Driving Policy

Introduction

The royal society for the prevention of accidents (ROSPA) states:

"Between 800 and 1000 people are being killed annually in work related road traffic accidents as opposed to some 450 fatalities which are currently being notified annually under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)"

and - "Levels of risk of fatality faced by those covering significant distances annually by car or van in the course of their work are the same risk of accidental death as workers in acknowledged high-risk sectors such as construction, agriculture or quarrying. Those covering 25,000 miles per annum for their work by car are close to tolerable levels of risk described in HSE’s seminal risk document, 'Reducing risks, protecting people' (R2P2)"

In the light of the above and given the number of miles travelled by JCP consultants the JCP Board has put together the following Driving Policy, which you are required to observe when undertaking work on behalf of JCP.

Driver Health and Fitness to Drive

  • Never under any circumstances attempt to drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Should you need to take prescribed or over the counter drugs you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the drugs do not have side effects, which may affect your ability to drive safely.
  • If at anytime you feel too tired or unfit to continue a journey find a safe place to pull of the road and take a break and if necessary arrange overnight accommodation. Similarly if at the end of the working day you feel too tired or unfit to embark on a journey to a next appointment or home arrange overnight accommodation. In both these instances reasonable hotel costs will be met by JCP.
  • All drivers should undertake eye tests at least every two years.

Use of Mobile Telephones Whilst Driving

  • If you need to use a mobile telephone find a safe place to stop and make your calls.
  • Never use a hand held telephone whilst driving.
  • Only use a "Hands Free" mobile telephone whilst driving if it is safe to do so.

Insurance

  • Insurance should be fully comprehensive and cover you for the purpose of business travel.

Vehicle Maintenance

  • Cars should be regularly serviced and as a minimum in accordance with recommendations set down by the manufacturer.
  • All vehicles over three years old should have an MOT certificate.
  • In addition to regular servicing you should undertake regular checks of your vehicle in respect of the condition of tyres, brakes, oil, water, wipers, seat belts, lights, windows and mirrors. (JCP or its clients may require you to self certify that such checks are carried out).

Breakdowns

  • You should be a member of a reputable motoring organisation such as the AA or RAC.
  • If you break down in an urban area or on an A or B road, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
  • If you break down on a motorway:
    • Leave your vehicle on the hard shoulder as far to the left as possible.
    • If possible exit the vehicle by the passenger door and move from the vehicle as far up the grass verge or behind the crash barrier as possible.
    • It is best to use the roadside emergency telephone as the emergency services can locate you more easily. Emergency phones are located at one-mile intervals and a small red, white and blue marker post will indicate the direction of the nearest phone. However, irrespective of the nearest phone it is actually safer to walk towards the traffic.
    • If you are using a mobile phone you should dial 999 and quote the unique number on the nearest red, white and blue marker post.

Emergency Planning

  • You are advised to carry in your car the following items in your:-
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Warning triangle
    • Torch (and batteries)
    • First aid kit
    • Map
    • Coat
    • Bottle of water.

Lone Working

It is advisable to do the following for all journeys BUT IMPERATIVE if your route takes you off the "beaten track" i.e. away from motorways and major roads where mobile telephones may not work.

  • Advise a family member, friend or colleague of your travel plans including the route and estimated time of arrival etc. and arrange to call them when you arrive safely.
  • If you are delayed and can use a telephone safely let your family friend or colleague know and advise a revised time of arrival.
  • Ensure that family and friends have contact details of at least one JCP Director who they can call if you do not confirm arrival at the designated time.

Compliance

You may be required by JCP and or its clients to verify that you are compliant with the above for example you may be requested to provide documentary evidence with regard to insurance or servicing or in the case of regular checks to your vehicle you may be required to self certify.

For Further Information

Please contact David Maxwell if you

  • Feel you are unable to comply with the above.
  • Have any questions
  • Have any ideas about how we can improve safety for others and ourselves on the road.

Review Date

This policy will be reviewed in October 2004.

Signed David Maxwell
Director JCP

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