Page 15 - November 2020 Track N Times

OPERATIONS UPDATES

Vehicle Incident Prevention (V.I.P.) By Zebediah Dintelman, Manager Rail Grinding

In early 2016 Loram rolled out what is now known as V.I.P, one of our
core In-Gaged initiatives, to combat common vehicular based inci-
dents. V.I.P. consist of 4 main categories: Stay Awake, DOT Compli-
ance, Backing, and Defensive Driving.

Interesting Driving Statistics Related to V.I.P.
Stay Awake:
It is estimated that in 2017, 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers. These crashes led to an esti-
mated 50,000 people injured and nearly 800 deaths. (NHTSA, 2019) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-
statistics/)
5% of all crashes involved drowsy drivers, based on the portion of time the drivers' eyes were closed in the
minutes before a crash. The portion grows to 10.8% in more severe crashes. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety,
2016) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
DOT Compliance:
Truck drivers log 432 billion miles annually. (Business Insider, 2016) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-
statistics/)
Backing:
Over 60% of backover accidents involve a truck or SUV. (KidsAndCars.org, 2018) (Source: https://driving-
tests.org/driving-statistics/)
Driving Defensive
Speed-related crashes cost Americans $40.4 billion each year. (Insurance Information Institute, 2019)
(Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
Texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. (NHTSA, 2018) (Source: https://driving-tests.org/
driving-statistics/)

Loram’s Operating Rules Related to V.I.P.
15.7(B) - LORAM drivers must: Operate LORAM Vehicles in a safe manner and not exceed posted speeds regardless
of the urgency or importance of the trip.
15.14 - Backup alarms, on LORAM Vehicles so equipped, must be functional at all times.
15.16 - Whenever possible, LORAM Vehicles should be parked so that its first move will be forward.
15.16(B) - When possible, have someone guide backing movements that cannot be avoided.
15.22(A) - Employees who have been assigned a LORAM vehicle are responsible for its proper service and mainte-
nance.
15.4 - Employees are subject to and must follow the Loram Driving Policy.
16.11 - Cell phones must not be used when use would interfere with the employee's or another employee's safety.
16.16 - When driving a LORAM Vehicle, drivers are prohibited from:
(a) Texting, emailing or reading and sending any other electronic messages;
(b) Placing or taking phone calls other than by hands-free operation;
(c) Using a cell phone in any way that requires the driver to look at the screen, including using GPS, contact
lists, calendars, browsing the internet, playing games, or using apps;
(d) Using an electronic device in any way prohibited by law; and
(e) Sitting on a road shoulder to use a cell phone.

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