The second week of October will mark the 18th annual Drive Safely Work Week. In anticipation, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety is providing free online materials designed to help employers avoid accidents and improve safety awareness in their communities. The campaign for this year focuses on the necessary preparation for safe driving. The title of the campaign is “Gear Up For Safe Driving: Mind – Body – Vehicle.”
According to Safe Roads Alliance, Inc., more than three-quarters of all traffic accidents are caused by driver error. The Drive Safely Work Week campaign includes tips for drivers on being mentally and physically prepared to drive safely. Advice contained in the materials ranges from the importance of vision screening and proper sleep to vehicle maintenance and the selection of proper equipment.
The drive to and from work represents a significant number of miles. According to the American Census Bureau, the average American spends more than 50 minutes a day commuting. Many of those commutes take place during rush hour and force drivers to deal with mentally and physically taxing driving conditions. For many, commuting represents a challenge in combating drowsiness. Afternoon rush hour is also a prime time for pedestrian fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Up to 16.5 million employees per year participate in the Drive Safely Work Week. The simple steps outlined in this year’s program can help make driving safer for those drivers and for those who share the road with them.
Source: Occupational Health & Safety, “Drive Safely Work Week 2013 Toolkits Available,” 9 August 2013
