Over the river and through the woods

Contributed by Norm Nyhuis, Safety Trainer, Evergreen Safety Council
The words to this old song remind us that some of us need to travel during the winter months. Other postings on this and other blog-spots have provided lists of what you should do to get your car ready for wintertime travel. Most of the items on the following list are familiar, but are worth reviewing:

• What is the condition of your tires?
• Do you have “winter tread” type tires, with or without studs?
• Do you have tire chains? Do they fit your car? And, do you know how to safely install and remove them?
• Do you have an adequate concentration of anti-freeze coolant in your car’s radiator?

Typical lists continue to ask about the condition of your windshield wipers, windshield washer solution, are your exterior lights all functional, and so forth. While all of these are great ideas and should be checked, are you aware there is one other check that you should make?

To make the decision as to whether you should even make the trip, or not, we highly recommend you check National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), where you can focus in on a specific city, town or even use a zip code to get the latest conditions and more importantly the latest predictions for the route to, and for your destination. Be prepared, but also be informed, before you start out on that winter trip!

Help Reduce Employee Crashes

Safe habits like buckling up and driving sober and free of distractions are a matter of occupational safety for employees who drive, whether a company vehicle or their own. As employers, you can help save lives on our roadways by providing traffic safety awareness and education programs to your employees. Evergreen has an effective and affordable solution, including general and vehicle-specific driver training, consultation, program development resources and employee materials—and most of them can be customized to fit your specific needs. Before the snow flies again, be sure your employees are prepared!

The best way you can get involved is to offer an onsite defensive driving course for all employees. For more information or to schedule a customized defensive driving program for your employees, contact Stephanie Dyck @ 800-521-0778.