Chauffeur Talk
A NORTHLAND INSURANCE RISK CONTROL PUBLICATION ISSUE 2/2016
Inside
1–2 Energize your distracted driving policy | 2 Simple ways to help prevent backing collisions
3 Winter driving safety – what’s your plan? | 4 Best practices for hiring safer drivers | 5 Five steps to help you avoid rear-end crashes
6 Northland Insurance risk control and claim services
Energize your distracted driving policy
According to the National Safety Council, nearly one-quarter of all vehicle accidents are associated with using cell phones or texting.1
In 2014, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.2 Despite these
eye-popping statistics, many drivers continue to talk, text and otherwise disengage while driving.
These behaviors have resulted in distraction becoming one of the most serious roadway safety issues we face today. Research conducted
by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that drivers who text increase their crash risk as much as 23 times. Reaching for,
dialing and talking on a cell phone also significantly increases crash risk.3
Considering the potential dangers and costs associated with vehicle accidents, distraction caused by mobile device use is one problem
limousine companies cannot afford to ignore. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)
431,000 INJURIES
3,179 FATALITIES
Injury Facts, 2015 Edition, National Safety Council
1
Distraction.gov, Facts and Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation website, September 2016
2
Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations, FMCSA, September 2009
3
ENERGIZE YOUR DISTRACTED DRIVING POLICY | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Four steps you can take to energize your distracted driving policy
Create – If your policy is informal, put it in writing. State your organization’s
Follow
– Every employee who drives and every employee who communicates
with your drivers plays a role in ensuring that your policy works. When office personnel
contact employees while they are driving, or expect an instant response to emails or
texts, it can convey to drivers that business is more important than safety. Make sure
all employees understand their role in making your policy successful. Have them defer
conversations until drivers are safely parked.
position on mobile device use and other distractions while driving. A formal policy
is the foundation of your distracted driving prevention program. It should apply
to everyone in your organization who drives a vehicle on company business,
including chauffeurs, office staff or maintenance employees.
Communicate – To be effective, safety policies should be
Reinforce
communicated continuously. One of the best ways to communicate your policy is
to ask every employee who drives on company business to acknowledge in writing
that he or she has read, understands and will follow the policy. But, don’t stop
there. Use emails, newsletters, bulletin board postings, defensive driving training
and signage in vehicles to communicate your policy.
– Managers should define the safe driving practices and expected
behaviors of those that drive for any business purpose. They should also take the
appropriate steps to understand who is following these policies, and actively promote
the desired behavior.
For training materials and resources to help you address distracted driving and other safety topics,
visit our Safety Resources website at northlandins.com. To access the site, follow the instructions
on the back page of this newsletter. Sample policies and other complimentary distracted driving
awareness resources are also available from the following sources:
U.S. Department of Transportation | distraction.gov
National Safety Council | nsc.org
Simple ways to help prevent backing collisions
For businesses operating fleets of vehicles, backing collisions often account for a large
percentage of their losses. Since it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the path
behind the vehicle is clear, this type of loss is usually also considered preventable.
There are several compelling reasons to avoid backing accidents. They often result in costly
property damage claims. They also have the potential to cause serious injuries when
pedestrians are involved. Often the driver’s safety record is tarnished. In addition, backing
collisions can result in out-of-pocket expenses, higher insurance costs and business
disruption while vehicles are repaired.
There are several ways to help reduce the risk of being involved in backing collisions.
The best way is to avoid backing whenever possible. For example, park in a way that
allows you to move forward instead of backing up when you leave. Never back up on
a roadway if you have missed your turn. Instead, continue until you can find a safe
place to turn around and make the turn safely.
Of course, backing up is an unavoidable daily requirement for many professional drivers.
If you must back up, do it carefully by following some basic precautions:
Keep your mirrors clean and adjusted to maximize the view behind your vehicle.
