Road Journey Management Policy
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All road journeys undertaken by any PacMarine employee in the conduct of business in areas identified as high-risk must be managed to ensure that action is taken to mitigate the risks.
· Road journeys should only be undertaken where deemed necessary for the achievement of business objectives and after any safer journey options have been excluded (e.g. air, rail etc.).
· Temporary hazards should be recognized and drivers informed on a timely basis, appropriateness of the route should be reviewed.
· On controlled sites, driving safety rules and regulations should be followed.
· The vehicle must be maintained as per the manufacturer’s requirements and tires should have
proper pressure and should be in good condition.
· Effective seat belts should be available for all passengers and driver.
· Drivers do not exceed the speed limit or safe driving speed.
· Drivers MUST NOT use mobile phones, with or without ear piece/ hands free or other devices that can distract their attention.
· Unauthorized passengers are not allowed into the vehicles.
· The Driver should hold a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle driven and should not be
on probation. The license should be produced on demand.
Night driving
Night driving will only be undertaken if it is absolutely necessary. Driving at night is more of a challenge than many people think. It's also more dangerous. Why is night driving so dangerous? One
obvious answer is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised after sundown.
Older drivers have even greater difficulties seeing at night. A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year old.
Another factor adding danger to night driving is fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.
Traffic crashes that include at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 g/dl or greater account for about 32% of total traffic fatalities. That makes weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on weekend nights than at any other
time in the week.
Fortunately, you can take several effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive.
The MSS recommends the following:
• Prepare your car for night driving. Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows (inside and out) once a week, more often if necessary.
• Have your headlights properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue.
• Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision.
• If there is any doubt, turn your headlights on. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.
Winter Driving
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· Get the proper amount of rest before starting the journey, it reduces driving risks.
· Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
· Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
· Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
· Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
· If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
· Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
· Always look and steer where you want to go.
· Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
· Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas.
Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
· Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by an approved auto repair facility.
· Pack a cellular telephone, blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
· If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
· Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
· Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
· Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could
cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
· Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
· If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
Factors to be considered when planning the road journey.
Road Condition
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· Is the road surface hard surfaced (e.g. bitumen, concrete) or gravel?
· How many lanes are there?
· How well is it maintained?
Road Shoulder
· Is it ample width?
· Is it hard or soft?
· Are safety guards/railings installed where appropriate?
Journey Timing and Duration
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· Is the route unsafe at particular hours of the day (e.g. night time or during
peak hours)?
· Is there appropriate access to off the road rest stops or overnight lodging?
· Is it a holiday? (particularly in countries where fasting is practiced)
· Has sufficient time been allowed to complete the journey within the required hours, at safe speeds and with appropriate rest breaks?
Terrain
· Is it flat, hilly or mountainous?
Climate
· What are the effects of rain, snow/ice or fog on the route?
· Is the route prone to flooding?
Visibility
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· Is it good or bad?
· Is it reduced by the sun rising or setting?
· Are hazard warning signs used appropriately?
· Can intersecting roads and rail crossings be identified within adequate reaction time?
· Is there adequate street lighting?
Security
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· Is there a threat of hijacking or terrorism?
· Does any portion of the route fall in sensitive security zones, where additional measures need to be taken?
Traffic Density
· Is it light, medium or heavy?
· Is it mostly light vehicles or trucks?
Animal Control
· Is wildlife or livestock likely to wander onto the road?
Population Density
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· Is there adequate separation from people?
· Does the route go past a school or other places where people congregate?
· Is pedestrian traffic controlled?
Accident frequency
· Does the route have a high accident frequency rate?
Environment
· Does the route run close to sensitive areas or waterways?
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Communications
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· Is there a requirement for periodic communication from the vehicle during
stopovers on long routes?
· Are there areas from where the communication is not possible?
Emergency Support
· Are there Emergency Support Facilities available along the entire route
length and are they well known to drivers/support staff?
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