Each year, the National Safety Council (NSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing and preventing accidents, injuries and deaths, designates June as National Safety Month. For more than 100 years the NSC has conducted studies, issued reports and made recommendations focusing on important safety topics at home, in schools and in the workplace.
This year’s theme for National Safety Month is “What do you live for?” The question is intended to make us all stop and consider the things that are important in our lives, align our priorities and determine the best course of action to help us prevent incidents that would negatively impact these things.
We all spend a significant amount of time “on the job”. Let’s consider safety from a work-related viewpoint.
- First of all, don’t forget to Buckle Up. It’s not just the law; it’s your best line of defense.
- Pre-inspect your vehicle: Do a walk-around, checking load securement, tire pressure and wear and maximize you vision by making sure mirrors are properly adjusted.
- When you’re on the road, get into a Safety Mindset. Be aware of and obey all posted speed limits and traffic signs. Drive appropriately for changing weather conditions and through construction zones.
- Maintain a safe following distance: Check mirrors frequently and be aware of the actions of the drivers around you.
- Avoid frequent or unnecessary lane changes: Lane changes increase the risk of an accident. Pick a lane and stay in it as long as is reasonably possible.
- Minimize in-truck distractions: Activities such as changing CDs or radio stations, talking on your cell phone or eating, take your attention away from your driving and should be kept to a minimum.
- Be sure to get enough sleep: Fatigue and sleep deprivation are major causes of lapses in attention, impaired judgment and reduced reaction time.
- Don’t drive while under the influence: As often as this warning has been issued, it still bears repeating. Also, if you are taking a medication prescribed by you doctor, read the accompanying information and be aware of any possible side effects. Finally, look for driving behaviors of other motorists that may indicate they have been drinking.
One final note: The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have scheduled Roadcheck, the annual inspection blitz, for June 2-4. Approximately 10,000 inspectors from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies at 1,500 inspection station points in North America will perform nearly 70,000 inspections on trucks and buses during this period.
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