•
Get out and walk around the vehicle. Make a mental note of anything
that could create a hazard, such as fixed objects, parked vehicles, overhead
obstacles or pedestrians. Once you have completed your walk-around, begin
backing before the situation changes.
•
•
Look and listen by opening your window and turning off radios and cell phones.
• Use your four-way flashers to alert other motorists and pedestrians that you
are backing up.
•
Back up slowly so that you can stop quickly if an obstacle suddenly appears.
Ask a spotter to help you back up in places where traffic, pedestrians or obstacles
create challenges.
•
2 Chauffeur Talk | Issue 2/2016
Winter driving safety – what’s your plan?
Winter can be a demanding time. Snow, ice, cold and darkness can take a toll on you and your vehicle, and make driving
hazardous. Depending on where you live, concerns might also include sharing the road with inexperienced drivers, rapidly
changing road conditions, extreme cold, snow plows and road closures. Will you be prepared for these challenges? Have a plan
to help keep you and your passengers safe this winter.
Adverse weather
Adverse weather can make driving challenging and
unpredictable. But the secret to staying safe is really
not that complicated. Make these strategies part of
your everyday driving habits:
• Know what to expect. Check weather and road
condition reports in advance.
• Slow down. It’s okay to drive slower than the
posted speed limit when road and weather
conditions are a problem.
• Increase your following distance. Extra space
means extra time to react so you can avoid a crash.
• Turn and brake carefully.
• Drive with your lights on to see and be seen.
• Keep your windows, mirrors and lights clean.
• Know when to say “no.” When severe adverse
weather is expected, it might be best to delay
the trip and wait for conditions to improve.
Night driving
During the winter months, when daylight hours are
limited, a greater portion of your driving might occur
in the dark. While many of these night-driving tips
apply to daytime driving as well, they are particularly
important at night:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Increase your following distance.
• Limit your speed to the range of your headlights.
• Avoid “night hypnosis” by keeping your eyes moving.
• Watch for drowsy or impaired motorists.
Keep passengers safe
Slips, trips and falls while entering or leaving a vehicle
are common causes of passenger injuries. This risk can
increase during the winter, due to weather and reduced
daylight. Consider these precautions:
• Have passengers enter and exit on the curb side
of the vehicle.
• Avoid parking in areas where the ground is uneven
or slippery due to potholes, puddles, snow, ice, etc.
• Load and unload passengers in well-lit areas.
Have a flashlight available to help illuminate the
area, if necessary.
• Load and unload baggage for passengers while
they wait a safe distance from traffic. This can
also help prevent passengers from injuring
themselves while handling luggage.
• If a step stool is being used, make sure it is placed
on an even surface free of snow and ice. The area
around the step stool should also be clear of
snow and ice.
Personal health and safety
To drive your best, you need to feel your best. A few
simple precautions can help keep you feeling healthy
and reduce your risk of becoming sick this winter:
• Have your eyes checked. If you need prescription
lenses, wear them. It can help reduce eye strain
and help improve your vision.
• Get plenty of sleep. Experts agree that most
people require 7–9 hours of sleep each day to
remain rested and alert.
• Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods provide your
body with the nutrients it needs to function well
and stay healthy. They can also help you maintain
a healthy body weight.
• Stay hydrated. Air is naturally drier during the
winter, especially the air that is being heated to
keep your vehicle warm.
•
•
•
•
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Exercise can give you an energy boost and keep
you alert.
Wash your hands often. Flu viruses and other
illness-causing germs thrive during the winter
months. Washing your hands often, especially
after being in public places, can help reduce
your risk of becoming sick.
Get a seasonal flu vaccination. For information
about the flu and prevention tips, go to flu.gov
Don’t put off seeing your doctor if you are
concerned about your health.
