National Safety Month: Roadway Safety

At Nationwide Boiler, safety is a core value that extends beyond our facilities and job sites—it also applies to the roadways we travel every day. This week, we’re emphasizing the importance of roadway safety, recognizing that whether delivering equipment, visiting customer sites, or commuting to and from work, our employees and partners spend a significant amount of time on the road. Roadways connect us to opportunity, but without vigilance and responsibility, they can pose serious risks. 

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 million people lose their lives in traffic-related incidents each year, with millions more injured. Many of these tragedies are preventable. By staying alert and committed to safe driving practices, we can help protect not only ourselves but everyone we share the road with.

Common Causes of Roadway Accidents

Understanding what leads to traffic-related accidents is the first step toward prevention. Most road incidents aren’t just random and are the result of preventable behaviors or conditions. Some common causes include:

1. Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or anything that diverts attention.
2. Speeding: Driving faster than the posted limit or too fast for conditions.
3. Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times.
4. Fatigue: Tired drivers are less alert and slower to respond.
5. Poor weather: Rain, fog, snow, and ice create hazardous conditions.
6. Ignoring traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs.

Tips for Safer Roads

1. Know the Three Second Rule: The “three second-plus” rule means maintaining at least a three second following distance behind the vehicle in front when driving in ideal conditions. This distance gives you enough time to react and stop safely. However, when conditions worsen, bad weather, heavy traffic, or poor road surfaces, you should add extra seconds for each hazard.
    
2. Don’t Drive Drowsy: If you find yourself struggling to stay focused, forgetting parts of your drive, or missing signs, you may be driving drowsy. Watch warning signs like heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, drifting lanes, or inconsistent speeds. If you notice these, pull over safely to rest, stretch, or have some caffeine before continuing your trip.
    
3. Tire Safety: Check your tire pressure and tread at least once a month to stay safe on the road. Use the recommended PSI from your car’s door sticker or manual and make sure your tread depth isn’t worn below safe. Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire, rotate tires regularly, and watch out for damage after hitting curbs or potholes.
    
4. Obey Traffic Laws: Always obey traffic laws to help keep yourself and others safe on the road. This includes coming to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, obeying posted speed limits, using turn signals before turning or changing lanes, and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles when required.
    
5. Stay Focused and Buckled: Buckle up every time you drive and keep your phone out of reach. Seat belts are your first line of defense in a crash and significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. At the same time, distracted driving caused by phone use is one of the leading causes of roadway accidents. Make it a habit to buckle up, put the phone away, and protect yourself and everyone around you.
    
6. Clear Driver Policy: Create a clear driver safety policy that includes seat belt use, bans on cellphone and substance use, and crash reporting procedures no matter the severity. Always screen drivers for work purposes by checking licenses and driving records, even if they’re using personal vehicles for work.

Roadway safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, respect, and care from every person on the road. By understanding common risks and following simple but effective safety tips, we can all help reduce accidents and save lives. To learn more about roadway safety and other important safety tips, visit the National Safety Council’s website at nsc.org.

Stay tuned for another safety topic next week as we celebrate National Safety Month!