Driving Safety Remains a Top Concern

Motor vehicle fatality rates continue to rise.  According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the nationwide fatality rate per miles driven increased 23.5% in May compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive month of increasing fatality rates, despite less miles driven due to the pandemic. In response to the preliminary estimates, and to help employers navigate the uncertainty, NSC – with input from its SAFER task force – provides a roundtable discussion on roadway safety during COVID-19 and beyond. The new resource includes information about why employers should prioritize roadway safety during COVID-19 and beyond.

Additional Driving Safety Resources:

Drive Safely in the Rain
In 2017, rain contributed to 44,571 car crashes in Texas. The Texas Department of Insurance provides 5 Tips For Driving In The Rain including preparing for the trip, reducing your speed and avoiding skidding.  

Prepared for Winter Driving?
If your employees work in areas that are affected by winter ice, sleet and snow, this is a good time to get prepared. The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration published Winter Driving Tips, which can be used in training or safety meetings to help prepare employees for the challenges of winter driving. OSHA also published a Safe Winter Driving  poster that summarizes the three P's of safe winter driving: PREPARE for the trip, PROTECT yourself and PREVENT crashes on the road. 

Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue, which may be a result of insufficient sleep, long distances traveled to well sites and extended work shifts, is a factor in some of these crashes. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a new fact sheet for the oil and gas industry, How to Prevent Fatigued Driving at Work. The sheet focuses on four factors: time of day, monotonous tasks, length of time awake and health conditions. Employer and worker versions provide information and tips that may be useful in driving safety campaigns and safety meetings.

Distracted Driving
Drivers may not be fully committed to distracted driving prevention.

A recent survey, performed by the NSC, showed that only 62% of drivers are “very willing” to obey state laws that prevent cell phone use while driving. Additionally, a reported 46% of people read or send work emails on their phone while driving. In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the NSC is sharing Downloadable Resources for employers on its site.