Introduction

This Good Practice Guide provides guidance to all people who drive on GD Heating and Gas business, whether a driver of a supplied vehicle or leased vehicle.  

Condition of the Vehicle

All who drive on GD Heating and Gas business have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care of their own safety, and that of others that may be affected by their acts or omissions.  As a driver, you are legally responsible for ensuring that any vehicle that you drive is in a safe and roadworthy condition and should regularly check that:

• all lights work;
• mirrors are fitted;
• tread and pressure of tyres are adequate;
• wipers work;
• all fluid levels are satisfactory.  

Prior to use of a GD Heating and Gas vehicle you must report any concerns that you may have about the vehicle (damage or faults) to your manager.  

Please make sure that you are aware of your vehicles servicing intervals.

The state and condition of a vehicle can reflect on the image of GD Heating and Gas Therefore it is important to ensure both interior and exterior cleanliness.

Speeding While Driving

Over 70% of people are estimated to regularly break the speed limit on UK roads.  Driving too fast causes some 1,100 deaths and 100,000 injuries a year nationally.  Even breaking the limit by just a few miles an hour greatly increases the risk of collision.  Statistically 9 out of 10 pedestrians are killed when hit by a vehicle at 40 mph, whereas at 20 mph 9 out of 10 survive.

You should always comply with the speed limit in force on the public highway and drive at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions at the time which will allow you to stop safely.

You should not exceed the maximum speed limit for the road or type of vehicle being driven (see below).  Street lights usually indicate that there is a 30-mph speed limit, unless signs show otherwise.

* May be varied temporarily by roadworks or by motorway signs etc.

** 20mph in some areas with Traffic Calming

# 60mph if articulated or towing a trailer

The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean that it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of the conditions.  Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions can be dangerous.  Speed should be reduced when:

• the road layout or condition present hazards, such as bends;
• sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children, and motorcyclists;
• weather conditions make it safer to do so;
• driving at night as it is harder to see other roads users.

A speed limit of 5mph should always be observed in any public open space or footpath, unless the speed is related to the efficiency of the task concerned (i.e. manufacturers guidelines may suggest a greater speed for certain operations, such as gang mowing).

Road Traffic Law (from Penalty Table)

Any driver who accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period will be disqualified by law.  This will be for a minimum period of six months, or longer if the driver has been previously disqualified.  You must promptly report any speeding offence that may impact on your ability to drive to your manager (in the first instance verbally but followed up in writing).

Drinking and Driving

The judgement and abilities of a driver are seriously affected by drinking and driving.  The law dictates that you must not drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35ug or a blood alcohol level of more than 80mg/100ml.  Alcohol can remain in the body for up to twenty four hours.  

There is no fail-safe guide as to how much drink can be consumed whilst staying under the limit.  The amount and type of alcohol, together with the weight, sex, age and metabolism will all play a part.  Advice is that any amount of alcohol affects judgement.  Therefore the only safe course to take is not to drink and drive.

Penalties for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, or for failing to provide a specimen for analysis range from 6 months imprisonment, £5,000 fine, disqualification to 10 years imprisonment, unlimited fine and disqualification where death is caused by careless driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

Seat Belts

Seat belts must be worn if they are available, unless you are exempt on medical grounds (following issue of “Exemption from compulsory seatbelt wearing” certificate by your doctor).  All occupants of the car, front and rear, must use their seat belt for all journeys.  This applies also to pregnant women, unless they are medically exempt.  An exemption also applies whilst carrying out a manoeuvre (including reversing).

The law has recently changed to remove the “grey area” concerning the exemption from wearing seatbelts whilst undertaking door-to-door deliveries and collections.  The law now states that you must wear your seatbelt if the vehicle is to be driven for more than 50 metres.

A summary of the Seatbelt law is as follows:-

The law affects the front seats of all vehicles, including vans, coaches, buses and goods vehicles where seat belts are fitted and the rear seats of cars and small minibuses (with an unladen weight of 2,540kgs or less) where seat belts are fitted.  Whilst the law does not presently require seat belts to be worn in the rear seats of larger minibuses or coaches, they should be used if fitted.

Use of Mobile Phones and Other Communication Equipment While Driving

The use of mobile phones by drivers of moving vehicles has been shown to lead to inattentive and dangerous driving.  In many cases this has led to tragic and avoidable accidents.

Parking while on GD Heating and Gas business

If you need to leave your vehicle on the public highway whilst on duty, you should not park in a location where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users (for example near a school entrance, at a junction, on a bend or obstructing a private driveway).

You have no exemption from the waiting or loading restrictions (yellow lines) applying in the road.  Unless there is no practicable alternative (and then only if you are loading or unloading for short periods) you should not park on double yellow lines.

You should always purchase a suitable ticket or display a relevant permit as required by the signing appropriate to the parking space.

When left unattended, the vehicle should be left in first or reverse gear (or left in “Park” mode if automatic, with the engine stopped and the handbrake applied.  Doors and windows should be closed and secured, keys removed and any anti-theft devices engaged.  Valuables and equipment should be removed where it is practical to do so.

