Defensive driving for government employees

In a recent 10-year period, 6,455 government employees were fatally injured at work, approximately half from vehicle accidents, the leading cause. Anyone who drives a government vehicle for a municipal, state or federal government should practice defensive driving to prevent accidents or lessen their severity.

Defensive driving starts with a full understanding of the vehicle, which differs from a personal car. Drivers should know where all the controls are located and how to operate them.

Drivers should know the rules of the road and be familiar with all road signs, which vary by state.

Drivers should operate their vehicles safely by holding the wheel in the 8-4 position. On the road, they should keep a safe distance from vehicles by following the three second rule (longer than three seconds in inclement weather). They should avoid speeding; pass carefully while being aware of the blind spots when switching lanes; and avoid distractions, such as cell phones, which are illegal to use while driving in some states.

When skidding, drivers shouldn’t panic. They should gently pump on the breaks and steer in the direction of the skid to keep the vehicle on the road.

By following these defensive driving techniques, government employees can operate their vehicles safely and avoid accidents.