Protecting your drivers when they go the distance
Did you know, in 2023, 15% of lone workers were injured in vehicle accidents?
Did you know, in 2023, 15% of lone workers were injured in vehicle accidents?
Long-distance driving is a common aspect of many lone workers’ roles, whether they are delivery drivers, field service technicians, or sales representatives. Ensuring their safety is paramount. Here are the top 6 things to consider to enhance safety for lone workers on the road.
1. Pre-Trip Planning
• Route Planning: Before embarking on a long trip, plan the route carefully. Use GPS systems to find the best routes and consider traffic conditions, road works, and weather forecasts. Knowing your route in advance can help avoid unexpected detours and delays.
• Scheduled Breaks: Plan for regular breaks to prevent fatigue. The general recommendation is to take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Use these breaks to stretch, hydrate, and rest.
• Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle before departure. Check the tires, oil, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Ensuring the vehicle is in good working condition can prevent breakdowns and accidents.
2. Stay Alert and Focused
• Adequate Rest: Ensure you are well-rested before starting your journey. Lack of sleep can significantly impair driving abilities. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before a long drive.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help maintain energy levels. Avoid heavy meals that can make you drowsy. Snack on fruits, nuts, and other healthy options.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep distractions to a minimum. Use hands-free devices if you need to make calls, and avoid activities like texting or eating while driving. Focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings.
3. Safety Equipment and Technology
• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, basic tools, jumper cables, water, and non-perishable snacks. Having these items can be a lifesaver in case of emergencies.
• GPS and Communication Devices: Equip your vehicle with a reliable GPS device and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged. Consider carrying a portable charger. Regularly check in with your employer or a designated contact to inform them of your location and status.
• Dash Cam: Installing a dash cam can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident and can also deter reckless driving from other motorists.
4. Adapting to Road Conditions
• Weather Awareness: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be ready to adapt your driving to suit conditions like rain, snow, fog, or extreme heat.
• Safe Speed: Adhere to speed limits and drive according to road conditions. Slowing down in adverse weather or heavy traffic can prevent accidents.
• Night Driving: If driving at night, ensure your headlights are clean and functioning correctly. Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights and take regular breaks to combat drowsiness.
5. Health and Well-being
• Ergonomics: Adjust your seat to ensure you are comfortable and maintain good posture. Use lumbar support to reduce back strain during long drives.
• Exercise: Incorporate light exercises during breaks. Stretching and short walks can alleviate stiffness and improve circulation.
• Mental Health: Long-distance driving can be mentally taxing. Take breaks to relax and clear your mind. If you feel stressed or anxious, pull over safely and take some time to regroup.
6. Training and Education
• Defensive Driving Courses: Enrol in defensive driving courses. These courses teach techniques to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road.
• Regular Updates: Stay informed about the latest road safety regulations and best practices. Continuous education can significantly enhance your driving skills and safety awareness.
Long-distance driving poses unique challenges for lone workers. Pre-trip planning, utilising the right equipment, continuous training; are all essential components of safe long-distance driving, however, for an extra degree of protection, the Locate Global Platform can help.
Locate Global offers real-time tracking, monitoring, and communication tools tailored to fleet management and individual driver needs. With GPS tracking and geofencing features, Locate Global enables companies to monitor a vehicle’s location, speed, and route adherence continuously, ensuring that drivers are staying on course and within designated safety zones. The platform can also alert managers if drivers deviate from their route or enter potentially hazardous areas, allowing for immediate intervention.
Our technology also offers two-way communication, which facilitates prompt responses to any emergencies or road conditions that drivers encounter. By providing analytics and situational awareness, our platform can aid companies in identifying trends that may impact driver well-being, enabling proactive measures to optimise safe driving practices.
