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 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:

DoDon'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.
Man Driving