Van Pools Blog
Caution: Winter Weather is Predicted
December 8th, 2009 2 CommentsBy Andy Bawden
VPSI’s Loss Prevention and Safety Manager
In many areas, winter weather presents challenges to drivers. The van driver, the vanpool group and the van must be prepared and ready to expect the unexpected.
Prepare the driver
A driver prepares by getting an early start each day. Adequate rest and proper nourishment may sound old fashioned, but they are still great preparation. A driver should watch or listen to the weather the evening before bed and in the morning before departing. Also know what the traffic report is for the commute.
If weather is too severe, have a plan to cancel the commute. Crashes, injuries and loss of life can be avoided by making the decision to NOT drive the van if conditions are dangerous. Read More
A Safety Message to all Vanpool Groups from VPSI
November 3rd, 2009 0 Comments
By Andy Bawden
VPSI’s Loss Prevention and Vanpool Safety Manager
Enclosed is the policy year 2009 – 2010 Insurance Identification card that replaces the card in your vanpool vehicle. While you are replacing this card please be sure that you have in your blue zippered bag the Important Vanpool Items that are listed below. If you are missing any of these items please contact your local VPSI office by calling 1-800-VAN-RIDE (826-7433).
Schedule a Safety Meeting with your vanpool group to review safe vanpool practices. All drivers and riders must respect the driver’s right to operate the van safely and without distractions. Here are some areas to review.
Important Vanpool Items
• Insurance ID Card
• Vehicle Registration
• Tire Gauge
• Volunteer Driver Guide
• CD-Rom Safety Video, The Vanpool Difference
• Preventive Maintenance Coupon Book (may be cabled to van)
• Fleet Response Accident/Incident Instructions
• Pen or pencil
Read More
It is the Season for Road Repairs and Lane Closures
August 12th, 2009 0 Comments
By Andy Bawden
VPSI’s Loss Prevention and Vanpool Safety Manager
In the summer, many parts of the country perform necessary road repairs on busy highways. An experienced driver approaches a road repair area cautiously and courteously. To allow all traffic to get to their destinations, a few tips will help. Avoid the tendency to be a “cop” by driving slowly blocking the full use of the lane. Instead allow the use of all lanes and allow traffic to flow and merge where the lane ends. Stay cool during the heat of summer road work.
Kold News 13 has posted some helpful tips for when you’re driving near these zones. For example, “Expect the Unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted, and people may be working on or near the road.” For tips like these and more, check out their write up here: http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=3901660
Safe Driving Tips for Drivers
June 25th, 2009 1 Comment
Franchise Tax Board (FTB) employees in Sacramento, California received excellent driving tips and safety reminders at a Vanpool Safe Driving class last Wednesday. Andy Bawden, VPSI Professional Safety Trainer (pictured above), shared a 14 minute Safe Driving video, discussed simple safety tips and answered concerns of vanpool drivers.
Here are a couple of important things that all drivers can learn from: 1) Make sure your side mirrors are properly adjusted to reduce your blind spots and 2) Avoid using your cell phone while driving at all costs–it’s as bad as driving while under the influence! For more information on these two tips, click the “Read More” link. Read More
It’s time to check those tires!
June 2nd, 2009 0 Comments
By Andy Bawden
VPSI’s Loss Prevention and Vanpool Safety Manager
June is National Safety Month and VPSI is asking all vanpool drivers to take a little time this month to be sure their van is operating safely by checking to see if its maintenance is up to date. Check your tires for wear and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Why are tires important? A good set of properly inflated tires provides the safest, most stable platform for operating the van at all speeds in all weather conditions. The driver needs to exercise care and good judgment when driving, BUT even a great driver will be severely handicapped if the tires are worn or not inflated properly!
New tires have even treads with even depths between each tread. Tires are firmly secured to the wheels by lug nuts. They are inflated to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) that can be found on the driver’s doorpost. Over time and miles the tread depth will decrease. Also over time tires will lose air. Read More
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