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The Proper Vehicle and Seatbelt Safety Guide from STC

At STC, we believe that it’s essential to do everything as safely as possible. From driving to work in the morning to driving on the job, safety plays an important role in proper vehicle function. No matter when or where you are going, you need to remember to use a seatbelt. Here’s what you need to know about proper seatbelt safety from the team at STC:

National Seatbelt Day

In honor of National Seatbelt Day being this month, we are making a heavy emphasis on the importance of wearing your seatbelt when a car is operational. No matter where you are or where you’re going, there’s a safe way to get there and that always includes a seatbelt. You never know when something unexpected will happen on the road so always be sure everyone in your car is always wearing a seatbelt. There’s never a safe time to not wear your seatbelt. 

The Dangers of Driving

Commercial safe driving is imperative for maintaining workplace safety. In 2019 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives while speeding took the lives of ​​9,378 people, more than 26% of those involved in automotive fatalities. Always remember to keep your attention on the road while following posted traffic precautions to potentially save yourself and others from adding to these statistics in the future. You never know when a seatbelt could save your life.

Wearing Seatbelts On the Job

Much like cars, when you are operating heavy equipment, you will need to utilize the safety of a seatbelt as well. Avoiding injuries while on the job is essential to construction equipment safety, and following basic safety training procedures will keep you injury-free. Board the equipment by maintaining three points of contact and never jump into or out of the cab, especially once it’s in operation. Also, always wear seatbelts so you’re not knocked around or flung from the cab in an accident. When working, stay aware of your surroundings. Every safety procedure is important!

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for seatbelt safety, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help keep you prepared for any situation. Want to learn more about keeping your employees safe from potential dangers? Check out our blog!

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The Importance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month with STC

At STC, we are not only committed to keeping you safe on the job site, but also on the road. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which has quickly become one of the deadliest epidemics on our roads. In the age of technology, there are countless distractions that could lead to potentially fatal accidents. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping safe on the road during Distracted Driving Awareness Month from the safety experts at STC:

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Each year, we celebrate Distracted Driving Awareness Month to bring attention to the importance of driving safely. In 2019 alone, 3,142 people died behind the wheel due to distracted driving. This is a problem that not only affects the driver, but also passengers, other drivers and pedestrians who have no way to defend themselves from an oncoming vehicle. 

The Extent of Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is more than just using your cell phone while driving. Whether it’s eating at the wheel, managing a navigation app or trying to store loose items in your vehicle, there are a large number of distractions that many people do not even consider. Basically, if you are doing anything in your vehicle that takes your attention away from the road, you are distracted. 

Driving Safety Tips from STC

As always, it’s crucial that you keep your eyes on the road at all times. This means saving that text for later, picking music before entering the vehicle and storing loose items before hitting the road. You never know when someone in front of you may hit their brakes or an animal may run into the middle of the road. It’s best practice to keep your attention on the road, always. 

No matter how you choose to protect yourself and others from traffic accidents caused by distracted driving, STC is always here to help your employees understand what it takes to stay safe. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation, on the road and on the job site. Want to learn more about how STC can benefit your business? Check out our blog today!

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Focusing Our Attention on Transportation Safety in Time for Back to School

As children and teenagers all across the nation start going back to school, it’s important to remember that practicing transportation safety can potentially save their lives. More people are starting to travel on similar schedules, creating traffic and other transportation problems that can be dangerous if not handled appropriately. Here’s everything you need to know about transportation safety in time for back to school from the experts at STC: 

Why Transportation Safety is So Important 

Even with massively reduced traffic due to the pandemic, there were still 400 vehicle crashes in school zones in the state of Texas in 2020. Those accidents resulted in 11 serious injuries and a large number of minor injuries. In 2019, there were 765 vehicle crashes in school zones in Texas, resulting in one death and 15 serious injuries. This is why transportation safety is so important. 

Our Favorite Driving Safety Tips 

As with any other time of the year, it’s important to always understand your surroundings when operating a motor vehicle. During the school year, there is an increase in traffic before and after school, with a large increase in the number of busses transporting students to and from school. It is crucial for drivers to stay vigilant of their surroundings by understanding how school zones may have deviated from years prior, and always understanding where children may be crossing the streets. 

More Back to School Safety Tips 

No matter the situation, a phone call or text message is never more important than the lives of those around you. Put your phone away, or on do not disturb, when operating a motor vehicle to ensure that you are not tempted to look away from the road for even a second, especially in school zones. Since bus stops or parent pick-up lines are usually located next to main roads, it is crucial to keep an eye out for any children that may dart across the road unexpectedly. 

No matter how you choose to remain vigilant of transportation safety for back to school, STC is always here to help keep you informed. We host a wide variety of safety-based content on our website that is designed to keep people safe on the job, at home and on the road. Want to learn more about transportation safety from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

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Top 5 Driving Safety Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

At STC, we believe that preserving human life means creating awareness around all aspects of workplace safety. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we will be highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and five of our favorite driving safety tips. Here is what you need to know about keeping your employees safe behind the wheel at work from the experts at STC:

1. Save Your Cell Phones for Emergencies Only

According to recent data, nearly 390,000 injuries, and 1 out of 4 car accidents, occur each year from texting and driving. Even something as simple as a phone call can take your eyes off the road for up to 5 seconds. To keep yourself and others safe on the road, limit cell phone usage to emergencies only. This will allow you to focus on the road to make quick, potentially life-saving decisions.

2. Drowsy Driving is More Dangerous Than You Think

Falling asleep at the wheel is far more common than most people think. After a long shift on the job or an early morning commute, drowsy driving can easily turn into asleep at the wheel. Up to 37% of U.S drivers have reported falling asleep while driving, so if this happens to you, pull over. You are much safer taking a quick nap in your car while parked than driving while drowsy.

3. Store Loose Gear Before Hitting the Road

When you are on the job, it is common to store loose work materials in your car during transport. If these materials are not secured properly, they will move around in your car causing distractions for the driver. Storing loose gear in a safe space where it will not move around is a simple way to ensure that you are not distracted or losing focus while driving.

4. Make Adjustments Before You Start Driving

Since many companies require employees to share the same work vehicles, it is easy for mirror and seat positions to need adjustments when you get in the car. To keep yourself safe while driving, it is essential that you make these adjustments before driving. Simply check mirrors, seat positions and GPS before starting your car to save yourself some trouble on the road.

5. Teach All Employees Driving Safety Tips

Lastly, it is critical that every employee that enters a company vehicle is trained on your company-mandated driving safety tips. These driving safety tips can save your lives and prevent your company from receiving legal trouble from improper training. You can create simple checkpoints for employees to ensure that all necessary safety measures are followed.

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is here to help you implement every precaution you need for every situation. Our safety consulting services and instructor-led safety trainings are designed to make preserving human life simple. Want to learn more about keeping employees safe on the job? Check out the STC blog today!

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