Driving for Work: Drivers Tips

Pre-Drive:

• Ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition: That means properly taxed, has valid insurance for business use, has a valid NCT certificate and is serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Plan ahead: plan routes before setting off to avoid having to consult maps or satellite navigation systems whilst driving.
• Schedule time for regular breaks.
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. You will need it in event of breakdown or emergency.
• Check your vehicle: walk around your vehicle and look for any defects.
• Check your driving position. You should be able to reach and operate controls without effort. Shoulder blades in good contact with back of seat.
• Check your head restraint. Make sure that head restraint at least as high as the top of your head and as close to the rear of your head as possible.
• Keep a Hi-Viz jacket in your cab/glove compartment.
• Carry a torch, first aid kit and warning triangle.

When Driving:

Do	Don't
Drive with your lights on at all times [Daytime running lights] Drive with your safety belt fastened. Make sure that all passengers are wearing their safety belts before driving. Limit conversations with passengers: don’t get involved in any heated debates while driving. Obey road signs. In particular road signs warning of road works. Restrain all loads carried. this includes documents, samples, IT equipment, boxes. Reverse into parking spots and then drive out, where possible. Report any collisions or near misses to your employer. Stick to the speed limits. Stop driving if you are feeling tired or sleepy:  find somewhere safe to rest straight away. Switch off your mobile phone while driving: pick up messages during scheduled breaks.	Carry loads for which the vehicle is unsuited. Consult maps or satellite navigation systems whilst driving Drink Drive: Drug Drive: remember that even small quantities of illegal drugs and certain medications can affect your judgement, co-ordination and reaction time. Drive too close to the vehicle in front. Keep your distance to allow you to safely stop. Drive if you are feeling tired or fatigued. Snack, drink or smoke at the wheel: schedule in suitable breaks for these activities. Speed: Keep to an appropriate speed suited to the road and weather conditions at any given time. Keep within the assigned speed limits. Stop on hard shoulders of motorways/dual Carriageways, unless in event of breakdown.