As we enter the 2024 year, we are coming off the back of one of the worst years we have had on Victorian roads.
In Victoria we lost 296 lives in 2023 on Victorian roads. This was an increase of 22.4% from 2022.
Some key statistics are always around young drivers aged between 18-25 which make up over 60% of fatalities across the state.
Speeding ( high and low range), drink driving, failing to obey road signs and distractions such as using a mobile phone have been significant factors. Another significant factor is fatigue. People driving long distances and not taking breaks to rest.
10% of fatal collisions had one or more people not wearing a seat belt.
While numbers to date are down (14th February 34 lives lost compared to 47 in 2023), we are still seeing dangerous driving on our roads. People passing at high speeds then jumping on the breaks. We need to slow down!
Road rage is becoming more increased. People fighting, punching cars, driving into motorbike rides, and pushing them off their bikes. E Scooters crossing pedestrian crossings are being hit. We need to be patient on the roads and take care of ourselves and others around us. Yes, accidents happen but let’s reduce that number.
Fatigue for those driving long distance is a concern and we need to encourage our team to take regular breaks when driving long distances. If that means they arrive late then so be it. One thing that you could implement it a check in type system where the driver checks into the office, or with another member of team while they are taking a break from driving.
As employers we need to ensure we are passing on the message to our employees that we would rather they be late for the job rather than they don’t turn up at all because they have had an accident on the road. Yes, some accidents are just that, but others are fatal.
Yes, while most of us would say “ yeah we do that” this needs to be reinforced to our teams.
Whether your teams are driving their own cars or company cars take the time to get trained in doing the basic checks on a car.
- Checking the oil
- Fluids
- Tyre pressures knowing how many pound/KPI pressure to have in them.
- Pointing out where the plate is on the door with that information.
- Checking seat belts are not damaged.
- Windscreens are not cracked or chipped.
- Windscreen wipers are operating properly.
- Car lights are operating properly
If the employee is driving a company car get them to submit a motor vehicle checklist form once a week, then you know they are checking the cars. Get photos sent through of any damage so you can get them fixed for them asap.
We all want our employees to arrive and get home each day so please obey the road rules, take your time on the road, and if you’re going to be late to the job then call ahead via handsfree and let the people know at the job you are running late and that you will get there when you can.