Road Safety and Defensive Driving Guide

 

Safety today for safe trips tomorrow.

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Safe driving, safer roads, better communities.

ISO 39001 IMPLEMENTATION - ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Road Safety and Defensive Driving Guide

Start your trip safely before starting the engine

Defensive driving begins before the vehicle moves; a proper driving position provides better control, and proactive inspection detects defects before they turn into road accidents.

Correct posture
Clear vision
Better control
Safer driving
Headrest at the correct level
$\approx 25$ cm (guideline)
Check all around the vehicle

1 | In-Vehicle Preparation and Control

A - Seat and Pedals:
Adjust the seat before starting and lock it in position.
Be able to press the pedals fully while keeping knees slightly bent.
Sit upright with back and shoulders supported; do not adjust the seat while driving.
B - Headrest and Whiplash Protection:
Raise the headrest so its top is level with the top of your head.
Keep it as close to the back of your head as possible without discomfort.
The correct position minimizes relative head and neck movement in rear-end collisions.
C - Steering Wheel and Airbag:
Hold the steering wheel approximately at 9 and 3 o'clock, with relaxed arms and slightly bent elbows.
Sit as far back as possible while maintaining full control—a guideline distance of at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the center of the steering wheel if possible.
Aim the airbag toward your chest, not your face, and always wear your seatbelt.
Do not place hands inside the steering wheel rim or cross arms over the center of the airbag.
D - Mirrors, Seatbelt, and Controls:
Adjust internal and side mirrors before moving to reduce blind spots.
Fasten the seatbelt low across the hips and across the middle of the chest.
Familiarize yourself with the locations of lights, wipers, signals, and warnings before the trip.
E - Footwear and Clothing:
Wear stable, non-slip shoes that allow you to feel the pedals.
Avoid high heels, smooth soles, and loose or unsecured shoes.

Do not rely on the 10 and 2 position as a modern rule; follow the vehicle manual and approved training instructions.

2 | Pre-Trip Inspection

1. Tires and Wheels: Pressure according to vehicle manual and load, tread depth, cuts and bulges, and spare tire condition.
2. Lights and Signals: Headlights and taillights, brakes, turn signals, warning lights, and reflectors.
3. Glass and Visibility: Cleanliness of glass and mirrors, no damage obstructing vision, wiper efficiency, and washer fluid.
4. Fluids: Engine oil, coolant (when engine is cold), brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid according to the vehicle manual.
5. Brakes and Steering: Pedal response, parking brake, absence of noises or pulling to one side, and steering safety.
6. Leaks and Undercarriage: Check for oil, fuel, coolant, or brake fluid puddles, and any loose parts or visible damage.
7. Cabin and Dashboard: Fuel or charge level, warning lights, horn, doors, seatbelt, and fire extinguisher/first aid kit if required.
8. Cargo and Road: Secure cargo, maintain visibility, review route and weather, and ensure fitness and no fatigue.

Quick Checks & System Applications

60-Second Pre-Movement Check | READY

R - Restraint: Seat, headrest, seatbelt
E - Eyes: Glass, mirrors, vision
A - Air & Around: Tires and vehicle surroundings
D - Dashboard: Fuel, indicators, warnings
Y - Your Fitness: Alertness, no phone, no fatigue

Is the Vehicle Ready?

No critical defects: Document the check and proceed with caution ().
Safety defect or critical warning light: Do not move; report and isolate the vehicle until repaired ().

ISO 39001 Practical Application

Log recurring defects.
Track closure times.
Analyze trends.
Link inspection results to preventive maintenance and driver competency.

Golden Rule: Do not start the trip if vision, tires, brakes, steering, or seatbelts are unsafe.

Prepared driver + Inspected vehicle + Secure cargo + Planned trip = Safer defensive driving.