📚 Guide by Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety — 10 Simple Tips For Better Driving — a Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety guide for Canadian oil & gas, construction, and industrial workers. Written and reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC, Calgary lead safety instructor.
🔗 Related Safety Mom courses & guides: H2S Alive Calgary · TDG Guide · Oil Sands Safety Certs · Instructor: Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC
Across the world it seems that in-roads have been made in road fatality and the numbers of people dying behind the wheel has dropped to lowest ever levels in numerous countries. However, the number of crashes is still quite high, signifying that cars are becoming safer, although our driving may not be.
Even though technology allows us to be a lot safer behind the wheel, better driving techniques can really make a significant difference.
Drunk Driving
Driving drunk causes around a third of deaths on the road in the US. Alcohol as we all well know at this stage causes problems with timing and coordination – two of the most important things to have when driving. Even at low levels driving is impaired and statistics show you are six times as likely to crash when on the limit as when alcohol free.
Speed
Once again, this is another obvious one that we’ve been told again and again. Speed kills! It leaves you with less time to reach, costs more in fuel and causes deaths. Ever mile over the limit you drive increases the chances of an accident by 4 per cent according to statistics from the ERSO.
Distractions
By answering a call when driving you are simply irresponsible as it takes your mind off the task at hand; so it’s best to avoid it. Over 2,600 deaths a year in the US are attributed to distractions when driving. From texting, to tweeting to changing songs on your iPod; they all lower your reaction time by a fifth.
Tired
Driving when drowsy is also a significant factor and a large number of accidents are caused by people falling asleep behind the wheel. A few yawns can mean you miss out on something crucial and really affect reaction times. So, get a good night’s rest and if you feel tired don’t drive.
Seat Belts
Buckling up is a must and prevents you from being thrown out of a car in a crash – simple as. NHTSA statistics show that around half of people who die in road accidents aren’t wearing a seat belt. Even at low speeds a belt is important, so always buckle up.
Weather
The weather plays a significant factor in on-road safety. If it’s overly wet, snowy or cold; then drive below the limit and stay and extra distance from cars in front. Bad weather reduces visibility, breaking times and increases the chances of crashes.
Tail Gating
Stay three seconds behind the car in front to avoid problems of this ilk. It’s simple, find a stationary item on the road and then allow three seconds between you and the car in front past it. The minimum distance is important and no matter how good reactions are, if you don’t follow it you increase the chance of a crash. Remember in bad weather it should be up to 6 seconds.
Be on Edge
Even if you are the best, most aware driver in the world – the other person may not be. By assuming other people could do anything you are aware of the dangers of the road. From ignoring indicator signals when pulling out to being aware at intersections where you have the right of way, always be aware.
Defensive Driving
Aggressive drivers cause problems. People who cut others off or take aggressive actions cause problems for others on the road and increase the chance of accidents. Be defensive in your driving by staying a safe distance, accepting delays and being safe. Being aggressive and committing driving offence increases the chances of problems.
Maintenance
Cars are made up of over 15,000 parts and any one of these breaking can cause safety issues. Be sure to have your car checked regularly, tyres changed when required and engine services at regular intervals. This prevents problems.
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Cormac Reynolds writes for Motor Barrister Direct and believes that we can all improve our driving substantially.
Additional Safety Knowledge
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Framework
Alberta’s workplace safety system is built on the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the OHS Regulation, and the OHS Code (which contains the detailed technical requirements). The three-legged framework applies to virtually all Alberta workplaces except federally regulated industries (which follow Canada Labour Code Part II). Workers have three fundamental rights: the right to know about hazards, the right to participate in safety decisions, and the right to refuse unsafe work without reprisal.
Employer, Supervisor, and Worker Responsibilities
- Employers must ensure the health and safety of workers, provide instruction and training, maintain equipment, and prepare a health and safety program (mandatory for workplaces with 20+ regular workers).
- Supervisors must take all reasonable steps to protect workers, ensure workers use required equipment and follow procedures, and advise workers of hazards.
- Workers must protect their own health and safety and that of co-workers, use required equipment, cooperate with the OHS system, and report hazards or incidents.
Failure to fulfill these duties can result in administrative penalties, orders, prosecution, and in severe cases criminal charges under the federal Criminal Code (Bill C-45).
Hazard Assessment — The Foundation of Workplace Safety
Every task should begin with a hazard assessment. Formal assessments identify hazards, evaluate risk (probability multiplied by severity), and prescribe controls following the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) are completed for each shift or task change. Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) document safe procedures for repetitive or non-routine work.
10 Simple Tips For Better Driving — Ongoing Competency
Safety competency is not a one-time event. Workers require initial training before first exposure to a hazard, refresher training when procedures change, and periodic competency verification. Employer records must include worker names, training dates, course content, trainer identification, and assessment results. Alberta OHS inspectors routinely review training records during inspections and incident investigations.
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
