Avoiding Objects On The RoadAvoiding Objects On The Road

PurposePurpose

The purpose of this presentation is to raise the awareness of the hazards of sudden evasive action and to provide learning from a review of such incidents.

BackgroundBackground

There have been several incidents in recent months whereby Shell Oil Products HGV drivers have taken sudden evasive action to avoid objects (animals, trees, pot holes, vehicles, pedestrians) on the road. This evasive action has in some cases led to greater damage (property, people, environmental).

– A fatal incident in Uganda where a person committed suicide in front of a bulk fuels truck. The driver took evasive action but killed a cyclist coming in the opposite direction. If the driver had not swerved (because he couldn't avoid the pedestrian anyway) then the second fatality would have been avoided.

– A fatal incident in Cameroon where a bulk fuels tanker swerved to miss a pedestrian, hit the pedestrian and, in swerving, brushed a taxi cab coming the other way that was carrying 6 people. All 6 luckily were uninjured but it could have been much worse.

Avoiding Objects On The RoadAvoiding Objects On The Road

Background, contd.Background, contd.– A fatal incident in France where the driver of an LPG

cylinder truck, having no safe alternatives, maintained his line (whilst braking) and collided with an oncoming van that had pulled out from a stream of moving traffic. The van driver was killed by the collision.

– A rollover in Portugal, when the driver of a bulk tanker swerved onto the soft verge at the side of the road in order to avoid a car that had pulled out from a stream of moving traffic, lost control when moving back onto the road. The tanker ended up rolling over on the opposite side of the road, colliding with a van in the process. Tanker driver uninjured, van driver injured, van and tanker damaged, no loss of LPG.

– An incident in France, when the driver of a bulk tanker swerved to avoid two deer on a country road and drove into a ditch at the left hand side of the road. The tanker stopped, immobilized, with its left-side wheels in the ditch and its right-side wheels raised off the road surface. A crane had to be used to lift it out of the ditch. Driver uninjured, minor damage to tanker, no loss of LPG.

Avoid The SituationAvoid The Situation

The main message for the HGV driver is to avoid situations where a sudden evasive manoeuvre is needed. This can be done by applying defensive driving skills, including:

– Drive where you are going to be, not where you are

– Travel at a safe speed for the conditions (road, level of congestion, weather)

– Scan ahead, look long, try to anticipate forward problems

– Keep your eyes moving, keep checking your mirrors

– Leave a space cushion around your vehicle, leave yourself a way out given an unexpected problem

– Make sure they see you, make eye contact with other motorists and pedestrians

– Expect the unexpected

– Make use of the horn and / or headlights to get the attention of other road users when needed

On top of this:

– A well-rested driver is more likely to be alert and quicker to respond to an unexpected event. Do not drive when tired.

Escape RouteEscape Route

• RRead the road ahead and look well ahead into your planning zone

• Drive to the RRight

• RReduce speed Brake hard Release your brakes

• If you have time: Warn the other driver

• Stay on the road if possible,

if not…..:

RRide off the road to the Right.Drive don’t skid. STOP your vehicle.

How to prevent the head-on collision: How to prevent the head-on collision: The 4 R’sThe 4 R’s

Look for (in order of preference!):Look for (in order of preference!):

• A clean escape way without any obstructions or hazards.

• Something “soft ……” like bushes, small trees, or a fence.

• Something to “glance off from ……”. If you can not avoid a fixed object or oncoming car, do your best to glance off it. Avoid hitting it “Head On”.

Escape RouteEscape Route

Remember:Remember:

• A sudden and significant steering movement can lead to further hazards. Taking this action to avoid a small animal or debris should be discouraged.

• Once the decision has been taken to drive off the road, try to keep a straight line (if safe to do so).

• Many roll-overs are caused by the driver trying to get back on the road too quickly-at too high a speed. Bring the vehicle to a stop first, and then get back on the road once it is safe to do so.

Look for hazards

Watch out for frustrated drivers !

Will you see him ?

Escape RouteEscape Route

Escape RouteEscape Route

Move to the right

NeverNever go to the opposite lane to avoid the HEAD-ON COLLISION !HEAD-ON COLLISION !

Way ForwardWay Forward• Discuss this safety presentation at drivers toolbox meetings

and / or monthly safety meetings.

• Let drivers share their experiences.

• Discuss these and other defensive driving technique

AND ALWAYS