Traffic-related accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for workers in the country. As our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys have been discussing recently, the National Safety Council (NSC) is raising awareness about the leading causes of unintentional injuries on the job through National Safety Month.
During the last week of the campaign, from June 24th through the 30th, officials focused on workers who sit behind the wheel. Driving is actually one of the most dangerous tasks that each of us will do each day, whether it’s for work or for pleasure. The NSC is here to reveal some important safety tips that can help to eliminate the risks for these kinds of accidents.About 25 percent of all car accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere are the result of a driver being on a cell phone. Many companies across the United States have enacted cell phone policies in their workplace to keep driving employees from being distracted by mobile devices. These policies are in place to protect the employee and to help to reduce the risks of accidents. Drivers are asked to place their cell phone on silent, to turn it off, to put it in the back seat or to store it in the glove box while traveling. Keeping your phone out of sight and out of mind will help to reduce the temptations of using it while in the driver’s seat.
Safety officials also encourage drivers to change their cell phone’s voicemail to alert callers that they may have missed their call because they were driving. If you must take a phone call, or even make one, you’re urged to pull over, bring your car to a stop and then continue doing so.
More Safety Tips for Driving Employees:
-Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts can help to determine who will walk away from an accident and who will not. Make sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled in.
-Avoid taking medications that can alter your abilities behind the wheel. Many medications and even over-the-counter prescriptions can hinder your ability to drive.
-Make sure you know where you are going and how you’re going to get there before you start the car.
-Keep your emotions in line. If you’re feeling frustrated or agitated, be sure that you don’t take it out on other motorists.
-Never tailgate other drivers. Treat others and you would like to be treated.
-Use your horn sparingly.
Safe driving habits aren’t only a way to help to reduce the risks of a job-related accident, they’re a way to help keep our friends, families and neighbors safe.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a work-related accident in Atlanta or in any of the nearby areas, contact the Georgia Worker’s Compensation Attorneys at J. Franklin Burns, P.C. to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 404-920-4708 .
