On the Road Again, Only Safer

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 there were more than 3,300 traffic fatalities in Texas alone; making driving a vehicle one of the most dangerous activities an individual performs on a daily basis. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control’s Injury Prevention and Control for Vehicle Safety states that in the United States, motor vehicle–related injuries are the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 34.

The risk of a vehicle accident is not limited to commercial vehicles such as tractor/trailer units, box trucks or other commercial-style vehicles. There are more miles driven each year by salesmen, delivery drivers and others in cares, vans and pickup trucks than in commercial vehicles.

Supervisors and managers can educate employees on some of the following driver safety tips to prepare employees for the road ahead. This is particularly important for employees who travel as a function of their job, but do not have it as their primary function.

Fasten Your Seat Belt: Buckle up for safety and control. A seat belt can save your life and those around you if you are ever in a collision. Wearing seatbelts is still the single most effective thing drivers can do to save lives and reduce injuries on roadways.

Take Care of Yourself: The driver plays the most important role in a moving vehicle. Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel to make sure you are alert and in the best condition to operate a vehicle.