hazards
1) Rollovers (causes):

– Exceeding the Load Limits

– Inadequate loading methods.
– Operating too fast for conditions!
 Operating Hazards
 2) Striking workers/pedestrian on foot:

Inadequate brakes
Malfunctioning back-up alarms
Op. neglects to check blind spot
Improperly barricade areas from pedestrian access
Operating Hazards
 3) Striking overhead objects (causes):
Inadequate clearances
– Knocking down overhead wires and tree branches
– Cab potentially becomes energized when vehicle
/equipment hits overhead wires (shock hazards)!
Prevention Techniques
Best management practices/strategies!
Prevention Techniques
 Strategies (General):
Use of hard hats & high visibility vests are vital!
All drivers must be trained in the safe operation of
vehicle & equipment!
Preventing Pedestrian Strikes
 Perform regular maintenance!
Brakes must be able to stop and hold fully loaded
equipment.
Verify back-up alarms work!
Check for nearby workers before starting machine
(Circle of Safety)
use mirrors!
Make sure glass is not distorted.
Preventing overhead
obstructions
 Instruct operators to check clearance each time
they start vehicle & equipment.
 Flag electrical lines to ensure visibility.
 Maintain a safe distance from electrical lines!
Parking Hazards
 Major Hazard associated with parked construction
vehicles?

Struck by other vehicles (traffic)

 Employee parking should be away from construction work
zones!
 “Only Operating construction equipment “ is acceptable!
Preventing Parking strikes
 Park equipment completely off the road (30 feet
from the traffic)
 Barricade vehicle and equipment that must stay
on the road! Lights and flashers should be used
as well.
 Set all brakes when vehicles are not in use.
Continuation
 Chock the wheels, especially when vehicles are on an
incline.
 Lower the equipment when parking a construction
vehicle/equipment!
Maintenance Hazards
 Refueling vehicles and equipment? (if so):
Provide training on safe procedures for refueling,
maintenance and repair!
– Perform lockout/tagout as required
– Chock disabled equipment!
Driver Training
Lets watch a VIDEO!!!!!
General Discussion

Driver Expectations?
 Company expects high standards of performance, including safe
driving.
 Company expects not just safe driving performance, but award
winning safety performance.
WHY?
 Because it’s possible!!
Driver Safety Practices
(Defensive Driving Safety Tips)
15 in 30
1) Pre-Trip & Post Trip Inspection
Take a walk around your vehicle.
Windows clean?
Lights/signals clean & working.
Tires properly inflated / tread wear.
Fluid leaks on the ground.
Check the level of coolant in radiator
Check engine oil, steering fluid and hydraulic fluid.
Continuation
 Check the battery
 Report any broken or defective equipment
 Verify back up alarm is audible!
 Make sure steps, catwalks and handholds free from
grease, ice and loose materials.
 Check belts! Report any frayed,worn or loose belts.
15 in 30
2) Inside the Vehicle
 Check Seat Belts
 Check Mirrors
 Check hehorn, head lights, blinkers, and
emergency flashers & wipers
 Verify backup alarm is working
 Check fuel gauges
15 in 30
3) Your State Of Mind
Mental State:

 Stress / Emotions / Attitudes

 Drowsiness / Fatigue
 Vision / Hearing
 Alcohol
Myths about ALCOHOL
Myth: Coffee will sober up a drinker.
Fact: Coffee only makes a wide awake drunk.
Myth: Strenuous exercise will sober up a drinker.
Fact: Exercise makes a hot, sticky drunk.
Myth: A cold shower will sober up a drinker.
Fact: A cold shower only makes a cold, wet drunk.
Myth: A cold swim will sober up a drinker.
Fact: A cold swim could result in a dead drunk.
The Alcohol Process
 When ingested, approximately 5% enters the blood
stream directly thru the mouth and throat tissues.
 80% is absorbed thru the small intestine after passing
thru the stomach.
 Alcohol distributes itself to organs with the highest fluid
content, concentrating on organs with large blood
supplies like the brain and liver.
The Alcohol Process (continued)
 Alcohol cannot be stored in tissue, and less than 10% is
eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, and skin.
 The liver eliminates the other 90% thru the process of oxidation.
 The liver can eliminate approximately one drink per hour.
15 in 30
4) Getting the Big Picture
Scan the road ahead
– City (Approx. 1 block)
– Rural (Approx. 1/4 mile)

Keep your eyes moving.

– Check your mirrors every 5 seconds.
15 in 30
5) Following Distance
Speed & Stopping distance are key.
Stay 3 to 4 seconds behind.
Tailgaters
Avoid quick changes.
Increase your following distance.
Don’t speed up.
Avoid tricks. (Control emotions.)
15 in 30
6) Lane Changes
 Check to make sure there is enough room.
 Signal your intentions.
 Check your blind spot and space again.
 Make the lane change.

 Blind Spots
Don’t drive in someone else’s.
Make yourself as visible as possible. (*At all times)
15 in 30
7) Avoiding On-the-Job Problems
 Entering Job-sites:
Check area thoroughly
Watch for workers in the area
Look for obstacles:
– gas meters, phone/power lines, septic systems
– Get help backing out of tight spots
– Do not drive sideway on hills
15 in 30
8) Right-Of-Way
 At an intersection, the vehicle on the right has
the right to go first.
NO ONE IS GUARANTEED THE RIGHT OF WAY.
15 in 30
9) Backing
Use extreme caution!
Use a helper (spotter) when possible!
Consider using hand signals!
– Look at your path.
– Back slowly.
– Back to the driver’s side when possible.
15 in 30
10) Ramps (On / Off)
 Obey speed limits posted.
– Speed limits designed for autos; larger vehicles need to
go slower.

 Exits going downhill and turning are particularly

dangerous.
15 in 30
11) Signs
 Regulatory Signs

 Warning Signs
15 in 30
12) Railroad Crossings
 The cross buck is found at most public crossings.
 These signs should be treated in the same manner as a
yield sign.
15 in 30
13) Emergency Vehicles
 Immediately move to the right of your lane, to another lane, or to
the shoulder if possible.
 If moving right is not possible, stay where you are. Do not move
left.
15 in 30
14) Winter Driving
 IDENTIFYING SLIPPERY SURFACES.
Shaded Areas - Shady parts of the road will remain icy and
slippery after open areas have melted.
Bridges - Bridges freeze before roads do.
Melting Ice - Slight melting will make ice wet.
Black Ice - If the temperature is below freezing and the road looks
wet.
Vehicle Ice - Open the window and feel the front of the mirror and
antenna. (The road is icing up!)
15 in 30
15) Accident Reporting
 Report any accident immediately, no matter how minor.
 Get a police report whenever possible.
 Complete the vehicle Accident Reporting Kit!