Vehicle and Driving Safety

www.safetygoodwe.com 

SAFETY TALK 

Vehicle & Driving Safety

The organisation should impement safety rules apply to drivers of vehicles supplied by organisation or Hired and vehicles operated by contractors or others on company premises. Drivers of vehicles are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, particularly in relation to speed.

Before You Can Drive

1. Have in your possession a valid Government (Work Country) driver’s license.
2. Immediately report any changes in license status or ability to drive to your supervisor.
3. Complete and pass the Driver training program. 
4. Complete the Driver refresher training program within the period required.

Preparing to Drive

1. Perform a 360-degree walkaround before getting into the vehicle.
2. Inspect the vehicle’s safety equipment (e.g., spare tire, jack, and wrench) before using the vehicle and on a monthly basis.
3. Check vehicle fluids (e.g., radiator coolant, oil, brake fluid) on a monthly basis.
4. Maintain a valid organisation inspection tag on the vehicle.
5. Service and repair all motor vehicles according to organisation and the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
6. Report any unsafe conditions or damage to the vehicle immediately.
7. Inspect and maintain tire pressure per the manufacturer’s specifications.

While Driving

1. Comply with all applicable laws and traffic requirements.
2. Observe speeds in accordance with posted speed limits and driving conditions.
3. Wear seat belts at all times and ensure that all passengers wear seat belts.
4. Do not use a mobile phone, eat, or drink while driving.
5. Do not operate a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants or medications that can cause impairment.
6. Do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s design load capacity when transporting materials. Secure and tie down loads and ensure trailers have operating brakes and taillights.
7. Do not transport passengers in the rear of pickups or on truck beds.
8. Transport only authorized personnel in Saudi Aramco vehicles.
9. Set the parking or emergency brake when the vehicle is parked. Do not leave vehicles unattended while the engine is running.
10. Turn off the engine while refueling vehicles. Do not use portable electrical devices, including mobile phones.
11. Report motor vehicle accidents that occur on company premises or project sites to Organisation Operations department. 
12. Inform your supervisor immediately of an accident or moving violation after meeting with organisation and report police requirements.
13.  Stay at the scene of any incident and only move the vehicle (after a collision) when released or directed to do by police representative.

Remote Area/Off-Road Driving

1. Complete off-road driving training prior to operating a vehicle in a remote area or off-road.
2. Maintain any off-road vehicle in good condition and maintain equipment in the vehicle per organisation requirements, including:
• Compass and/or global positioning system (GPS) unit and appropriate maps.
• Adequate spare fuel and oil.
• Communication equipment.
• Tools and equipment for emergency use (shovel, sand boards, rope, shackles, etc.) and two spare tires.
• Food and drinking water.
• Materials to create shade.
3. Inform your direct supervisor of the destination, route, and expected time of return.
4. Stay with the vehicle if lost or stranded in the desert.

Driving Safety:-  

1. Inspect your vehicle every day before driving. Include checking engine and hydraulic oils, tire pressure, other engine fluids, clean windows, clean headlights and taillights, etc. 
2. Obey local traffic roles and speed limits on streets and highways. Remember that it is not the target and slow down when traffic condition dictates; as in jam traffic, high wind, sandstorm, fog and heavy rain. 
3. Do not adapt or copy wrong practices; such as run through red lights, use the shoulder for over taking. Just because other people doing it does not make the practice safe. 
4. Focus your central vision, but for clear control keep your eye moving to scan the road from side to side every tow seconds, passing by the mirrors every 5 to10 seconds. 
5. On unpaved roads, or diversions roads, do not exceed the reduced rated speed limit. Remember it takes longer to stop on wet, dirt and gravel than it does on dry pavement. 
6. NEVER drive through hydrocarbon oil pool your vehicle may side and loos control. Exhaust manifold on the vehicle can ignite the oil fume can result in catastrophe. 
7. Use wisely your vehicle indicators while manoeuvre through traffic, but remember to cancel the signal when you finish.
8. Always wear your seat belt. A seat belt can save your life and prevent serious injuries. This includes all passengers where seat belts are provided.

Driving — A full time Job

Here are some shocking facts of recent statistics on traffic accidents:

• Every year, more people are killed in traffic accidents than in wars !
• One out of every three person gets involved in an accident in his life !
• In world one person is killed / Serious Inhury every minutes in a traffic accident !

These facts are so alarming; they tell us how important traffic safety is. Following are some of the major causes that lead to an accident.