Weather emergencies
Be prepared for weather emergencies, to avoid
dangerous situations that can lead to accidents or
endanger you or your passengers. Keep these winter
driving supplies in your vehicle as a precaution:
• Windshield scraper
• Snow shovel
• A supply of salt/sand mix for traction on ice
• De-icing liquids for door locks and windshield
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Extra clothing, gloves and boots
• Extra blankets or sleeping bag
• A supply of water and
non-perishable food
• First aid kit
Road and weather condition resources
These days, you don’t need to guess what road and weather
conditions will be. The Internet, national road and weather
condition telephone hotlines, and mobile technology applications
have made getting up-to-date road and weather information a
snap. Here are some resources to help keep you informed:
3 Chauffeur Talk | Issue 2/2016
National Weather Service: weather.gov
National Traffic and Road Closure Information: fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo
511 Travel Information Telephone Service
Need to report a claim? Call 800.328.5972
Best practices for hiring safer drivers
Maybe business prospects look good, so
you are considering expanding your fleet.
Or maybe a driver is retiring. Whatever the
reason, if you are hiring a driver, there are
good reasons to do your research and
weigh this decision carefully. Selecting a
driver is a decision that can have enormous
consequences for your business.
A thorough screening process can help
ensure that your new drivers contribute to
your success by driving safely and providing
quality service to your customers.
Considering the potential problems you
could face if you hire the wrong person,
the screening and selection process is no
place to skimp. Here
are steps you can
take to help make
your process
more effective:
Set high standards. An effective hiring process starts by creating formal criteria, so that all
qualified applicants meet your standards plus Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
Your criteria should include standards for minimum years of driving experience, maturity and a safe
driving record. As a best practice, require at least two years of prior experience and a driving record
with no serious moving violations or more than three minor moving violations or preventable
accidents during the past three years. See below for a sample MVR Evaluation Guide.
Use an employment application. A completed employment application with detailed
information about past employers and driving history can help give you the information you need
to verify that an applicant meets your hiring standards. Pay special attention to employment gaps
and any accidents or moving violations disclosed on the application.
Review motor vehicle records (MVRs). An MVR can help determine if an applicant has a
record of moving violations or accidents. Drivers with multiple minor moving violations, serious
preventable accidents or serious moving violations during the past three years may not be good
candidates for a driving position. Get an MVR that provides at least a five-year history. Compare
this information to the employment application and investigate any discrepancies.
Contact previous employers. DOT rules require regulated transportation companies to contact
previous employers to inquire about an applicant’s safety record and drug and alcohol testing history.
Even when past employers are reluctant to respond, basic information like dates of employment,
type of work performed and eligibility for re-employment can be helpful.
Interview. An interview offers the opportunity to get to know the applicant and to learn about his
or her past driving experiences and safety record. Asking open-ended questions can encourage the
applicant to talk freely. Consider having several people in your company participate in the interview
process, to get a balanced assessment.
Complete pre-employment drug testing. Drivers who operate vehicles that require a
commercial driver’s license (CDL) must undergo DOT pre-employment drug testing. A confirmed
negative test result is required before the driver can drive.
Conduct a road test. It’s easy to assume that someone with years of driving experience is a safe
driver. But if this were true, only inexperienced drivers would have accidents. A road test can help
provide insight into an applicant’s temperament and safety awareness behind the wheel. Establish
a road test route that tests how the applicant handles a variety of driving situations.
Document. Keep all records relating to the driver screening and selection process. They can be
used to create a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications. It can also help you compare
applicants more effectively. These records can help demonstrate that you have exercised care in
screening and selecting qualified, safe drivers. Many of these records must also be kept in the
driver’s DOT qualification or safety performance history files.
