Checklist for personal security when driving Keep car doors locked in town or city.

. Keep valuables including brief cases etc. out of site when driving and on parking, lock whatever is to be left behind in the boot. Avoid eye contact with other drivers and do not get into personal battles. Keep the car well maintained and with a surplus of fuel for the planned journey or to the next planned rest and refueling point. Use a mobile telephone where possible to keep in contact with the office (but not while actually on the move). Always approach the vehicle with the key in hand, and be aware of people around. Carry a torch (integral with the key if possible) to make the location the lock at night easier. Always lock the car when leaving it with valuables out of sight (preferably in the boot) and look in the back seat before getting in. If you believe that you are being followed, drive to a police station if possible or a crowded place. If anyone stops to confront you, if possible do not stop - in any event keep doors and windows locked and summon help on mobile telephone (if available).

Provide drivers with training on the following subjects:

Speeding Excessive speed (driving too fast for the road and conditions) is a common cause of loss of control. It contributes to about a third of all fatalities. But 'excessive' speed can occur even while driving under the speed limit. Studies show that children may survive a hit at 20 mph but are killed at 30 mph. The Highway Code

gives a clear explanation of the limits for various vehicles and types of road. It also explains the 'Two Second Rule' for judging distance from the car in front. Speed limits should always be strictly followed and, in safety conscious organizations, no driver should be chastised for running late or be forced to go faster to catch up on his schedule. Mobile phones Mobile phones should never be used, while on the move. The Highway Code is unambiguous. It says, 'you MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times'. There is evidence that talking on the telephone detracts from concentration, 'hands free' or not. People who are calling drivers and drivers themselves both need to agree on a policy of not conversing other than a brief, 'if you're driving, call me back'. The Highway Code (backed up by many experts) on the subject of fatigue, advocates stopping on a journey every two hours for 15 minutes. There are few phone calls (other than emergencies) that could not wait that long. Seat belts All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts. The Highway Code is uncompromising. It says plainly, 'You MUST wear a seat belt if one is available'. This applies to all vehicles. Alcohol No company parties, meetings or recreation should ever be organized where alcohol is served and from where people will have to drive. Firms may be neglecting their duty of care if people are drunk and are injured on the way from a company event. Other more general items that could also be covered are map reading and route planning. Tiredness Driver fatigue plays a significant part in up to 25% of vehicle accidents on motorways and other fast roads, according to RoSPA. Falling asleep at the wheel is more likely in the early hours of the morning and at mid-afternoon. Driving while tired is dangerous and an offence so long journeys should not be undertaken after a period of little or no sleep.

Risk arising from driving - precautions to be taken

Situation Poorly maintained vehicle

Risk Accident or breakdown

Precautions All vehicles maintained by manufacturers' approved garage or other suitably trained staff and in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and schedule.

Accidental collision with Poor design to other vehicle, car park pedestrian or structure Security threat to staff, particularly late leavers

Review layout and markings, to achieve best arrangements practical.

Poor lighting to car park

Review and improve lighting. Where appropriate, consider night security guards (where already on site) accompanying lone motorists to their vehicles.

Lengthy driving periods

Tiredness leading Instruct staff to review work planning and to take to accidents suitable rest breaks. 15 mins rest advised every 2Hrs.

Evidence (insurance Continued claims) of injuries/losses high accident rates Driving/visitin g in unknown Insecurity urban area

Consider defensive driving training to make drivers more aware of risks and precautions to be taken. Some drivers who have had accidents in the past.

Keep doors locked whether travelling or stationary, use mobile communications to keep in touch with office etc.

Checklist for vehicle and driving risk assessment

The following items are to be checked routinely by line managers. During assessment of premises check: a) car park (if provided) is in good condition (surfaces, etc.) b) access/egress routes segregate as far as possible vehicle movements from that of pedestrians c) appropriate signage and markings are provided (including speed limits such as 10 m.p.h., warnings of pedestrians), marked pedestrian crossing points, markings/barriers adjacent to access/egress points such as fire exits, delivery bays, etc. d) adequate lighting provided, which may be switched by a low light detector, or by a time-switch, or by movement detectors. During assessment of vehicle arrangements check: e) vehicles are purchased as standard from reputable manufacturers/suppliers f) maintenance arrangements are in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations g) vehicles are subject to appropriate seasonal arrangements, such as checking anti-freeze levels in radiators and water wash bottles in winter h) vehicles are subject to appropriate tests i.e. MOT testing i) link with other requirements such as low boot sills for vehicles used for equipment carriage (manual handling). During assessment of living arrangements check: j) staff allocated/permitted to use vehicles are holders of current licence k) drivers aware of basic precautions to limit risk of accidents, including routine checks on vehicles prior to use, maintenance schedule requirements, need to timetable work to minimise long journeys/long days, appropriate stops during long journeys l) drivers aware of basic precautions to limit consequence of accidents and

breakdown by always using seatbelts, carrying appropriate supplies (for bad winter weather driving etc.), making use of communication arrangements such as mobile telephones m) drivers aware of basic precautions to limit risk of security incidents such as logging movements with office, keeping car doors locked when travelling in urban areas, etc.

n) Please be reminded that, despite its familiarity, driving on the roads is by far the most hazardous activity most of them ever undertake. The precautions outlined should be taken to minimise risk: plan work to minimise driving requirements ensure that the vehicle is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, including specific winter and summer precautions take sensible breaks and seek to avoid overlong days of work and driving follow the personal safety precautions outlined in the Lone Worker arrangements report the development of any health problem which may limit or prevent driving (such as epilepsy) If there is any suspicion of a significant driving problem, further efforts shall be made to reduce risks starting with a process of reassessment by the manager.