Page 5 - October 2020 Track N Times

SAFETY FOCUS

Vehicle Incident Prevention

By: Jeff Anderson, Field Safety Specialist, Grex

Vehicle Incident Prevention is the focus for the WORD during October

As we enter the winter months it is vital that we rethink our driving habits and prepare ourselves for foul weather driv-
ing. I would first like to begin with incorporating “Know Before You Go” into to your driving plans. Take the time to
look at the weather patterns or conditions in the area you will be traveling to. Plan for road closures due to bad weath-
er and have an alternate route ready to safely get you to your destination. One thing that is always overlooked is vehi-
cle preparedness. It is important for your safety and that of others that you take the time to inspect your vehicle be-
fore leaving.

Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the winter months. Keep your fluids topped off and ensure that you have

the proper windshield wiper fluid designated for winter months. If you are working in an area of heavy snow fall, make
sure that your tires are rated for snow driving and that you maintain the proper tire pressure. Make sure your vehicle
has the necessary items in case you have a roadside emergency.

It is up to all of us to make sure we arrive safely to our destinations. One way is to decrease your speed and increase
your stopping distance. Slow down and softly brake for curves or tight turns. During heavy rains avoid hydroplaning and
following too closely…maintain a 5 to 6 second gap between you and the car in front of you to avoid skidding into
them. Plan on leaving earlier to avoid driving in a rush and increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Now that we have discussed some of the items needed for driving safely in inclement weather let us go over the 2019
statistics for accidents in winter conditions.
There are 156,164 crashes annually due to icy roads. More than 1,300 people are killed in car crashes on snowy or icy
roads every year. Over 116,800 people get injured in car accidents on snowy or icy roads every year. Every year,
about 76,000 people are injured in traffic accidents during snowfall. About 70% of accidental fatalities that occur during
winter happen in cars. According to winter driving accident statistics, traffic accidents on snowy, slushy, or icy roads
account for 24% of weather-related traffic accidents.

As you can see those numbers and stats are immense. Make it your goal to Arrive Alive…always have your mind on
driving and your eyes on the road. Safety is NO Accident.

PAGE 3 OCTOBER 2020