MISSOURI CHAMBER NOVEMBER 2016 | Page 18

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DEFENSIVE DRIVING IS A NECESSITY:
Five Keys to Keeping Employees Safe
Driving is a routine part of many
employees’ daily activities.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the
most hazardous. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
reported that in 2014, one out
of every four workplace fatalities
happened on the road.
Commit to making defensive driving
a part of your safety program by
including policies that address the
five key components of defensive
driving.
Distracted Driving
 Stop if you become tired.
A short nap (15-45 minutes)
and caffeine may help
temporarily.
 Take a break every two hours
to stretch and walk briskly.
 Set a realistic goal for the
number of miles you can
safely drive each day.
Vehicle Maintenance
 Perform regular maintenance
consistent with manufacturer’s
recommendations.
 Ensure a trained mechanic
performs a thorough inspection at least once a year.
 Provide maintenance or
repair request forms.

D
LEAD THE WAY

Controlled Driving
 Obey the speed limit and
reduce speed in construction
zones.
 Consider road and traffic
conditions before traveling.
 Maintain at least a threesecond gap behind other
vehicles.

Getting your workforce to
practice safe driving techniques
requires a clear commitment
from the top.
 Take action immediately
on reports of hazards.
 Walk the talk. Management
must comply with all
company safety policies.

Seat Belts
 Require employees to wear
seat belts on the job and
encourage them to do so
on personal time.
 Develop activities and
programs that reward the
use of seat belts.

Tips for Spotting an
Impaired Driver
 Weaving, swerving, drifting
or straddling the center
line.
 Driving on the wrong side
of the road.
 Driving at a very slow
speed.
 Stopping without cause
or braking erratically.
 Turning abruptly or
responding slowly to
traffic signals.
 Driving with the window
down in cold weather.
 Driving with headlights
off at night.

Impaired Driving
 Stress the importance of
keeping a clear mind on the
road.
 Avoid drivers that appear
impaired and alert police.
MEM can help you eliminate
injuries and reduce your work
comp costs. Download workplace
safety program tutorials and
defensive driving materials at
worksafecenter.com.

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SAFETYFANATICS.COM
Everyone’s a fan of something.
At Missouri Employers Mutual, we’re fans of keeping people safe.
When workplaces are safe, businesses prosper. If you want to win at eliminating injuries
and the cost of traffic accidents, team up with the Safety Fanatics at MEM.

© 2016 Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance. All rights reserved.