Work-Related Driving

4 Managing risk factors on the road

The principal and/or their delegate must communicate the following information to employee/s who will be engaging in work-related driving.

4.1 Speed and traffic offences

Employees must drive within the legal speed limit at all times. Drivers should travel at speeds that are safe for the conditions, recognising that in some circumstances such as in rain or fog this may be below the posted speed limit. Consideration should also be given to the potential impact of a collision on road-users who are inherently vulnerable such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.

Employees must report any traffic offences, other than parking offences, they commit while driving government or school vehicles within one week of receiving the Traffic Infringement Notice or summons to their principal or their delegate and/or Shared Service Provider — Car Pool Services.

4.2 Drugs, alcohol and medications

Employees must not consume alcohol and/or drugs while engaging in work-related driving and must comply with drug and alcohol laws at all times.

Employees must take into account before driving, the influence of any medications they may be using that are likely to affect their alertness or driving performance. If in doubt, the employee should seek further clarification from their medical practitioner.

4.3 Use of mobile devices

Employees must have a mobile phone when driving alone outside metropolitan areas. Mobile devices are not to be used while driving.

Note: hands free phone systems also create hazards because they reduce concentration.

Drivers must:

• not initiate or receive phone calls or SMS messages on a hand-held mobile device whilst driving
• pull over and stop the vehicle before initiating or receiving a phone call or SMS message
• restrict use of hands-free kits to emergency communications only.

4.4 Avoiding distractions

Employees should minimise distractions while driving by:

• not eating or drinking while driving
• pre-setting music/radio and climate controls prior to commencing the trip
• ensuring any loose objects are safely stored in the boot of the vehicle
• pulling over to adjust equipment, check maps or attend to personal grooming
• asking passengers to help with tasks e.g. checking map for driver.

4.5 Mandatory wearing of seatbelts

According to the Victorian Road Safety Rules all employees must wear seatbelts at all times and ensure that any passengers are also wearing seatbelts.

4.6 Passenger head count

Drivers must conduct a passenger head count prior to departure to ensure the number of passengers do not exceed the maximum number allowed to safety be carried.

Drivers must not depart if the number of passengers exceeds the maximum number of passengers.