Driving for Work: Drivers Tips
Pre-Drive:
- Ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition: That means properly taxed, has valid insurance for business use, has a valid NCT certificate and is serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Plan ahead: plan routes before setting off to avoid having to consult maps or satellite navigation systems whilst driving.
- Schedule time for regular breaks.
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. You will need it in event of breakdown or emergency.
- Check your vehicle: walk around your vehicle and look for any defects.
- Check your driving position. You should be able to reach and operate controls without effort. Shoulder blades in good contact with back of seat.
- Check your head restraint. Make sure that head restraint at least as high as the top of your head and as close to the rear of your head as possible.
- Keep a Hi-Viz jacket in your cab/glove compartment.
- Carry a torch, first aid kit and warning triangle.
When Driving:
Do | Don't | |
- Drive with your lights on at all times [Daytime running lights]
- Drive with your safety belt fastened. Make sure that all passengers are wearing their safety belts before driving.
- Limit conversations with passengers: don’t get involved in any heated debates while driving.
- Obey road signs. In particular road signs warning of road works.
- Restrain all loads carried. this includes documents, samples, IT equipment, boxes.
- Reverse into parking spots and then drive out, where possible.
- Report any collisions or near misses to your employer.
- Stick to the speed limits.
- Stop driving if you are feeling tired or sleepy: find somewhere safe to rest straight away.
- Switch off your mobile phone while driving: pick up messages during scheduled breaks.
| - Carry loads for which the vehicle is unsuited.
- Consult maps or satellite navigation systems whilst driving
- Drink Drive:
- Drug Drive: remember that even small quantities of illegal drugs and certain medications can affect your judgement, co-ordination and reaction time.
- Drive too close to the vehicle in front. Keep your distance to allow you to safely stop.
- Drive if you are feeling tired or fatigued.
- Snack, drink or smoke at the wheel: schedule in suitable breaks for these activities.
- Speed: Keep to an appropriate speed suited to the road and weather conditions at any given time. Keep within the assigned speed limits.
- Stop on hard shoulders of motorways/dual Carriageways, unless in event of breakdown.
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