SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION

1. SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) PPT-032-02

2. Safe Driving • In 2009, 33,808 people died and 2.22 million were injured in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. * • Inadequate driving skills pose a great danger, as does distracted driving. • It can be difficult to unlearn bad habits, but following a few driving rules can save your life and the lives of others. * Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PPT-032-02

3. Setting Up • Adjust your seat so your arms are slightly bent at the elbows when gripping the wheel. • Keep your hands at the ten o’clock and two o’clock or nine o’clock and three o’clock positions on the steering wheel. • Hold the wheel tightly enough so your palms do not slip off. • Adjust side mirrors so you can either see the door handles or angled away to cover blind spots. PPT-032-02

4. Adjusting Side Mirrors for Blind Spots • Park car and have someone walk in both left and right blind spots. • Set mirrors so person is in view. • Check mirrors to see which areas remain invisible. • Re-adjust and check again. PPT-032-02

5. Safe Driving Tips - Merging •Merging requires attention to many different factors. •Traffic moving at posted speeds = use the acceleration lane to speed up and match traffic flow. • Use your signal and look for an opening where you can smoothly ease into traffic. • If traffic is congested and moving slowly, proceed down the ramp slowly and look for an opening. • Try to avoid stopping at the bottom of the ramp because it can disrupt traffic flow. PPT-032-02

6. Safe Driving Tips - Intersections Do not closely follow a large vehicle through an intersection with stoplights. You can’t see if the light has changed. Leave enough space so you have a clear view of everything before proceeding. When making a left turn, slow down and yield if there is not a green arrow giving you the right-of-way. Don’t turn your wheels until you’re ready to move (if your vehicle is hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic). PPT-032-02

7. Safe Driving Tips - Four-Way Stop • First car to arrive at an intersection with a four-way stop (whether sign or traffic light) should be first to go. • When it's unclear which vehicle arrived first, general rule is driver to the right has the right-of-way. • Don’t count on other drivers; proceed with caution. PPT-032-02

8. Vehicle Maintenance • Neglecting maintenance can cause crashes. • Monitor condition of and air pressure in your tires. Not doing so could cause blowout or a flat. • Change wiper blades regularly. • Check your owner's manual for a maintenance schedule, and stick to it. PPT-032-02

9. Vehicle Maintenance - Tires • Check tire pressure regularly, including the spare (at least once a month). • Inspect tires for: • Uneven wear patterns • Cracks • Foreign objects • Other signs of wear • Ensure tire valves have valve caps. PPT-032-02

10. Vehicle Maintenance - Tires • Check tire pressure before a long trip. • Do not overload vehicle – check tire info placard for maximum recommended load. • If towing a trailer, remember that some weight of loaded trailer is transferred to vehicle. • Try not to strike curb when parking. PPT-032-02

11. Flat Tire/Blowout - Highway At the first sign of trouble: • Firmly grip the steering wheel • Do not slam on brakes • Take foot off the gas pedal • Work vehicle toward the shoulder or exit • If changing lanes, use turn signals • Steer as vehicle slows down PPT-032-02

12. Flat Tire/Blowout - Highway • Once off road, place reflective triangles • Keep emergency flashers on • Change tire, if you know how • Keep away from traffic • Call for professional help, if necessary • Do not stand behind or next to vehicle PPT-032-02

13. Safe Driving Skills • Keep your eyes constantly moving: - Look up and down the road - Look to the sides of the road - Look into the rear view mirror • Always leave yourself an out: - Try to find a place to head if a crash occurs - Think about other drivers’ blind spots • Don’t linger while passing. • Don’t follow too closely (“tailgate”). • Avoid “packs” of vehicles. PPT-032-02

14. Safe Driving Skills • Ensure other drivers see you – keep headlights on both day and night. • Always use turn signals well ahead of time. • Never assume what other drivers will do. • Maintain an average speed on highways; going too fast or too slow creates a hazard. PPT-032-02

15. Safe Driving Skills • Use average traffic speed when merging. • Think ahead – avoid making sudden movements when exiting highways. • Obey all traffic signs and signals. • Keep your eyes on the road, not on a cell phone or music device. • Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. • Scan the road ahead for animals. PPT-032-02

16. Safe Driving Skills Stopping on Highways: • Don’t be a stationary object or semi-stationary obstacle. • Stopping at the end of an entrance ramp is dangerous; learn to time a safe merge. • Avoid stopping on the shoulder of road; exit highway before stopping, if possible. PPT-032-02

17. Safe Driving Tips - Sleepiness Driving sleepy is driving impaired! • Reaction time and vision deteriorate when you are tired. • Pull over, take a short “cat nap” or just close your eyes for a while. • Sometimes taking a short walk will work. • Stop every two to three hours if driving long distances. PPT-032-02

18. Safe Driving Tips - Familiarization Be familiar with your vehicle: • Know what every button, switch and lever does. • Know where the oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and window washer reservoirs are. • Know how to fill those reservoirs. • Know what every indicator light means. • Know how to operate basic items, such as the defroster, wipers, radio and headlights. PPT-032-02

19. Safe Driving Tips - Nighttime Driving • Traffic deaths are three times greater at night than during the day (Source: National Safety Council). • Prepare car for nighttime driving: clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows (at least weekly). • Have vehicle headlights properly aimed. • Don’t drink and drive! • Reduce speed and increase following distances. • Don’t overdrive headlights – should be able to stop inside illuminated area. PPT-032-02

20. Safe Driving Tips –Nighttime Driving • When following a vehicle, keep your headlights on low beam. • If oncoming vehicle doesn’t turn high beams down, look to the right side of road. • If tired, stop and rest. • If you have car problems, pull to the side of the road and place reflective devices; turn on emergency flashers. PPT-032-02

