Approach intersections cautiously, even when the light is green – The majority of accidents occur at intersections. Moreover, most of them occur within three to five seconds after
the light changes.

“The most dangerous time of an intersection is when the light just turned green,” said Bob Morrone, safety coordinator for COMTRANS, which runs a fleet of 150 vehicles. He recommends that drivers wait a full car length behind the crosswalk in order to delay entering the intersection for a few seconds.

He also suggests covering (but not activating) the brake about 100 feet from the intersection and as you pass through it. “If you cut three-quarters of a second off your reaction time that cuts off 25 to 40 feet of stopping distance” Morrone explained.

Avoid tailgating – Drivers should maintain a four- to seven-seconds space cushion behind the vehicle in front of them, depending on speed. The higher the speed you are traveling, the further the distance should be. “The faster you go, the less reaction time you have,” Morrone said. “That’s what it’s all about. Stopping in time to avoid an accident.”

Do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving – While there continues to be legislative attempts nationally and locally to prohibit this, nothing has come of it.

“In some studies I’ve seen, talking on the phone can actually make the driver more impaired than a drunk driver,” says Sapien.

Don’t hold up traffic – Drivers can be cited for impeding traffic even if they are going the speed limit.

“People who go slower in the left lane hold up traffic,” says Morrone, who teaches his drivers to use the center lane. He notes that when you impede traffic, you could create road rage in other drivers.

Check the vehicle’s tires – Tire blowouts are a common cause of accidents. If it happens, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the wheels pointed straight as you decelerate. Do not attempt to turn or to brake hard. After slowing down, safely pull off to the side of road.

Make safe lane changes – Properly adjust your left and right outside mirrors and rear-view mirror and use them constantly. Don’t just rely on the mirrors when making a lane change. Be sure look over your shoulder to make sure another vehicle isn’t in a blind spot. Use your turn blinkers to alert other drivers of your intentions.

For more safety and driving tips, go to SCF’s website, www.scfaz.com to review and order informational cards: “Driving: Motor Vehicle Safety Tips,” “Driving: Stay in Your Seat – Air Bags/Seat Belts,” “Driving Essentials,” or “Defensive Driving.” Additional safe driving information is available from OSHA at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/motorvehiclesafety/recognition.html

If you would like more information on workplace safety please contact your SCF Association Coordinator.


Approach intersections cautiously, even when the light is green – The majority of accidents occur at intersections. Moreover, most of them occur within three to five seconds after the light changes. “The most dangerous time of an intersection is when the light just turned green,” said Bob Morrone, safety coordinator for COMTRANS, which runs a fleet of 150 vehicles. He recommends that drivers wait a full car length behind the crosswalk in order to delay entering the intersection for a few seconds. He also suggests covering (but not activating) the brake about 100 feet from the intersection and as you pass through it. “If you cut three-quarters of a second off your reaction time that cuts off 25 to 40 feet of stopping distance” Morrone explained. Avoid tailgating – Drivers should maintain a four- to seven-seconds space cushion behind the vehicle in front of them, depending on speed. The higher the speed you are traveling, the further the distance should be. “The faster you go, the less reaction time you have,” Morrone said. “That’s what it’s all about. Stopping in time to avoid an accident.” Do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving – While there continues to be legislative attempts nationally and locally to prohibit this, nothing has come of it. “In some studies I’ve seen, talking on the phone can actually make the driver more impaired than a drunk driver,” says Sapien. Don’t hold up traffic – Drivers can be cited for impeding traffic even if they are going the speed limit. “People who go slower in the left lane hold up traffic,” says Morrone, who teaches his drivers to use the center lane. He notes that when you impede traffic, you could create road rage in other drivers. Check the vehicle’s tires – Tire blowouts are a common cause of accidents. If it happens, hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the wheels pointed straight as you decelerate. Do not attempt to turn or to brake hard. After slowing down, safely pull off to the side of road. Make safe lane changes – Properly adjust your left and right outside mirrors and rear-view mirror and use them constantly. Don’t just rely on the mirrors when making a lane change. Be sure look over your shoulder to make sure another vehicle isn’t in a blind spot. Use your turn blinkers to alert other drivers of your intentions. For more safety and driving tips, go to SCF’s website, www.scfaz.com to review and order informational cards: “Driving: Motor Vehicle Safety Tips,” “Driving: Stay in Your Seat – Air Bags/Seat Belts,” “Driving Essentials,” or “Defensive Driving.” Additional safe driving information is available from OSHA at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/motorvehiclesafety/recognition.html If you would like more information on workplace safety please contact your SCF Association Coordinator.
The Pulse - August 2010