Think Before You Drive: Best Practices for Vehicle Safety on the Job

Proper training keeps drivers in check, not just the trucks they steer.

One of the most common workplace incidents involves the unsafe operation of vehicles or industrial-powered trucks without proper training, authorization, or qualifications. These lapses can result in personal injuries, property damage, and equipment failures. This training will focus on high-level topics to promote driver safety, but your organization must provide in-depth, vehicle-specific training led by qualified instructors.

This course will cover:

• Operational instructions and safety measures.
• Vehicle stability and capacity.
• Visibility and pedestrian traffic.
• Restricted operating spaces or narrow aisles.
• Maintenance and vehicle inspections.
• Defensive driving techniques.
• Pedestrian safety.
• Assessing at-risk drivers.

While drivers are directly responsible for their behaviors behind the wheel, the entire organization including supervisors and safety teams shares responsibility for ensuring safe operational standards are implemented and followed.

If you don’t know the manual, you probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel.

Operating any vehicle or industrial-powered truck requires adequate training. Drivers should understand each vehicle’s standard operating procedures, warnings, and limitations. Many cars include specific load capacities and guidelines to ensure stability. Failing to adhere to these instructions can cause vehicles to overturn, equipment damage, and injuries to operators or pedestrians.

Always consult the vehicle’s operation manual and follow its rules explicitly. Overloading or unevenly distributing loads is a common cause of accidents that can be prevented through proper training and compliance.

If you can’t see it, you might just crash into it.

A driver must maintain complete visibility at all times. Poor weather, overloaded vehicles, or maneuvering in areas with blind spots can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Drivers should also remain vigilant for pedestrian traffic. Even in marked operating zones, pedestrians may cross vehicle pathways, increasing the likelihood of human error. Maintaining visibility is one of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks.

Narrow spaces are no excuse for sloppy driving.

Navigating narrow aisles or restricted operating spaces increases the difficulty of vehicle maneuvering, often leading to higher accident risks. This is particularly common in industries like warehousing and manufacturing.

Drivers should:

• Use turn signals to indicate direction.
• Rely on automatic reverse beeps or manually honk the horn when reversing to alert others of movement.
• Maintain a clear view of surroundings and exercise caution when maneuvering tight spaces.

Proper signaling and awareness are essential to prevent accidents in restricted areas.

Skimping on inspections? That’s a safety fail waiting to happen.

Proactive maintenance and regular inspections ensure vehicles are safe to operate. Best practices include creating a maintenance checklist tailored to each vehicle type and establishing an inspection schedule.

Key checklist items include:

• Checking for leaks (fuel, hydraulic oil, engine oil, or coolant).
• Inspecting tire pressure and condition.
• Verifying safety guards, battery charge, and seat belt functionality.
• Ensuring operational controls, such as steering, parking brakes, and horns, work.
• Confirming lights, alarms, and first aid kits are adequately stocked and functional.

Daily or weekly checks can help identify issues before they escalate into risks. Supervisors and safety teams should oversee these inspections to maintain accountability and consistency.

Drive like everyone else is distracted, because they probably are.

Defensive driving involves anticipating and responding to potential hazards on the road. Aggressive driving such as speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents and must be avoided.

Key defensive driving practices include:

• Be prepared: Anticipate weather conditions, traffic patterns, and construction zones.
• Avoid distractions: Never use phones, eat, or play loud music while driving.
• Slow down: Adhere to speed limits and allow sufficient travel time.
• Look ahead: Stay focused on vehicles and conditions ahead.
• Check mirrors frequently: Monitor vehicles beside and behind you.
• Stay alert: Take breaks if fatigued and maintain awareness of surroundings.
• Leave space: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and objects.
• Account for weather: Adjust rain, snow, or ice driving techniques.

Unsafe drivers don’t wear labels, but they leave warning signs.

Supervisors and safety teams play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating drivers. At-risk drivers exhibit behaviors or conditions that increase the likelihood of accidents.

The 4 C’s framework helps evaluate driver risk:

• Crash History: Previous accidents or repeated hazardous behaviors, such as speeding, may indicate unsafe driving patterns.
• Concerns: Address concerns about drivers under stress or exhibiting distracted behaviors. Personal or work-related stress can impair focus and decision-making.
• Clinical Conditions: Ensure employees are medically fit to operate vehicles safely, especially for physically demanding tasks.
• Cognitive Functions: Address erratic behavior, impaired decision-making, or suspected substance use immediately.

By proactively evaluating and addressing risks, organizations can ensure safer roadways for employees and the public.

If you’re walking near moving vehicles, act like they can’t see you.

While drivers are responsible for safe vehicle operation, employees must also take precautions when working near operating vehicles.

Key pedestrian safety practices include:

• Avoid crossing designated operating lanes whenever possible.
• Ensure no vehicles are moving before crossing a lane.
• Never assume a driver can see you, even if you make eye contact.
• Follow posted safety signs and instructions.

Employees should remain alert and avoid distractions, such as using phones, when near vehicles. If unsure, seek clarification from a supervisor or safety team member.

Safe driving isn’t a vibe, it’s a non-negotiable.

Driving or operating a vehicle safely is a skill that requires ongoing education, adherence to standards, and vigilance. Following operational guidelines, adhering to safety checks, and maintaining awareness are critical components of a safe driving environment.

Key reminders for safe driving include:

• Avoid distractions and focus on the task at hand.
• Observe speed limits and adjust for weather or road conditions.
• Maintain proper following distance.
• React appropriately to hazards.
• Never operate a vehicle that fails a safety inspection or is under the influence of substances.

Each vehicle requires specific training and operational understanding. Organizations must ensure employees receive thorough training and demonstrate competency before operating equipment.

Want to keep distractions out of the driver’s seat?

If you’re ready to turn your team into pros behind the wheel, check out our Driver Safety Training: Distracted Driving Dangers and Prevention Training Course. Because no text or snack is worth a crash.

Expand your knowledge with comprehensive driver safety training.

This course has outlined high-level topics to promote safer vehicle operation and pedestrian awareness. For more in-depth instruction, consider enrolling in our Driver Safety and Risk Prevention Training Course. This program provides tailored guidance, vehicle-specific standards, and real-world scenarios to help you become a safer, more confident driver.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Industrial Truck Standards
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Impaired Driving
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Distracted Driving