21. Safe Driving Tips - Seasonal Changes • Winter driving = slippery roads, visibility issues, cold, etc. • Spring = rain can cause slippery roads. • Summer = high temperatures can cause vehicle problems; there’s more traffic on roads. • Fall = wet leaves on road can make it slippery. • Daylight saving’s time = sun's position in sky changes causing darkness and glare. PPT-032-02

22. Safe Driving Tips - Rain • Drive slowly and carefully – especially on curves. • Steer and brake with a light touch. • When slowing/stopping, do not brake hard or lock the wheels – could cause skidding. • Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal. • Adjust your speed to the wet road conditions. PPT-032-02

23. Safe Driving Tips - Skids • Remain calm. • Ease your foot off the gas. • Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go (“steering into the skid”). • If vehicle has ABS (anti-lock brakes), avoid slamming on the brakes, brake firmly while steering into skid. PPT-032-02

24. Safe Driving Tips - Hydroplaning • Occurs when water in front of tires builds up faster than vehicle’s weight can push it out of the way. • Water pressure causes vehicle to rise up and slide on thin layer of water between tires and road. • Can cause skidding, drifting out of lane, leaving roadway. • To avoid: keep tires properly inflated, maintain good tread, slow down, avoid puddles. PPT-032-02

25. Safe Driving Tips - Hydroplaning • If hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. • Ease foot off gas until vehicle slows down and you can feel the road again. • If you need to brake, do so gently, with light pumping actions. • If vehicle has anti-lock brakes, brake normally. PPT-032-02

26. Safe Driving Tips - Winter • Ensure vehicle wiper blades are in good condition and washer fluid is filled. • Ensure vehicle battery is in good condition and appropriately charged. • Clear snow/ice from all windows, lights, hood, trunk and top of vehicle before driving. • Adjust your speed accordingly. • Check tire pressure regularly. • Dress warmly with layered clothing that is loose-fitting and lightweight. PPT-032-02

27. Safe Driving Tips - Winter If in vehicle and stranded due to road conditions: • Stay in vehicle. • Display trouble sign (ex: brightly-colored cloth on antenna). • Occasionally run engine with heater on to keep warm. • Keep exhaust pipe free of snow and open a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. PPT-032-02

28. Safe Driving Tips - Winter If in vehicle and stranded due to road conditions: • Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. • Clap hands and move arms and legs frequently. • Try not to stay in one position for too long. • Use newspapers, maps, mats, etc., for warmth. • Avoid drinking fluids containing caffeine or alcohol: can quicken effects of cold. PPT-032-02

29. Safe Driving Tips - Winter Stopping Distances and Wet/Snowpack/Icy Roads: • Vehicle may travel 4x the stopping distance than on dry road. • Dry pavement vehicle traveling 70 mph requires 600 feet to stop; wet road requires 800 feet. • Snowpacked road requires approximately 1300 feet stopping distance @ 70 mph. • Icy road requires 2,500 feet @ 70 mph. PPT-032-02

30. Safe Driving Tips - Winter Winterizing Vehicles: • Ensure ice scraper and windshield de-icer are on board. • Carry spare set of wiper blades. • Carry kitty litter, oil dry or sand for traction. • Carry blankets, flashlight, road flares. • Have lock de-icer available. PPT-032-02

31. Safe Driving Tips – Vehicle Fires • Get yourself and all others out of and away from the vehicle. • Move a safe distance from the vehicle and call fire department. • Do not stand near vehicle bumpers. • Remain away from vehicle; do not attempt to get back into burning vehicle. • If trained, are comfortable and fire is small, use appropriate fire extinguisher. • If you suspect fire under hood or in trunk, do not open. PPT-032-02

32. Vehicle Safety - General • Always use seatbelts! • When backing up, use caution: if you have passenger, ask them to get out and direct; if not, get out and check area before backing. • If vehicle is not operating properly, report and discontinue use. • Shut off motor and do not smoke or use cell phone while refueling. • Do not leave engine running in an unattended vehicle. • Report all work accidents, no matter how minor, to your supervisor. PPT-032-02

33. Vehicle Safety - General Inspect vehicle before driving: • Ensure the horn, lights and turn signals work. • Ensure tires are in good condition. • Ensure brakes are working (test upon moving). • Ensure emergency brake works. • Check gauges after starting (e.g., fuel, battery, temperature, etc.) to ensure they’re working. PPT-032-02

34. Vehicle Safety - General Distracted Driving: • Nearly 6,000 people killed and 500,000 injured as a result of distracted driving (2008; USDOT). • Distracted driving is a factor in more than 20 percent of crashes. • Drivers on cell phones fail to see up to half of information in driving environment. • Do not text while driving – pull over! • Pull over to talk on phone – even using a “hands free” device is distracting. PPT-032-02

35. Preventing Road Rage • Don’t offend, don’t engage. • Adjust your attitude (stay calm). • Avoid cutting people off. • Don’t tailgate or follow closely. • Don’t make obscene/questionable gestures. • Avoid eye contact. • Don’t start a fight – give angry drivers lots of room. PPT-032-02

36. Summary • Operating a motor vehicle is dangerous, but it can also be a pleasant experience. • Use common sense, obey speed limits, drive defensively and observe “road safety rules.” • Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving. • Be careful, alert, courteous and safe. • Have a safe trip! PPT-032-02

37. Safe Driving Quiz http://www.drivesafepa.org/Safe-Driver-Quiz/ PPT-032-02

38. Questions PPT-032-02