#6. Operating Vehicles
Step 1: IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS: Let’s look at the hazards associated with Private Motor Vehicle (PMV) operations:
Vehicle crashes associated with:
Weather (rain, slippery roads, and poor visibility)
Road conditions (construction, pavement quality, loose surface material, narrow two-lane roads)
Traffic (tourists and travelers).
Impaired drivers (intoxication, exhaustion)
Animals/Wildlife
Unseen situations
Becoming stranded
Step 2: ASSESS THE RISK: Then assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss and severity:
Severe injury and death may result from any PMV crash associated with the stated hazards.
Being stranded can, and has, cost lives.
Step 3: ANALYZE RISK CONTROL MEASURES: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the associated risk, you should decide on some controls that can be employed to reduce or mitigate the hazards:
Check the weather and drive accordingly. Don’t take chances with summer rain. The roads may become slippery and visibility may be poor
Check for tires tread depth and windshield wiper operation
Drive knowing that you may be slowed by construction, accidents, or for other untold reasons. Keep road rage caged!
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Use a designated driver program. Get plenty of rest before venturing out of town
Drive defensively and be especially cautious on roads you have not previously traveled
Step 4: MAKE CONTROL DECISIONS: Accept the risk, avoid the risk, reduce the risk, or spread the risk. Do not make dumb decisions.
Step 5: RISK CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION: Once you select appropriate controls, use them! A plan is only good if it is followed.
Step 6: SUPERVISE AND REVIEW: As always, the situation is subject to change quickly. Monitor the situation and adjust as necessary to keep things under control. Summer is a great time to have fun and we all deserve a break every now and then. From now on, use risk management to make your summer fun, memorable, and safe. No one wants a summer outing to turn into a tragedy!
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