Transporting Scouts Safely Risk Management Transporting Scouts Safely

Agenda Introduction Driver Fatigue Multi-passenger vehicles Trailers Additional concerns

Introduction What is the most dangerous form of transportation in the United States? The motor vehicle

Statistics 6,344,000 police reported traffic crashes per year 1471 fatalities 3,192,000 injuries 115 persons die each day in motor vehicle crashes Leading cause of death for every age from 5-29 Vehicle occupants account for 85.3% of fatalities (other 14.7% pedestrians, bicyclists, other non- occupants) 77% of all motor vehicle accidents caused by driver error *1998 statistics

Motivation Why is this important for us? Some of the many reasons: Parents expect their children to be transported safely A Scout is obedient and obeys traffic laws and Scouting guidelines regarding Scout transportation Leaders and parents are roll models

What can we do? Use of vehicles is an essential part of Scouting activities - we can’t do away the means of transportation We can educate ourselves about the dangers involved Apply Risk Management principles to make transportation as safe as possible

Driver Fatigue The Risk Zone A state of physical an mental fatigue that is a major contributor to highway accidents Drivers are generally poor judges of their own level of fatigue and unable to predict when they susceptible to impaired reaction and judgment

Danger Signals Eyes are burning, feel strained, or are involuntarily going out of focus Your head nods or you can’t stop yawning Wandering disconnected thoughts - you can’t remember driving the last mile or two Driving erratically, or at abnormal speeds, drifting, tailgating, or missing traffic signs You catch yourself about to nod off

Tips to avoid fatigue Start out well rested - Get a good night’s sleep beforehand Start earlier in the day rather than later. Don’t drive long distances at night Share the driving. Designate relief drivers Keep the temperature cool, turn the radio volume up Stay involved with the driving - no cruise control Take frequent breaks. Stop every 1-2 hours

Driver’s Pledge I will not drive when I feel fatigued. I realize that when I am fatigued, I process information more slowly and less accurately, and this impairs my ability to react in time to avoid accidents.

Driver’s Pledge I will arrange my schedule so that several days before a Boy Scout driving trip, I will get a good night’s sleep every night to avoid the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.

Driver’s Pledge I will make trip preparations far enough in advance so that last minute preparations don’t interfere with my rest.

Driver’s Pledge I will make travel plans that take into account my personal biological clock and will drive only during the part of the day when I know I will be alert.

Driver’s Pledge I will pace myself if I am a designated driver. I will be smart about engaging in physical activities during Scouting outings and will make sure that I will be ready to drive alert.

Multi-passenger vehicles Use of multi-passenger vehicles is growing every day in Scouting activities Transporting large groups of participants Room for equipment and gear There are significant differences between handling a large van and handling a car Higher, Wider, Longer, Heavier

Multi-passenger vehicles Braking Greater weight requires more stopping distance Allow more reaction time, proper following distance Accelerating Greater weight also causes slower acceleration. Don’t underestimate how long it will take to come up to speed when merging Turning Higher center of gravity, different perspective Slow sooner, turn more slowly to avoid tipping Don’t cut turns too sharply

Multi-passenger vehicles Blind Spots Larger blind spots, different locations Adjust mirrors properly, special considerations to identify hazards wind Greater surface area increases effects of wind Drive more slowly when conditions warrant Anticipate effects of the current conditions Parking Less overhead and side clearance, poorer maneuverability. Look carefully, maneuver slowly

Trailers Trailers can also be indispensable due to the ability to haul equipment Contributing factors for accidents Driver error Excessive speed Improper loading of trailer

Trailers Loading Hitching 60% weight at front, 40% at rear Decrease passenger/gear weight in rear of vehicle Increase tire pressure in towing vehicle by 4-5 psi Secure loose items in trailer Don’t overload beyond listed capacity Hitching Hitch and ball must be tight and secure Always use safety chains, don’t let them drag Make sure electrical connections are working

Trailers Towing Also… Maintain safe speed Anticipate early for hills, turns, weather conditions Reduce speed for turns, wet road, downgrades. Use low gear on downgrades to control speed Also… Never allow passengers to travel in trailer Be well rested Never pass on hills or curves Stop frequently, check hitch, chains and cargo

Other considerations Seatbelts MUST be worn Headlights reduce the risk of head on collision by making it easier for others to see you Avoid “convoying” when traveling in groups - don’t travel too closely, make sure everyone has good directions Commercial licenses are required for vehicles designed to carry more than 15 persons Never transport people in the backs or beds of trucks, trailers or campers

Basic Safety Guidelines Safety Summary Basic Safety Guidelines Always use seat belts Turn your headlights on for safety Don’t drive when you are fatigued Load, hitch and tow trailers correctly Avoid night driving