Motor Vehicle Safety

Vehicle crashes are a significant contributor to fatalities both on and off the worksite in Canada. It's crucial to ensure safe driving practices while operating a moving vehicle. According to Statistics Canada, there were an estimated 160,000 motor vehicle accidents reported to police across the country in 2017.

When it comes to workplace injuries, data from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) indicates that automobile crashes rank among the primary causes. Numerous scenarios arise where car accidents render individuals incapable of sustaining their employment, or even returning to work altogether. Such circumstances can place you and your family in a precarious position, particularly if your ability to generate income is compromised.

Below, we'll discuss some general driving safety tips for when driving at work, a crash course on defensive driving, important vehicle safety features, and the reasons why you should always drive with identification.

The impact that a car accident can have on your family financially and emotionally is tremendous. When an employee is involved in a wreck on or off the job, it affects the business as well. Everyone should make it a habit to make safe driving choices anytime behind the wheel of any vehicle. Here are some safe driving tips to follow:

1. Stay Focused

When you are driving, your only focus should be on the road ahead of you. No other devices, people, or things should be capturing your attention. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents.

2. Vehicle Housekeeping

A dirty car is a hazard to you in many ways. Lots of items such as trash, water bottles, tools, or other things in your car can cause harm to you if you were to be in an accident. A tidy vehicle is a safe vehicle—that's why frequent housekeeping is so important.

3. Be a Defensive Driver

A defensive driver is a good driver. When you are driving, you should always know what you would do or where you would go if something goes wrong.

4. Wear a Seat Belt

There are seat belts in a car for a reason and they should be used at all times when the vehicle is moving. Your chances of injuries in a crash are reduced by 50% when you are wearing your seatbelt. Anyone who is in the vehicle should be wearing one as well.

5. Keep a Safe Distance

The general rule of thumb when operating a vehicle is to stay 3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. By doing this, you are giving yourself enough time to stop in case they do so abruptly.

There are a few simple defensive driving safety tips that can help;

1. Look Ahead

Always be looking ahead. When driving, you are looking out the windshield, but you should always be looking ahead past the car in front of you in addition.

2. Blind Spot

Every vehicle has blind spots, but they are all in different areas. It depends on what you are driving. You should always familiarize yourself with where they are when you first get into your vehicle or equipment. That way you know to be extra aware and careful.

3. Adjust Your Speed

Be cautious and always adjust your speed appropriately at intersections. You never know when someone is going to speed through a red light or stop sign. Looking and possibly even slowing your speed can help you to be prepared if someone else is breaking the driving laws.

Drive Safe This Harvest Season!