At many workplaces, driving is a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, more than 1,700 people are killed in occupation-related transportation accidents every year—roughly 40 percent of all on-the-job fatalities. However, safety precautions can be taken to help reduce the number of incidents.


According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safety and Health Resource on Motor Vehicle Safety, “Unlike other workplaces, the roadway is not a closed environment. Preventing work-related roadway crashes requires strategies that combine traffic safety principles and sound safety management practices. Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior.”


Before allowing an employee to drive, check their record for traffic violations; crimes; and suspensions, revocations and cancellations of driving privileges. Consider the number and severity of violations, crashes or incidents, and review the records at least once a year.


An effective motor vehicle safety 
program—one of the best ways to protect employees—should address safety and identify the expectations for drivers and passengers. It applies when a vehicle is used as an agent of the employer, including when driving company vehicles for personal use, personal vehicles for company business, and rental or leased vehicles for business. 


Some key elements of an effective program include pre- and post-trip inspections, routine maintenance, defensive driving strategies, wearing seat belts, and training employees on policies. Rules should be implemented pertaining to impaired, aggressive and distracted driving and emergency-response procedures.


During an inspection, the driver should walk around a vehicle and inspect fuel and fluid levels, tire pressure, mirrors, lights, windshield wipers and brakes. Problems must be reported to a supervisor, and the vehicle should not be driven until they are rectified.


Conducting routine maintenance also is important to prevent future incidents. An improperly maintained vehicle wastes fuel and may be unsafe to drive. According to the Oregon OSHA’s Safe Driving for Small Businesses in the Construction Industry Guide, “An engine tune-up at regular intervals improves fuel economy and reduces the risk of a breakdown that could tie up traffic or cause a crash.”


Defensive tactics teach drivers to be alert and predict the actions of pedestrians and other drivers. Employees learn to maintain a 3-second following distance—more during inclement weather and when operating large, heavy vehicles—to allow enough reaction time.


Another component to an effective motor vehicle safety program is seat belt use. OSHA estimates that wearing a seat belt cuts the risk of death by 45 percent for people riding in cars and by as much as 60 percent for trucks or SUVs. In addition, every state has a law mandating seat belt use. Unfortunately, 20 percent of Americans still fail to comply.


Beyond the safety program, it is imperative that workers are trained on all policies. Some employers require written acknowledgment that employees have read and understand the policies.


Employees need to be trained how to respond if an accident occurs. Most employers equip work vehicles with some essential supplies for roadside emergencies, including flashlights, reflective safety vests, light sticks, fire extinguishers, tire inflators or sealants, reflective triangles, or road flares.


Teach employees to never drive aggressively or commit acts of road rage. Employees represent the company any time they operate a vehicle as an agent of their employer.


Distractions and impairments


Distracted or impaired driving causes a majority of automobile accidents. Employees should pull off of the road if they need to use their cell phone or mobile device. 


Every company should have a zero-­tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use, especially when it pertains to driving. Impaired driving is illegal, and the consequences can be grave. It’s not just illicit drugs and alcohol that are problematic. Impaired driving can be caused by some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.


Tired driving can be just as dangerous. According to the Oregon OSHA guide, “Overtime, long work weeks and driving at night can cause driver fatigue and increase the risk of a crash.”


Final points


Other factors that may affect occupational motor vehicle safety include avoiding operation during inclement weather conditions, using extreme caution when backing up, not overloading vehicles with supplies or equipment, and ensuring all drivers are properly licensed. Many work vehicles require the possession of a commercial driver’s license. 


Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov or www.osha.gov for more information.