This month, we're focusing on an important topic: truckload and road safety. As part of this effort, we're highlighting two key events taking place in April: National Work Zone Awareness Week and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
DRIVER SAFETY
The safety and health of truck drivers and other road users are of utmost importance in the trucking industry. Fatal crashes involving trucks often result from the unsafe actions of automobile drivers. Therefore, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people on sharing the road safely. Moreover, speeding is a significant factor in fatal crashes, emphasizing the need for greater speed enforcement.
Truck drivers are also susceptible to various illnesses and injuries, including strains, sprains, cuts, and fractures, making truck driving one of the most dangerous occupations. Serious violations such as improper guarding of machinery and lack of personal protective equipment have also contributed to accidents. Large trucks accounted for a significant percentage of vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
Employers can take preventive measures to reduce work-related roadway crashes, including implementing safe speeds and public awareness campaigns. OSHA has compiled a list of common illnesses and injuries that afflict truck drivers. It is crucial to raise awareness among employees about these hazards, particularly during spring, when trucking activities often increase.
STAY FOCUSED
Maintaining focus on the road at all times is key to ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. One of the most significant distractions for drivers is cell phone use, which can increase the risk of accidents and injury. It's important to remember that distracted driving is not limited to texting or talking on the phone, but can also include using other features such as social media, email, and GPS navigation systems. Even brief glances away from the road can have devastating consequences. To avoid these risks, it's recommended that all drivers stow their phones away or use a hands-free device when driving. You can help keep yourself and others safe on the road by staying alert and avoiding distractions.
WORK ZONE AWARENESS & SAFETY
Work zones are one of the most hazardous areas for workers and motorists alike, and it's crucial to maintain vigilance when driving through these areas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a near-miss as an incident "in which a worker might have been hurt if the circumstances were slightly different." While it's not ideal to rely on near-misses to identify hazards, reporting them is critical for ensuring that work zones remain as safe as possible. By reporting near-misses, employers can investigate the root causes of these incidents and take corrective actions to prevent future accidents. Additionally, all workers should receive adequate training and protective gear, such as high-visibility clothing and hard hats, to reduce their risk of injury. By working together and staying alert, we can ensure that work zones remain safe for all workers and motorists.
As we look forward to the warmer days of spring, it's important to keep safety top of mind. With April safety topics focusing on truckload and road safety, as well as work zone awareness, remember to stay vigilant and take steps to keep ourselves and others safe on the road. Don't forget to take note of important safety events, and use those opportunities to reinforce a culture of safety in your workplace and community.