Defensive Driving Presentation
(Construction Vehicle Hazards)
Defensive Driving
AGENDA

Introduction/Statistics
Company’s Driver Safety Performance

Construction Vehicle Hazards

Safety Videos

15 Driver Safety Tips (handout)
General Discussion
WHY DRIVER TRAINING?
Driving is something we all do daily.
It’s the most dangerous thing we do, and is the
number one killer of those under 50 years of
age.
It’s responsible for over 50% of all work-related
fatalities.
General Discussion
Statistics
Nationwide:
– 40,000 people die each year!
– 115 drivers go to work today will never return!
Missouri:
– 180,000 Collisions:
 90,000 Injuries
 1,100 Fatalities
General Discussion
Continuation

Missouri Statistics:
Leading cause of death in ages 5-34
Results: One injury every 6 minutes
Results: One death every 7 hours
General Discussion
Continuation

Alcohol /Drug Related Collisions
Injuries Recorded:
– 7,000 people were injured
– 260 people were killed
– Estimated Cost of 4 billion dollars
General Discussion
Why Accidents Occur?

Most frequent causes of accidents
Inattention to detail
Speeding
DWI/DUI
Driving too fast for conditions
Failed to yield
Driver Safety Accountability
Drivers & Operators are responsible for safe
operation of company vehicle & equip!
– Company’s name rides with you wherever you go!
– Company driver’s & truck becomes advertisement that
can build good will and respect for your company.
Safety Performance
9
8
7
6
5
Auto
4
3
2
1
0
1998
1999
2000
YTD
Continuation
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
1998
Rock struck OV
Backing
1999
2000
Hit P.V.
Struck Deer/Object
YTD
Rearend
Vehicle Hazards
Construction Operations/Environment
Construction Vehicle Hazards
Three (3) Basic Hazard types:
– Operating Hazards
– Parking Hazards
– Maintenance Hazards
Operating Hazards
 Types:
Rollovers
Striking workers/pedestrians
Striking Overhead Objects (Inadequate clearance)
Operating Hazards
1) Rollovers (causes):
– Exceeding the Load Limits
– Inadequate loading methods.
– Operating too fast for conditions!
Operating Hazards
 2) Striking workers/pedestrian on foot:
Inadequate brakes
Malfunctioning back-up alarms
Op. neglects to check blind spot
Improperly barricade areas from pedestrian access
Operating Hazards
 3) Striking overhead objects (causes):
Inadequate clearances
– Knocking down overhead wires and tree branches
– Cab potentially becomes energized when vehicle
/equipment hits overhead wires (shock hazards)!
Prevention Techniques
Best management practices/strategies!
Prevention Techniques

Strategies (General):
Use of hard hats & high visibility vests are vital!
All drivers must be trained in the safe operation of
vehicle & equipment!
Preventing Pedestrian Strikes
 Perform regular maintenance!
Brakes must be able to stop and hold fully loaded
equipment.
Verify back-up alarms work!
Check for nearby workers before starting machine
(Circle of Safety)
use mirrors!
Make sure glass is not distorted.
Preventing overhead
obstructions
 Instruct operators to check clearance each time
they start vehicle & equipment.
 Flag electrical lines to ensure visibility.
 Maintain a safe distance from electrical lines!
Parking Hazards

Major Hazard associated with parked construction
vehicles?
Struck by other vehicles (traffic)
 Employee parking should be away from construction work
zones!
 “Only Operating construction equipment “ is acceptable!
Preventing Parking strikes
 Park equipment completely off the road (30 feet
from the traffic)
 Barricade vehicle and equipment that must stay
on the road! Lights and flashers should be used
as well.
 Set all brakes when vehicles are not in use.
Continuation
Chock the wheels, especially when vehicles are on an
incline.
 Lower the equipment when parking a construction
vehicle/equipment!

Maintenance Hazards

Refueling vehicles and equipment? (if so):
Provide training on safe procedures for refueling,
maintenance and repair!
– Perform lockout/tagout as required
– Chock disabled equipment!
Driver Training
Lets watch a VIDEO!!!!!
General Discussion
Driver Expectations?
 Company expects high standards of performance, including safe
driving.
 Company expects not just safe driving performance, but award
winning safety performance.
WHY?
 Because it’s possible!!
Driver Safety Practices
(Defensive Driving Safety Tips)
15 in 30
1) Pre-Trip & Post Trip Inspection
Take a walk around your vehicle.
Windows clean?
Lights/signals clean & working.
Tires properly inflated / tread wear.
Fluid leaks on the ground.
Check the level of coolant in radiator
Check engine oil, steering fluid and hydraulic fluid.
Continuation
Check the battery
 Report any broken or defective equipment
 Verify back up alarm is audible!
 Make sure steps, catwalks and handholds free from
grease, ice and loose materials.
 Check belts! Report any frayed,worn or loose belts.

