NIOSH How to Prevent Driving Related Injuries

A fact sheet with tips to prevent vehicle related injuries specifically geared for home healthcare workers but also useful for other employees.

Driving from client to client, home healthcare workers are at high risk for motor vehicle-related injuries. Distracted driving, aggressive driving, lack of seatbelt use, driving while tired or after having used alcohol or drugs, poor weather conditions, and poorly maintained vehicles can all contribute to motor vehicle-related injuries.

EMPLOYERS SHOULD

• Set and enforce mandatory seatbelt use policies.
• Ensure that no worker is assigned to drive on the job if he or she does not have a valid driver’s license. The license should be appropriate for the type of vehicle to be driven.
• Choose fleet vehicles that offer the highest possible levels of occupant protection in the event of a crash.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of workers’ driving performance. In addition to driver’s license checks for prospective employees, periodic rechecks after hiring are critical.
• Incorporate training on fatigue management and…