In certain job roles, driving is a crucial requirement. Whether you are a sales representative, a delivery partner, or a driver in a cab service company, having driving skills is essential. However, regardless of your driving skills, if you are not cautious on the road or do not follow road safety guidelines and some common tips, the chances of getting involved in an accident are high.
Why is driving safety important?
Here are five reasons why driving safety should be your utmost priority.
- Driving safety helps reduce the chances of serious or fatal road accidents. Every time a driver follows traffic rules, maintains a safe speed, and stays attentive, the risk of collisions drops significantly.
- Unsafe driving can lead to heavy financial burdens, including vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and legal penalties.
- When you drive safely, you ensure that vulnerable road users such as motorists and pedestrians are not harmed.
- Insurers track your driving history before offering coverage and deciding the premium for own damage cover. If they found no record of accident and damage, the premium will be lower at the time of renewal.
- Frequent hard braking, sudden acceleration, or aggressive steering can quickly wear down vehicle parts. Safe driving promotes smoother handling and reduces strain on the engine, brakes, tyres, and suspension. This results in fewer breakdowns and reduced maintenance costs.
Driving safety tips for employees
While commuting to or returning from the office, many advise avoiding alcohol and drugs. Other driving safety messages to employees, you must not skip are detailed below:
- Before taking your car out for a drive, check the tyre pressure, engine oil, and coolant levels, and inspect the rear and brake lights.
- Even if your office is just a kilometre away and you are driving at a very low speed, always wear your seatbelt.
- While driving, strictly avoid using a mobile phone. Even if it is a work-related call, park your car on the side of the road before responding.
- Always adhere to the speed limit set for different areas. If you are using a car provided by your employer, a speed monitoring tool may be installed, or a maximum speed limit restriction may be in place.
- If you are feeling fatigued, avoid driving. Fatigue can delay reaction times and impair judgment, similar to alcohol. You may also experience micro-sleep while driving, which lasts only seconds but can result in a fatal accident.
The role of group health insurance in driving safety for employees
If your organisation offers group medical insurance or a workmen’s compensation insurance policy, here is how it ensures the safety of drivers:
- Group health insurance policies provide a cashless treatment facility across network hospitals. This allows you to get immediate medical care without worrying about arranging funds.
- If an accident occurs while you are on duty, the insurer will cover hospitalisation and treatment costs. These costs include emergency medical procedures, surgeries, and follow-up care.
- Mental health is often overlooked in driving-related safety. Long hours behind the wheel, traffic stress, tight schedules, and isolation can lead to anxiety, burnout, or depression. Group health cover these days covers expenses related to mental health counselling.
Conclusion
Prioritising driving safety is crucial for all employees who operate vehicles as part of their job. By following road safety guidelines and adopting proactive measures, such as regular vehicle checks and avoiding distractions, employees can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. This not only promotes physical well-being but also helps in avoiding financial burdens.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.