Staying Safe on the Roads.This year, the National Safety Council (NSC) celebrates 30 years of observing June as National Safety Month. 

This is a time to re-evaluate safety procedures to prevent injuries by reconnecting to safety initiatives highlighting leading causes of preventable death and injury and focusing on ways to lead safer lives in the workplace and at home. June 7th begins Week Two of National Safety Month.

Week Two's theme is Staying Safe on the Roads: Safe roads begin with safe choices. 

On average, nine people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes, according to Injury Facts. 

Staying safe on the roads encompasses safe driving choices which include focusing all attention on the road while driving. 

Safe driving choices can include putting all attention as a driver on the road by stowing away cell phones, not eating or putting on makeup while driving, pulling off to the side of the road if lost or if an emergency call must be made and not engaging with drivers exhibiting road rage. Staying safe on the roads can also include refreshing your knowledge of the rules of driving in a particular city, state or country.

Additionally, employers can implement safe driving policies for workers. Such driving policies should include employees:

  • Never use handheld or hands-free mobile electronic devices or voice features in vehicles while operating a motor vehicle.
  • Turn on the “Do Not Disturb” feature on smartphones and other mobile devices. If the feature is not available, turn off or silence mobile devices to prevent distraction.
  • Pull over to a safe place out of traffic lanes and put the vehicle in “Park” if a call or text must be made.
  • Inform clients, associates and business partners of this company policy to explain why calls, texts or emails may not be returned immediately.
  • Program any global positioning system (GPS), music device, or dashboard/voice infotainment system prior to departing. If adjustments are needed while driving, pull over to a safe place out of traffic lanes and put the vehicle in “Park” to make the appropriate adjustment.

The NSC has sample Distracted Driving Policy templates employers can download and utilize.

For more ways to participate in National Safety Month, go to https://www.nsc.org.