SAMPLE MVR EVALUATION GUIDE
PREVENTABLE ACCIDENTS (Past 3 years)
MINOR MOVING
VIOLATIONS
(Past 3 years)
0
1
2
3+
0
CLEAR
ACCEPTABLE
BORDERLINE
POOR
1
ACCEPTABLE
ACCEPTABLE
BORDERLINE
POOR
2
ACCEPTABLE
BORDERLINE
POOR
POOR
3
BORDERLINE
POOR
POOR
POOR
4+
POOR
POOR
POOR
POOR
ANY MAJOR
VIOLATIONS
(Past 5 years)
POOR
POOR
POOR
POOR
THIS IS ONLY AN EXAMPLE. YOU SHOULD CUSTOMIZE CONTROLS
TO MEET YOUR ORGANIZATION’S NEEDS AND EXPOSURES.
Chauffeur Talk | Issue 2/2016 4
CRASHES BETWEEN VEHICLES, 2014
50 %
40 %
30 %
20 %
10 %
0%
Rear-end
collisions
Angle
collisions
Sideswipe
or other
Sideswipe
or other
Five steps to help you avoid rear-end crashes
According to the National Safety
Council, rear-end collisions
account for 47 percent of crashes
involving two or more vehicles.
That means taking steps to avoid
rear-end collisions could help to
significantly cut your crash risk.
1
2
3
4
5
There were nearly 4.2 million
rear-end collisions during 2014.
These crashes resulted in more
than 1.4 million injuries and
2,400 deaths.1
Why are rear-end crashes so
common? Distracted driving,
speeding, traffic congestion and
aggressive driving are some of
the culprits.
While you can’t do much to
change how other drivers
behave, you do have control
over how you drive. Here
are five things you can do to
help reduce your risk of being
involved in a rear-end crash.
Avoid distracted driving
Eating, reading, using a cell phone while driving – so many drivers drive distracted that it seems perfectly acceptable. But is it safe? No.
According to countless safety studies, distracted driving is a serious problem, and the cause of many serious accidents, including rear-end
collisions. Concentrate on what’s happening around you when you are driving. Save nondriving activities for when you are safely parked.
You’ll be a safer driver, and less likely to be involved in a rear-end collision.
Maintain a safe following distance
Following too closely is one of the main reasons why rear-end accidents happen. Automobile drivers are taught to maintain a three-second
following distance. That’s considered safe for small passenger vehicles, but for larger vehicles, such as a stretched limousine/SUV, van or bus,
a four- to six-second following distance is needed.
Drive at a safe speed
Driving over the speed limit, faster than surrounding traffic or faster than road/weather conditions warrant plays an important role in
rear-end collisions. The faster you drive, the greater your stopping distance will be, so it’s important to drive at a speed that allows you
to react to hazards safely. Driving faster than road/weather conditions warrant also increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Speeding increases the likelihood that you will be tailgating other motorists, a sure way to increase your risk of rear-ending another vehicle.
Slowing down a little can help you maintain a safe following distance, especially in heavy traffic when other drivers cut in front of you.
Don’t drive drowsy
Long hours behind the wheel and late-night driving can make drowsy driving a problem. When you are drowsy, your ability to perceive and
react to hazards is diminished. Avoid drowsy driving by getting the sleep you need. Most sleep experts say that the average person needs seven
to nine hours of sleep each day to be fully rested.2 If you have problems sleeping, or if you feel tired despite getting plenty of sleep, you could
have a sleep disorder. Consult with your doctor about treatment options.
Avoid dangerous parking
If you park on the side of the road, you are asking for trouble. Many serious collisions occur when stopped vehicles on the side of the road
are rear-ended. For this reason, parking along the side of the road is prohibited unless there is an emergency, or the area is a designated
pull-off where parking is permitted. If you must stop on the side of the road for a legitimate emergency, pull as far away from the traveled
portion of the roadway as is safely possible. Activate your four-way flashers, and place emergency warning triangles around your vehicle
promptly. Have passengers exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from the flow of traffic.
Injury Facts, National Safety Council, 2016
How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? National Sleep Foundation online article, accessed 4/9/13, http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
1
2
5 Chauffeur Talk | Issue 2/2016
A Northland Insurance Risk Control Publication | Issue 2/2016
Risk Control Services
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Chauffeur Talk
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