• Over speeding. 
• Violating traffic signs. 
• Unsafe driving habits. 
• Defective vehicles / tires.
• Sleepy / tired drivers.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs.

Check the following list of unsafe driving habits. If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you are prone to an accident !

• Do you race with other cars ?
• Do you change tracks frequently without signaling?
• Do you speed up and try to cross yellow signal lights ? 
• Do you try to punish other drivers for their mistakes ?
• Do you divert your attention to other activities like using mobile phones etc ?

It is time to change your driving habits !

If driving is part of your daily activities, follow these steps;

• Use seat belt at all times
• Always drive within the safe speed limits.
• Do not drive when you are sleepy or tired.
• Do not drive after taking strong medicines that may cause drowsiness.
• Be familiar with the maintenance of your vehicle and keep it well maintained . 0 Monitor the condition and pressure of your tyres — particularly in summer.
• Give full attention to driving. Avoid using mobile phones, tuning radio, playing with children, talking to other passengers etc. while driving.

 Here are two incidents occurred in one of our refineries years ago.

• A driver parked his car by the side of the road and went for some job. He ignored to use hand brake. His pick-up started rolling down the slope road took it’s own directions, run into one unit and hit against a fuel gas line. Thanks to god, the unit was down and the line was blinded. Otherwise it would’ve turned into a disaster.
• A serious explosion occurred causing damage to vehicle and injury to people when a person started his car, which was parked near a unit. A fuel —air mixture already existed in the area, and the sparks produced by the starter motor ignited it causing the explosion.

Despite all warnings and precautions, vehicle accidents inside refineries are increasing at an alarming rate. Remember the following rules and try to create better awareness about safe driving practices in the refinery.

1. Vehicles without spark arrestors are not permitted inside the refineries.
2. Make sure there is sufficient fuel, and the condition of the vehicle is good, to avoid any breakdowns near plant area.
3. Obey speed limits and traffic signs inside the refinery.
4. ‘STOP’ sign means the vehicle shall come to a complete stop before proceeding.
5. Safety belts to be worn at all times regardless of distance or speed.
6. Do not assume a safe situation. Always check backside of your vehicle before backing up.
7. Vehicles yield to pedestrian traffic. (Priority to pedestrians.)
8. Keys remain in ignition while vehicles are parked in the non-parking area. 9. Do not jump start any vehicle near plant area.
9. Unattended vehicles should not be left with the engine running.
10. Take entry permit when entering plant area, and inform operator before entering.
11. Avoid vehicle entry at beginning of shut downs as area become more hazardous due to gases released from open vessels and exchangers.

Understanding Load Index and Speed Rating of Tyre for Safe Driving

WHAT IS LOAD INDEX? 

The Load Index of a tyre is a numerical code written on each tyre. It denotes the maximum weight that each tyre of your vehicle can carry at the maximum speed given by the manufacturer. It is generally a two- or three-digit number which represents the load-bearing limit of each tyre. 

What is Tyre Load Index? Understanding Load Index and Speed Rating for Safe Driving 

The load index and speed rating of a tyre are crucial factors for safe driving, and they are prominently displayed on the sidewall of each tyre. It’s imperative to understand these codes to ensure the proper functioning and safety of your vehicle. In this guide, we will delve into the significance of load index and speed rating. 

HOW IS LOAD INDEX DENOTED? 

Suppose you see 99W written on the tyre. 

In this, the first two digits 99 represent the tyre’s load index and the letter W denotes the speed rating of the tyre. Since 99 is the load index, it means that it can carry a weight of 775 kilograms. 

It is mandatory for the load index to be mentioned on all tyres manufactured since 1991, except for Z-tyres. The load index rating can be found mentioned on the sidewall of your tyre between the diameter reading and the speed rating.

SPEED RATING OF A TYRE 

The speed rating of a tyre indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can be driven safely under its approved load capacity. You must use tyres with the right speed rating without which you would be putting lives at risk. 

At high speeds, the wheels turn faster which generates more heat. If you do not use tyres that can cope with the extra heat, the tyres may get damaged, or worse, burst. 

The load index and speed rating together make the service description of the tyre. It is recommended that you know the service description of your tyres whenever you replace the original equipment tyres. You must match or improve the speed rating and load index of your factory tyres even if you don’t plan on pushing the limits. This will help keep you and your vehicle safe

Follow safe driving practices ! Don’t be the one in the statistics !