You know first-hand that roofing and sheet metal work can be hazardous. However, simply driving to and from jobsites can be just as hazardous. In fact, in May of this year, 3 employees within our workers’ compensation fund were injured in a single motor vehicle accident. Although that motor vehicle accident did not happen at an intersection, most multiple vehicle accidents happen at intersections.
Collisions at intersections can happen even if you are not at fault. These include being rear-ended by another vehicle while you are stopped, being struck by a vehicle that fails to stop at a stop sign or runs a red light and striking another vehicle that pulls into your path at an intersection at which you had the right-of-way. Although none of those would be your fault, they still have the potential to cause a serious injury to you and the coworkers traveling with you. With that in mind, make it your goal to adopt these 4 simple safe driving habits.
Habit #1 – Anticipate changes in the lights
Anticipate traffic lights changing by judging how long the light has been green or by looking at the walk signals so that you are not surprised by the light. Green lights that have been green for a long time are ‘stale green’ and may change at any moment. Be ready for that by being prepared to stop.
Habit #2 – Hesitate and Look Both Ways and Back Again
If you are the first car to go on a green light, hold the brake long enough to look left, right, and then back to the left again before proceeding into the intersection. We have all seen someone run a red light or a stop sign and looking left, right, and then left again can save you from the red-light runner.
Habit #3 – Cover the Brake
As you approach an intersection with a stop sign or red light, lightly depress the brake pedal enough to turn on your brake lights, even before you begin to brake. This alerts the driver behind you that you will be braking and can help reduce the chances of getting rear-ended. It also reduces your stopping distance by saving you the time that it takes for your foot to move from the accelerator to the brake in the event the vehicle in front of you stops abruptly.
Habit #4 – Set Up Correctly for Left Turns
If are stopped to make a left turn and are waiting until it is clear before you proceed, keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you begin to make the turn. This will prevent you from getting pushed into oncoming cross-traffic if you are rear-ended by another vehicle.
Discuss with Your Crew
When you are driving this week, try each of the safe driving habits discussed in this Safety Talk. Notice how leaving more space or hesitating before moving may feel strange or unusual, but also notice how doing these things helps protect you from others who may not drive as safely as you.