14 ASSOCIATIONS
Sensible driving
Plumbers and their work crews spend many hours on the road travelling to and from jobs. Being aware of the changing weather conditions is critical for safe driving.
By By IOPSA
Photos supplied by IOPSA
Safe driving starts before you get into the vehicle. Each day, ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy; that it does not present any dangers to the driver, passengers, or other road users. Complete a daily checklist of the entire vehicle before you start your journey. Walk around the entire vehicle, checking the exterior and interior for damages, poor condition, and working order.
A USEFUL ACRONYM FOR VEHICLE CHECKS IS COFTEA:
• Coolant – radiator and expansion tank.
• Oils – engine oil, hydraulic oil, and brake fluid.( Check area where vehicle parks for signs of leaks.)
• Fuel cap secured.( Check area where vehicle parks for signs of leaks or any smell of fuel.)
• Tyres( including spare tyre) – bald patches, bulges, objects in or around, rips, tears, pressure.
• Electrics – lights, hooter, indicators, hazard lights, and windscreen wipers. Are they clean and working, and free from obstruction? Is there windscreen wash in the holder?
• Accessories – seat belts, mirrors, load-securing mechanisms, emergency kit. Does everything work as it should; is your emergency kit complete( fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and so on); are your mirrors set correctly for your driving position; are the mirrors clean and free of any cracks that may distort your vision?
BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS After performing the vehicle inspection and being sure that the vehicle is safe to use, a check on the weather conditions is a sensible idea. Generally, being exposed to other drivers and the road conditions is challenging on its own— add bad weather to your journey and the risks increase.
Bad or poor weather can be any weather that is not ideal or favourable to driving safely. This can be rain, mist, or poor light, but also consider bright sunshine, especially after rain, which can reflect sunlight into the driver’ s eyes.
Severe weather can happen very quickly when you are already en route to your job. Consider the following points:
• Check the weather forecast for the day, before starting your trip. If possible, delay, postpone, or reschedule the trip.
• Always use low-beam headlights. High beams reflect off mist and rain, making it even harder to see.
• Use your headlights, not parking lights, when visibility is poor in mist or in heavy rain.
• Headlights help other drivers to see your vehicle, so be sure they are all working when you do your vehicle check.
• Do not turn using your hazard lights. Driving with your hazard lights on will not warn the driver behind you of your intention to turn, slow down, or stop.
• Hazard lights should only be used when you pull over to show that you have stopped on the side of the road.
• Reduce your speed to give yourself a greater stopping distance and more time to react should dangers appear suddenly.
• Do not overtake other vehicles. It is easier to navigate when you follow another vehicle, but be sure to remain at a safe distance.
• Maintain a safe distance away from all other vehicles around you.
• Drive with the radio turned down and with the window partly open to hear other vehicles better; especially at intersections.
• Be patient and do not drive aggressively.
• Do not use your cell phone while driving!
Be alert and considerate; your safety and the safety of your co-workers and other drivers are dependent on your actions.
Be prepared and alert. A considerate driver is a safe driver. PA
Reference: Building Safe South Africa: Best Practise Bulletins # 092, # 093
August 2018 Volume 24 I Number 6 www. plumbingafrica. co. za