Vehicles associated with inspecting or carrying out works on the highway itself should be identified with flashing amber lights.  Vehicles should only remain at the site in order to carry out duties required by the progress of the works.

General Safety Issues

It is dangerous for drivers to take their hand off the steering wheel and eyes off the road for any reason not connected with driving (such as to eat, drink, change music tapes/CDs, tune radio stations etc).

Smoking is not permitted in any company or leased vehicle.

At the end of the lease agreement the driver is liable for the costs of cleaning or repairs to vehicle caused by smoking damage, ie cigarette burns, nicotine stains.

Whilst driving in traffic, it is advisable to always leave a car’s length between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, or apply the “two second rule” (i.e. watch as the vehicle ahead passes some object, such as street furniture, and  count two seconds.  If you pass the same object before you count to two, you are driving too fast).  This should prevent a shunt into the vehicle in front should you fail to stop.

Regardless of whether or not the vehicle is fitted with an airbag, you should sit as far as is reasonably possible from the steering wheel in order to reduce the possibility of serious head-on chest injuries in an accident.  Similarly, front seat passengers should not sit close to the dashboard.  A rear facing child restraint should not be used in the front of a car fitted with a frontal airbag.

You should ensure that the top of the head restraint is level with the top of your head, and that the head restraint is as close as possible to the back of the head.

Hazard lights or beacons should be operated when the vehicle is in motion in any public open space or hazardous situation.

Driving a Loaded Vehicle

All loads carried (i.e. passengers and inanimate objects) must be secure at all times.  All luggage, tools and equipment should be stored securely in the boot or load compartment.  Heavy pieces should be loaded at the bottom and lighter ones on top to spread the load.  Luggage must not be loaded above the height of the rear seats. 

You must remember that a loaded vehicle handles very differently from an unloaded one.  More distance should be allowed for braking and speed should be reduced.  Great care should be taken to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded.  It is an offence to exceed the permitted weights for a vehicle.  The maximum penalty is £5,000.  Both you and GD Heating and Gas may be fined, and your driver’s licence endorsed if the vehicle is found to be overloaded.

Load Shedding and Vehicle Rollover

There are several scenarios that can cause load shedding, or a rollover of the vehicle.  All vehicles will roll over under certain conditions and tankers, tippers and high load vehicles are particularly susceptible.  Rollover and shedding can occur at speeds as low as 15 mph on relatively smooth bends.  Some of the major causes are :

• Suspension and tyre failure;
• High winds;
• Kerbing and soft grounding;
• Poor load and weight distribution;
• The natural forces of momentum and speed;
• The natural forces of gravity.

To help reduce the risk of rollover and shedding, make sure :

• Your vehicle is in good condition;
• Your load is secure and heavy items are as low to the chassis as possible;
• You drive safely and smoothly and anticipate road conditions well ahead.

Transport of Hazardous substances

Where hazardous substances are carried within vehicles, a risk assessment will need to be carried out, in accordance with the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2003.  

Personal Safety

There are hazards, particularly for females, in travelling alone.  The following guidelines can help minimise these risks:

• Travel on main roads as much as possible;
• Communicate the route and approximate time of travel;
• Always try to have at least a quarter of a tank of fuel;
• Be alert to the condition of the vehicle.  If a fault is suspected, don’t wait until it breaks down.  Stop somewhere appropriate (such as a garage) where there are a lot of people around, and seek assistance;
• Consider carrying sensible clothing in the vehicle (eg coat and flat shoes) to change into if necessary;
• When travelling to an unfamiliar office or hotel, call ahead and check the location and parking arrangements;
• If another driver in difficulty is seen, drive on and report it by phone as soon as possible;
• Always carry a mobile phone but never use it while driving;
• Consider locking the vehicle doors whilst driving, especially at night and in busy areas;
• Do not give lifts to strangers;
• If a vehicle breaks down, a female alone should sit in the front passenger seat whilst waiting for assistance.  This gives the impression that she is not alone and is waiting for the driver to return.

Tiredness and Fatigue

Fatigue can lead to a loss of concentration and is a major cause of road accidents.  You should therefore not drive if you feel either tired or ill.

Travel patterns should be planned to incorporate regular breaks, preferably involving a walk in the fresh air and a drink.  The vehicle should be well ventilated, especially if it contains a full load of passengers.

If the symptoms of fatigue are experienced (such as momentary lapses in concentration, shifting around in the seat and slow reactions), you should stop at a safe place and take a break.

Drivers that come under ‘Drivers’ Hours Regulations’ must comply with the requirements of ‘Domestic Rules’ or EU driver’s hours and Tachograph rules. 

Medical Suitability to Drive

You must not drive whilst taking any drugs or medicines which may prohibit or affect driving.  If you are using such substances, you should inform your manager immediately.  If you are unsure, you should seek the advice of your Doctor.

You must be able to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet – about 5 car lengths) in good daylight.  If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you must wear them at all times whilst driving.  The police have the power to require a driver, at any time, to undertake an eyesight test in good daylight.

In the event that you feel ill whilst driving the vehicle, you must stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, and inform your manager where necessary.

