TA Dedicated Thomson Overheads and Info

These directions are only a guide as to how to get into our stores. DO NOT USE WHILE DRIVING. If there is a better or alternate way in please let management know so that they can be added. Back slowly but deliberately.  Always GET OUT AND LOOK. Safety is #1.  

The 8 Behaviors of Safe Driving

1.Be Prepared –prepare yourself, your equipment, and beginning your day. Being prepared makes all of the difference in being safe and successful. Be prepared mentally and physically, and performing inspections to ensure your equipment is safe and compliant with no defects. When beginning your day, plan your route with rest and meal stops to ensure a safe return.

2.Look what’s ahead –seeing what’s ahead of you so you know how to safely react. Always maintain the proper eye lead time of 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This will keep your vehicle centered in your lane and provide for time to act to driving situations and traffic conditions ahead.

3.Establish and Keep a Safe Following Distance –proper following distance creates a safety cushion to the traffic in front of you. Establish, re-establish, and maintain the proper following time of 7 seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Reducing your speed 2 to 3 mph from the flow of traffic will assist in creating the space cushion. To verify following distance, when a vehicle ahead passes a stationary object start counting. The number of seconds until you reach that object is your following time.

4.Use Your Mirrors –mirrors allow you to see the space around your truck. Check a mirror every 5 to 8 seconds using a triangular viewing pattern which includes checking both mirrors and your gauges. Never take your eyes from the front for more than 2 seconds, then check a mirror every 5 to 8 seconds then moving your eyes back to the front.

5.Make Necessary Lane Maneuvers Safely –make only necessary lane changes using proper and safe format. Use your signals well in advance of a turn or lane change to communicate your intentions. Scan around your vehicle using your mirrors and ensure the lane is clear before starting the lane change. Do not turn off turn signal until you have completed the lane change and established your position in the lane.

6.Evaluate the Intersection is clear –understand the traffic situation at the intersection. Clear every intersection by looking left, right, then back to the left. Look for potential hazards, such as pedestrians and other vehicles that may step or turn in front of you. At traffic lights, identify the light as stale or fresh and determine a correct decision point.

7.Ensure Right Speed For Right Conditions –adjust your speed for the conditions Traffic, weather, and road surface conditions affect visibility and traction. Speeds must be reduced as conditions worsen.

8.Avoid Distractions –eliminate distraction and focus on the task at hand. Eliminate in cab distractions, which are anything that takes your mind off of the road and driving. This allows you to keep your eyes moving and scanning the driving scene and traffic conditions around your vehicle.

The Eight Behaviors of Working Safely

• 1.Be Prepared

  • Prepare yourself & your equipment

• 2. Protect Yourself

  • Use your safety equipment

• 3.Look What’s Ahead

  • Observe what’s around you

• 4.Use Good Body Mechanics

  • Use proper form & technique

• 5.Be Deliberate

  • Make conscious decisions

• 6.Stay Clear

  • Be seen & avoid obstructions

• 7.Look After Yourself

  • Make healthy choices

• 8.Avoid Distractions

  • Focus on the task at hand