RMG Driver Safety WTLL Briefing W/C 13/12/21 – ‘Driver Distraction‘

RMG Driver Safety WTLL Briefing W/C 13/12/21 – ‘Driver Distraction‘:

The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager‎ has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national road safety briefing/huddle week commencing Monday 13 December about ‘driving distractions’ which will be supported by a slide on the RMTV screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers.

RMG have apologised regarding the short notice due to other current pressing matters.

Driver Distraction Study Results‎:

A recent driver distraction survey found the most common distracting activities were reported as:

Lack of concentration on driving 72%
Adjusting/setting in-vehicle‎ equipment 68%
Outside people, objects or events 58%
Talking to passengers 40%

‎Report Conclusion:

20% or one fifth of RTCs are attributed to driver distraction!

Key Messages in Next Week’s RMG Briefing:

Think about what distracts you when driving. How can you avoid that from happening?

A few tips to help you avoid some of the most common distractions:

Put your phone away – there is no safe way to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Even hands-free use creates an auditory and cognitive distraction and studies show that the risks to safety are the same. Royal Mail policy prohibits any use of mobile phones whilst driving, including hands-free. Turn it off, or to silent, and put it out of sight.
Mail in the cab – ever put mail on the dashboard? How does that affect visibility? Tried reading an address whilst driving? What if a pedestrian stepped out in that moment? Only put mail in the driver seat in a MB44 pouch.
Turn the radio down – it’s ok to play music at a reasonable volume. But if it’s too loud, or if you use earphones then you will miss auditory clues about hazards – maybe the sound of children playing, a shouted warning, or a siren in the distance. Top Tip – when reversing, lower your window a little to improve your hearing.
Sat Nav – knowing where you are going can help you to focus attention on your safe driving, just make sure you programme it before you set off.
Top Tip – Commentary Drive – as you are driving try speaking out loud, saying what hazards you see and how you are reacting. This is a great technique to improve your observation and anticipation, and it requires your full concentration. If you are struggling to keep up with everything going on, reduce your speed.

Fact Sheets and Further Advice

See attached Driver Distraction Fact Sheet from RoSPA.

Further advice, including how to ‘Stay sharp while you’re behind the wheel’ and a short video on ‘Driver Distractions – What to watch out for’ can be found on the AA website using this link:

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/driver-distractions

ASR Action

Would ASRs support the briefing and ensure its delivered in all Units and cascade information.

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