Posted in Defensive Driving, Safety

Do you need a driving policy or vehicle policy?

If you are in need of a driving policy read this article, it will help you when making decision about staff safety and driving in the NT.  The Vehicle Policy must have a Purpose.

1. Train Safe NT is committed to providing safe systems of work and aims to maintain all vehicles at a high standard for both transport and training purposes.  2. Train Safe NT aims to do this through ensuring compliance with road regulations, optimum vehicle and equipment maintenance and managing fatigue.

Driving - The driver will not exceed 120km per hour on sealed roads. The driver will not exceed 90km per hour on unsealed dirt roads. The driver will respond to climatic conditions and weather and drive even more slowly.  If the worker is unwell and driving may be affected the worker will contact the Director to discuss alternative options.

Communication - Train Safe NT will ensure there is a sufficient communication system in place.  All workers on arrival at a remote destination will phone or email the Director to say they have arrived. Prior to leaving the remote community all workers will phone or email the Director to say they are leaving the destination.  The driver is responsible for making contact with the Director or designated person to advise of their whereabouts and communicate any changes to course.  Extreme care will be taken when making water crossings. The driver will consider indicators, type of vehicle and hazards where there is an indicator.

Maintenance - All vehicles are serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule.  The driver will report any vehicle malfunctions or faults to the Director.  The Director will ensure that any significant malfunctions or faults are responded to within a reasonable time frame.

Accidents - Where a vehicle under the control of a Train Safe NT worker is involved in a crash, regardless of fault or otherwise, immediately following a crash the driver will stop the vehicle (a) ascertain injuries to any persons (b) render any practical assistance (c) where possible make the scene safe for other road users and (d) be wary of fallen power lines or other hazards.  The driver will complete an incident report as soon as reasonably possible and send to the Director.

Laws - Workers will comply with all applicable laws.  Workers will comply with no smoking in vehicles. Vehicles are not to be driven by anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance.  No worker or student is to commence work/training, or return to work/training while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Fatigue - The driver will not drive fatigued.  There should be no more than 9 hours driving in any 24 hour period.  There will be a 20 minute rest period on completion of 3 hours driving.  Where the driving is shared the driver shall drive no more than one 3 hour period.  All efforts will be made to avoid driving at night. If driving at night is unavoidable the driver will reduce the speed of the vehicle.

I hope this helps to ensure that your workers are safer.  James Gorrie has been driving on remote roads for 20 years.  4X4 courses