Lesson 11: Driver Safety

Objective:

By the end of this training, technicians will understand the critical aspects of driver safety, including the proper use of mobile devices, defensive driving practices, the impact of GPS monitoring on performance, accident procedures, and daily vehicle inspections. Additionally, they will learn how to coordinate with supervisors to ensure routine vehicle maintenance is completed on time.

Overview:

As a pest control technician, your vehicle is an essential tool for performing your job efficiently and safely. Operating the vehicle responsibly ensures not only your safety but also the safety of others on the road and helps maintain the company's professional image. This lesson will cover key areas such as avoiding distracted driving, practicing defensive driving, understanding how GPS data impacts your performance, what to do in the event of an accident, performing daily vehicle inspections, and ensuring routine maintenance is completed.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Avoiding Distracted Driving:

• No Mobile Device Use While Driving: The use of mobile devices while driving is strictly prohibited. This includes texting, calling, or using apps. If you must make or take a call, use a hands-free system or safely pull over before doing so.

• Dangers of Distracted Driving: Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. By focusing entirely on the road, you reduce the likelihood of collisions and ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Company Policy: Any instance of distracted driving will negatively impact your performance evaluation and could result in disciplinary action, including termination.

2. Defensive Driving Practices:

• Always Be Alert: Defensive driving requires staying aware of your surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers. Be especially cautious at intersections, during lane changes, and in high-traffic areas.

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Always keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and others. Use the “3-second rule” to ensure that you have enough time to react in case of sudden stops.

• Adapting to Conditions: Adjust your driving based on road and weather conditions. Drive slower in rain, fog, or snow, and give yourself extra time to stop.

• Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to all posted speed limits and traffic regulations. Defensive drivers also take care to avoid aggressive driving behaviors like rapid acceleration or harsh braking.

• Avoid Unnecessary Backing: Whenever possible, avoid backing up the vehicle. If you must, do so slowly and carefully, using your mirrors and backup cameras.

3. GPS Monitoring and Performance Evaluation:

• How GPS Data is Used: Every Clements vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking. This data helps monitor driving behaviors like speed, braking, acceleration, and overall route efficiency.

• Impact on Performance: GPS data directly influences your performance evaluations. Safe, efficient driving can positively impact your eligibility for bonuses and raises, while risky behaviors may lead to negative evaluations and disciplinary actions.

• Continuous Monitoring: Your driving habits are continuously monitored and form part of your overall job performance. Strive to maintain good driving habits, not only for safety but also to improve your performance metrics.

4. Daily Vehicle Walk-Around:

Conducting a daily inspection of your vehicle ensures it’s in good working condition and prevents accidents caused by mechanical failures. Every day, before you start your route, complete a walk-around inspection.

Sample Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist:

• Tires: Check for proper inflation and inspect for visible damage or wear.

• Brakes: Test the brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.

• Lights: Ensure that all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) are working.

• Windshield and Wipers: Check the windshield for cracks and ensure the wipers are functioning.

• Fluid Levels: Check oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels.

• Mirrors: Ensure mirrors are clean and properly adjusted.

• Horn: Test the horn to ensure it’s working.

• Interior Cleanliness: Make sure the vehicle is clean and organized for clear visibility and safe operation.

• License and Registration: Ensure all documents are up to date and in the vehicle.

Reporting Issues:

• If you identify any issues during the inspection, report them to your supervisor immediately. Do not start your route until any safety concerns are addressed.

• Use the vehicle inspection log to document your daily checks and any issues you find.

5. Routine Vehicle Maintenance:

• Maintenance Schedule: Routine vehicle maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle safe and operational. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks.

• Coordinate with Your Supervisor: Work with your supervisor to ensure that your vehicle receives all necessary maintenance on schedule. If you notice any performance issues, report them so they can be addressed before they become larger problems.

• Preventative Care: Proactively checking and maintaining your vehicle helps prevent costly repairs and downtime due to vehicle malfunctions.

6. What to Do in Case of an Accident:

• Immediate Action: If you are involved in an accident, stop your vehicle immediately in a way that does not block traffic or create additional hazards.

• Check for Injuries: Check if anyone is injured, and if so, call 911 for medical assistance. Provide aid to the best of your ability until help arrives.

• Exchange Information: Exchange vehicle and insurance information with the other party involved. Obtain the year, make, model, plate number, and insurance details of all vehicles involved.

• Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not discuss who is at fault or accept responsibility at the scene. Let law enforcement and insurance handle the assessment of fault.

• Take Photos: If possible, take photos of the accident scene and any damages. These should be forwarded to your supervisor along with your accident report.

• Notify the Company: Contact your direct supervisor or the head office at (772) 562-6450 to report the accident.

• Accident Report Form: Every Clements vehicle has an accident report form in the glove box. Complete this form with as much detail as possible and submit it to your supervisor.

• Involving a Minor: If a minor is involved in the accident, notify their parents or guardian immediately. Stay with the minor until a responsible adult arrives.

Key Standards & Expectations:

1. Avoid Distracted Driving: Do not use mobile devices while driving. Always pull over to make or receive calls.

2. Defensive Driving: Stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and adjust your driving according to road conditions.

3. GPS Monitoring: Understand that your driving habits are tracked and impact your performance evaluations.

4. Daily Vehicle Walk-Around: Perform a daily inspection of your vehicle using the checklist provided. Report any issues immediately.

5. Routine Maintenance: Work with your supervisor to ensure routine maintenance is scheduled and completed.

6. Accident Protocol: In case of an accident, follow the steps outlined, including contacting your supervisor and completing the accident report form.