The Safe Driver

Safe driving for medium sized work vehicles: 8 tips for new drivers

**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver.

Driving work vehicles is daunting; especially if you’re a new driver. You’re practically responsible and accountable of the company’s property and/or the lives of your passengers. Safe driving should be all you focus on while behind the wheel of a work truck or service van

That said, there are important things that you need to know and do before and while you’re driving. The following are 8 tips that will help you drive more safely.

1. Prepare yourself

This is the most important tip for new drivers. The basic checks that you should perform and/or ask yourself are the following:

• Are you in good health?
• Are you well-rested?
• Are you relaxed, ready, and confident to drive?
• Do you have your driver’s license?
• What are the things that you need to keep you awake and alert while driving?

Preparing yourself to drive is the topmost priority for safe driving. Remember, you’re not only responsible and accountable for yourself, but also of the company’s vehicle and/or the passengers.

2. Manage the journey

The next step is to understand and manage the journey. You’ll need to work with your company around what the trip is all about and the expectations. You’ll need to determine if the trip is routine or non-routine as well as confirm when you’re expected to leave and return.

Getting the complete details and expectations of your journey will enable you to put together a travel plan. Some of these details and/or expectations are the following:

• Check-out contact
• Check-in contact
• Schedule
• Time of departure
• Expected time of return
• Location
• Stops
• Passengers (if applicable)
• Weather condition
• Road condition

3. Put together a travel plan

As soon as you have all the information about your journey, it would be wise to plot the route you intend to travel. Planning the route that you’re going to take and checking for traffic, road, and weather conditions of that route are critical. On top of that, it’s a wise idea to plan for alternate routes as a contingency.

4. Prepare your vehicle

Before you get seated behind the wheel and turn on the vehicle, it’s best to do a quick check on the vehicle to ensure it’s in the best condition. Basic checks should include:

• Oil
• Water
• Brake fluid level
• Tires
• Headlights
• Taillights
• Signal lights
• Seats, mirror, and headrest adjustment
• Vehicle maintenance (should be up to date)

5. Wear Seatbelts

Seatbelts are one of the main rules for road safety. It’s required by law in most cities, states, and countries. Always wear seatbelts while driving. Ensure the rest of the passengers are also wearing seatbelts the whole trip. Make this the first rule inside the vehicle before you even start the car.

6. Focus on the road

While driving, all your attention should be focused on the road. Your job is to drive and ensure that everyone’s safe during the trip and upon arrival. As much as possible, stay away from and/or avoid any distractions, such as:

• looking at your mobile phone
• having discussions with your passengers
• constantly changing the radio station
• adjusting the GPS
• grabbing some snacks or drink

Always keep in mind that you’re responsible and accountable to the company vehicle as well as to the passengers. If needed, you can set that expectation with your passengers. That way they can avoid distracting you.

7. Take a break at least once every two hours

Driving for a long time can be demanding on your body. It’s best to take a few short stops to take a quick break, especially when you’re on a long drive. A break at least once in every two hours will help you perform some stretching, take a quick walk to make you awake, rehydrate, and/or grab a snack or coffee.

8. Drive according to conditions

Always follow rules when driving. Speed limits are designed for optimal conditions. You should be able to observe weather and road conditions properly and adjust your speed according to the existing conditions.

Also, watch out for other drivers. You’ll never know when you’ll drive next to an unstable and unpredictable vehicle. Keep some distance with vehicles in all directions. It’ll give you enough room to maneuver when needed.

Final words

Roughly 14,000 road collision incidents between 2008 and 2011 have been attributed to work-related driving. Statistics point to inadequate driving preparation and road safety knowledge as main causes. That said, it’s important to be fully prepared when driving for work. It’s critical to know and always exercise these 8 safety tips when driving work vehicles.

Author Bio-

Edward Flanagan is the founder of Edward’s Enterprises, a handyman service & licensed general contractor that has been improving homes and providing facilities maintenance in Southern California since 1996. Their facility maintenance services include plumbing, drywall repairs & painting, and minor electrical repairs. Edward currently divides his time between Camarillo and Venice Beach, CA, and loves the 405.