How to stay safe on the road

It’s your responsibility

• Whether you’re a driver or passenger, you are responsible for your own personal safety

• This means:– ensuring vehicles are roadworthy– using seat belts and other safety

equipment properly– making sure the driver is fit to drive– driving with care and attention– helping the driver wherever you can

• There are 9 deaths everyday on UK roads• 1 in 2 drivers on company business are involved

in a collision every year• Safety is not just about drivers – passengers

are responsible too• Know the risks and stay safe

• Safety is our No.1 priority• Network Rail is committed to the

welfare of those who drive to work and those who drive as part of their job

• Network Rail has developed a driver coaching scheme

– individual driver assessments– training– online learning

• Make sure you’re switched on theminute you get into the vehicle

• Get enough sleep if you’redriving the next day

• Don’t miss breakfast• Stay focused

• Remember, it’s not just your welfare that you’re responsible for

• Be prepared for all types of weather

Tiredness and well-being

• It’s obvious, but make sure the driver takes these precautions:

– regular breaks. Don’t fight it, stop!– extra care if you are sleeping badly– share the driving

• Everyone in the car is responsible– don’t lark around or distract the driver– only ever use a hands-free kit to make or take a call– only take a call if it’s absolutely necessary

• Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles

Use the safety equipment

• Many neck injuries can be avoided if drivers and passengers adjust their head restraints properly

• Wear your seat belt, front and back• Ensure all passengers are belted-up too• It’s the drivers responsibility to make sure

they follow the rules

• The limit is a limit, not a target• 30mph in a 30 zone may be

too fast!• Manage your speed according to

the weather and road conditions. Stay within the speed limits

• Keep your speed down around schools and residential areas

• In rural areas, match your speed to the road conditions

Park right

• Everyone in the vehicle is responsible for its safety, including passengers

• Reverse park as it is safer– always guide the driver back from outside

the vehicle. This simple act will reduce the likelihood of an accident

• Slow down at access points• Be sensible about where you park the vehicle

• Make sure it’s safe and secure at all times

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To sum up…

• There are some simple steps that we can all take to avoid accidents

• How many of us would pass our driving test today?

• Road safety is as important as track safety• Look out for the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ booklets• If you don’t feel confident, ask your line manager

if you can take the driver coaching scheme