Defensive Driving SessionAll Drivers

PAR / RTA Brands

September 6, 2014

Of the recorded 122 accidents….

This means that of the roughly 4.5 million miles we drive in a 12 month period we have an accident about every 36,885 miles driven

OR Of the roughly ½ million clients we transport

over a 12 month period, we are having an accident every 4100 clients transported.

As we have New Wheelchair Vans, Passenger Vans and Coaches added to our Fleet in 2014; I ask you be safe and practice safe driving habits. Most of you remember the Damage made to our past fleet over the past 5 years.

To eliminate these unsightly dings, dents and scratches we have to take pride and care for the vehicles you call “Your Office”.

We have 10 new vehicle ordered and arriving in September, they will include: 2 Buses, 3 passenger and 5 wheelchair vehicles.

Observe not just the vehicle in front of you. The further ahead you look, the better.

Note how close vehicles are and if traveling faster or slower than you.

Prepare to reduce speed and cover the brake.

Don’t get boxed in, look at mirrors for who’s next to you (every 5 seconds)

Don’t drive in blind spots of other drivers.

Look for Clearance Sign Heights, if there is not a sign? Don’t go there!

Approach any structure slowly.

Notice if there are any markings or damage from previous contacts.

Have an escape route when approaching.

Avoid distractions and concentrate on the stop.

Drivers should always seek to avoid operating a vehicle in reverse.

Should the need arise; drivers must exercise extreme caution when operating a vehicle in reverse. If possible, always get help from another Provide A Ride employee when backing.

When entering your vehicle from a stop, take the long way and walk around the back to see what’s behind you.

Use the backup camera…No EXCUSES!

Given the large distance required to perceive and react to hazards plus the braking distance require to stop a vehicle in an emergency. Maintaining a safe following distance is an essential low risk driving technique. The greater the following distance you have from the vehicle in front the more time and space you will have to maneuver. Also by sitting further back you gain greater vision of the road ahead.

With so many distractions out there in the fast pace technological world we live in, it’s a surprise we get our clients to their destination in one piece. Anything can become a distraction for us, like bugs drawn to a bug-zapper; they can range from the tanned ripped guy or super model running down the street, to the blinking lights on a new party store. While realistically we can’t eliminate driving distractions 100%, there are a few easy things you can do to take those negative habits and turn them into positive ones

18% of fatalities are distraction related crashes (NHTSA) Drivers who use handheld devices are 4 times more likely

to get into crashes injuring themselves (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

Brain activity while driving decreases 40% when a driver listens to conversation or music while driving (Center for brain imaging at Carnegie Mellon University)

Using a cell phone while driving (hand held or hands free) delays a drivers reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08% (University of Utah)

Everyone has had those times when things slip out of your hand, or take a corner too tightly and things slide off seats, dashboards and center counsels. Paperwork, work phone, pen, GPS etc have found their way to the floor and it’s something you need, it’s almost in your reach. As you start to reach the wheel comes with you but is caught in time; Close Call!

Road rage is something that sneaks up on a lot of us while driving. We find ourselves yelling at lights, cars and people; someone cuts you off or just is driving 15 under the speed limit. Your first reaction maybe to speed up and give them more than just a piece of your mind, not thinking of the danger you are not only putting yourself in but also our clients.