Whether you’re working on a construction job site or driving down the highway, maintaining driving safety is always important. At ARC, we're passionate about creating a culture of safety, 24/7. Safe driving is important, no matter where we’re going or what we’re doing.
One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Government estimates of seat belt use are about 90% in 2021. The consequences of not wearing a seat belt are dire. In 2020, 51% of vehicle passengers killed in accidents were not wearing seat belts.
Seat belt use is the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Below, we’ll explore additional considerations to ensure you’re staying safe while driving, no matter where you go.
Safe Driving at Work
We emphasize the importance of safety for our workers, at all times. Often, our workers are traveling large distances between nuclear sites and power plants. When moving from site to site, staying aware and alert is critical to maintaining driver safety, as well as the safety of other cars and pedestrians sharing the road.
Limiting the use of any potential distractions when driving on construction sites is essential. This includes headphones and GPS devices. This allows the driver to pay better attention and creates enhanced reaction times.
In addition, many construction and engineering workers are traveling between sites during the nighttime (dark) hours. Having clear vision, wearing glasses if needed, and paying close attention when driving in the dark is critical.
Driving Safely Off the Job
As we approach the fall and kids going back to school, there’s more traffic on the road, including buses and cars. This means there are even more chances of being distracted on the road as people continue through their frantic lives. Paying close attention to speed limits in school zones is so important.
Many newer cars have Bluetooth or other technologies that allow for hands-free driving. Not only is holding the phone while driving illegal in many states, but it’s also distracting. Using a hands-free device allows you to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
On the road, off the phone
Distracted driving is often due to talking or texting while driving. While there are other factors that can distract a driver, such as eating, drinking, or grooming, texting is the biggest problem on the road today. When you’re texting, your eyes are off the road. Although this may seem like only a few seconds at a time, it only takes a few seconds to cause an accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, taking your eyes off the road at 55 miles per hour is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed. When you put it like that, it’s not hard to see how dangerous texting and driving can be. In 2020, 3,142 people died due to motor vehicle crashes that were a result of distracted drivers. These accidents could have been avoided.
Putting the phone down to reduce distractions is essential for safe driving during any driving situation.
Safe Driving Importance
Whether you’re driving on or off the job, staying alert is important for everyone’s safety, including your own. Practicing safe driving techniques is part of our core values at ARC as we foster a culture of safety. We encourage you to practice safe driving and commit to the safety measures above.
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