15 in 30
2) Inside the Vehicle
 Check Seat Belts
 Check Mirrors
 Check horn, headlights,blinkers, and emergency
flashers & wipers
 Verify backup alarm is working
 Check fuel gauges
15 in 30
3) Your State Of Mind
Mental State:
 Stress / Emotions / Attitudes
 Drowsiness / Fatigue
 Vision / Hearing
 Alcohol
Myths about ALCOHOL
Myth: Coffee will sober up a drinker.
Fact: Coffee only makes a wide awake drunk.
Myth: Strenuous exercise will sober up a drinker.
Fact: Exercise makes a hot, sticky drunk.
Myth: A cold shower will sober up a drinker.
Fact: A cold shower only makes a cold, wet drunk.
Myth: A cold swim will sober up a drinker.
Fact: A cold swim could result in a dead drunk.
The Alcohol Process
When ingested, approximately 5% enters the blood
stream directly thru the mouth and throat tissues.
 80% is absorbed thru the small intestine after passing
thru the stomach.
 Alcohol distributes itself to organs with the highest fluid
content, concentrating on organs with large blood
supplies like the brain and liver.

The Alcohol Process (continued)

Alcohol cannot be stored in tissue, and less than 10% is
eliminated by the kidneys, lungs, and skin.

The liver eliminates the other 90% thru the process of oxidation.

The liver can eliminate approximately one drink per hour.
15 in 30
4) Getting the Big Picture
Scan the road ahead
– City (Approx. 1 block)
– Rural (Approx. 1/4 mile)
Keep your eyes moving.
– Check your mirrors every 5 seconds.
15 in 30
5) Following Distance
Speed & Stopping distance are key.
Stay 3 to 4 seconds behind.
Tailgaters
Avoid quick changes.
Increase your following distance.
Don’t speed up.
Avoid tricks. (Control emotions.)
15 in 30
6) Lane Changes
Check to make sure there is enough room.
 Signal your intentions.
 Check your blind spot and space again.
 Make the lane change.

 Blind Spots
Don’t drive in someone else’s.
Make yourself as visible as possible. (*At all times)
15 in 30
7) Avoiding On-the-Job Problems

Entering Job-sites:
Check area thoroughly
Watch for workers in the area
Look for obstacles:
– gas meters, phone/power lines, septic systems
– Get help backing out of tight spots
– Do not drive sideway on hills
15 in 30
8) Right-Of-Way
 At an intersection, the vehicle on the right has
the right to go first.
NO ONE IS GUARANTEED THE RIGHT OF WAY.
15 in 30
9) Backing
Use extreme caution!
Use a helper (spotter) when possible!
Consider using hand signals!
– Look at your path.
– Back slowly.
– Back to the driver’s side when possible.
15 in 30
10) Ramps (On / Off)
 Obey speed limits posted.
– Speed limits designed for autos; larger vehicles need to
go slower.
 Exits going downhill and turning are particularly
dangerous.
15 in 30
11) Signs
 Regulatory Signs
 Warning Signs
15 in 30
12) Railroad Crossings
The cross buck is found at most public crossings.
 These signs should be treated in the same manner as a
yield sign.

15 in 30
13) Emergency Vehicles


Immediately move to the right of your lane, to another lane, or to
the shoulder if possible.
If moving right is not possible, stay where you are. Do not move
left.
15 in 30
14) Winter Driving

IDENTIFYING SLIPPERY SURFACES.
Shaded Areas - Shady parts of the road will remain icy and
slippery after open areas have melted.
Bridges - Bridges freeze before roads do.
Melting Ice - Slight melting will make ice wet.
Black Ice - If the temperature is below freezing and the road looks
wet.
Vehicle Ice - Open the window and feel the front of the mirror and
antenna. (The road is icing up!)
15 in 30
15) Accident Reporting
Report any accident immediately, no matter how minor.
 Get a police report whenever possible.
 Complete the vehicle Accident Reporting Kit!