Some medical conditions may affect the entitlement to hold a driving licence for certain categories of vehicles.  It is your responsibility to seek advice from your doctor and inform your manager immediately in such cases.  You must report any medical condition that has worsened, or new condition that may affect the ability to drive to the Driver Medical Unit, DVLA Swansea, SA99 1TU.  Failure to do so is a criminal offence punishable by a fine up to £1,000.

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Breakdown

When involved in an accident, you need to stop and position the vehicle in a safe location.  If anyone is hurt and requires medical attention, an ambulance should be called giving the precise location of the accident to avoid delay.  The police will attend with the ambulance.  All accidents involving injury or when addresses are not exchanged must be reported to the police as soon as practically possible, and in any case within 24 hours.  You must also advise David Payne or direct line manager

If vehicles are causing an obstruction, they should be moved to a safe place after noting their position on the road. 

Your name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address (if different), registration number, make of the vehicle and insurance details (company, address and policy number) should be provided to anyone reasonably requiring them (i.e. police officer, traffic warden or persons involved in the accident).  This information should also be obtained from any other person involved in the accident.

You should not admit liability, as this can confuse matters later.  It is helpful to obtain names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses.

If you were driving a GD Heating and Gas owned vehicle at the time of the accident, you should report the incident to your manager, and record details of any damage on a defect sheet (where operated).  Accidents involving any GD Heating and Gas supplied vehicle (including Leased Vehicles, or those hired to, loaned to, or the responsibility of GD Heating and Gas) should be reported to the Insurance Section as soon as possible via a completed motor accident claim form.

If you are required to drive in limited light or bad weather conditions, you should ensure that you have been supplied with a high visibility waist coat.  This should be worn when exiting the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown.

You are not permitted to drive any other vehicle other than the Company / Hired vehicle on company business as you will not be insured.

Economic Driving

GD Heating and Gas are aware of its responsibilities in the conservation of fuel and the reduction of vehicle emissions.  All drivers play a key role in helping GD Heating and Gas achieve its aims.  The following good practice can be adopted:

• Check oil and water levels daily;
• Fill vehicles after each shift where practicable.  Filling should take place until the fuel reaches the bottom of the filling neck and no further.  Over filling in warm conditions will cause the fuel to expand and can leak from the filler;
• Maintain tyres  at the correct pressure – 10% low equates to 1% increase in fuel consumption;
• Never leave an engine running if it is not required.  On average, for each hour of idle running an engine can use in excess of 1 gallon of fuel;
• Never over rev an engine when starting up.  Start up and move off to warm the engine up;
• Anticipate the situation ahead when driving;
• Do not speed.  A 5% increase in speed increases fuel consumption up to 20%;
• Report all defects.  Brakes that are binding can increase fuel consumption up to 15%;
• Use the correct gear when moving off;
• Keep the engine revs in the “green band” for as long as possible.

Use of Trailers and Trailed Equipment

Caravans, boats and personal trailers must not be towed by any company vehicle.

Only company employees with the correct driving licence are permitted to tow a company trailer.

The following guidelines will help promote safe towing:

• Correct loading is essential to ensure stability.  Keep all the heaviest items over the axle, with the remainder distributed to provide a suitable nose weight at the coupling.  The laden weight should be kept as low as possible;
• A regular cause of accidents is that the driver forgets to take into account the increased length of both vehicles.  An extension mirror will assist in improving the vision (and may be a legal requirement, dependent on the width of the vehicle being towed);
• Reversing whilst towing and trailing can be quite daunting.  To reverse in a straight line, ensure that the caravan or trailer is visible in either mirror and gradually turn the steering wheel towards the mirror to realign the towed vehicle.  If reversing round a corner or into an opening, your movement of the steering wheel should be in the opposite direction to where you want the caravan or trailer to run into.  Once moving, gradually reverse this action as necessary.
• To reduce the chance of snaking, keep within the nose weight and laden weight limits of your vehicle combination; regularly check tyre pressures; reduce speed on downhill roads; keep to the left of your carriageway.  A good “Anti-Sway” system should be fitted.

Use of a trailer and trailed equipment must be identified by both managers and drivers in relation to training and risk assessment issues.

Use of Hired Vehicles

As it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the safe mechanical condition and the safe operation of the vehicle when it is on the road, you need to check that any hired vehicle that you may be supplied with is subject to the same checks detailed in this guide as your own, leased or GD Heating and Gas owned vehicle.

To avoid any unnecessary claims against GD Heating and Gas the vehicle should be inspected for damage on receipt and on termination of the hire.  Any damage identified should be formally recorded on the hire/inspection sheet and signed by both you and the company representative, and a copy retained. 

The practice of vehicles being delivered without any GD Heating and Gas staff being available to accept delivery should be avoided, where possible.  If this is unavoidable, the hirer should be asked on arrangement of the hire to provide a completed and signed inspection sheet with the keys of the vehicle and returned with the same amount of fuel as when hired.

Vehicles being returned to the hirer without a representative from the company being present (and therefore no inspection sheet completed) should be avoided where possible.  On such occasions, it is difficult for GD Heating and Gas to dispute the level of any claim submitted.

All paperwork should be checked and signed, and all damage recorded on delivery and termination of the hire.