This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
VEHICLE & FLEET SAFETY


THE TWILIGHT SAGA


Driving as part of a job is recognised as one of the most dangerous work tasks that people can perform. As the clocks have changed and the evenings are drawing in, many employees will be driving in the dark, both in the morning and evening; employers have a responsibility for the health and safety of all drivers says Jim Lythgow, Director of Strategic Alliances, Specsavers Corporate.


Different driving conditions calls for an awareness of different issues, and it’s helpful for employers to raise these with their staff. One of the most important things is the issue of transitioning between driving during dusk, twilight and darkness, which are quite different from driving in sunlight.


THE OPTICAL ISSUES


• Depth perception, ability to distinguish colour and peripheral vision, are all worse in low-light conditions.


• Xenon headlights are becoming more common. They are brighter than conventional halogen headlights. This benefits the driver but can be problematic for people who are driving oncoming vehicles.


• As we age the lenses inside our eyes lose their transparency, which can result in experiencing more glare when driving at night.


• Drivers tend to be more tired at night.


• Headlights do not illuminate as much of the road as broad daylight.


Being aware of the issues is an important first step. The next stage is for employers to consider how to use this to the benefit of their staff.


GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS


Be aware that driver eyecare and night-time driving advice applies to all


42


drivers, not just professional drivers, but those attending occasional meetings or running errands too.


Employers should ensure driver eyecare policy is up-to-date and widely communicated. There are many more options available today for employers to communicate updated policies to staff and it’s important to use a mix. This might include posters on noticeboards, the staff intranet and email alerts. The more variety used, the more likely the message will reach more of your workforce. It’s also important to keep the communication going: a variety of messages communicated regularly will have more impact, and is likely to make more difference, than one message communicated once.


Eyecare should be provided for all – this is the best way to ensure that employee eyesight is good enough for driving and that all drivers have their eyesight checked no matter how infrequently they drive for work purposes. This is often more affordable than many employers realise; there are a number of options available for companies, and some can be managed online, which makes the administration easy for employers as well as their staff.


There are some practical steps that are relatively easy for employees to implement and can have a big impact


in terms of improving their safety when driving in the dark.


TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES • Dim dashboard lights to avoid reflections and having to adjust your eyes from the dark road.


• Turn your gaze away from the glare of on-coming headlights.


• Keep windscreens and mirrors clean. Rain and spray from roads can mean this is needed more regularly in the winter months.


• Reduce the effects of eye fatigue by keeping your eyes moving, scanning around the field of vision, rather than just focusing on one area.


• Never wear dark or tinted lenses for driving at night.


• Have your eyesight checked regularly – at least every two years. Eyesight can worsen gradually so changes are sometimes difficult to discern. Take advantage of employer- provided eyecare schemes.


Driving at night is one of the most visually demanding tasks we will encounter. If your staff experience any problems with driving when it's dark it's important that they book an eye examination and discuss this with an optometrist, as they may be able to help.


www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate www.tomorrowshs.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58