AvinashMotorVehicleOperationforResidentTransportation.ppt

Motor Vehicle Operation for Resident Transportation

1. 08/17/24 1
Motor Vehicle Operation for Motor Vehicle Operation for
Resident TransportationResident Transportation
6400 Uptown Blvd. NE
Suite 520W
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-880-1088
505-880-1157
www.nmhca.org
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course may only
be taught by individuals that have
attended the 2-Day NMHCA Passenger
Assistance & Motor Vehicle Operation
Train-the-Trainer Course and have
received a certificate of completion for
this training.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

Management team members of
service provider agencies are faced
with loss exposures from several
directions. Service provider programs
encompass a myriad of services.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

Each of these activities has exposure
to losses that could involve program
participants, visitors, and employees.

Residential services have challenges
that are not typically found in other
programs.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

With multiple demands from program participants, family
members, staff, administration, neighbors, the residential
manager has little time to complete many tasks.

All this leaves little time to address an area such as
safety. Some might even argue that a residential
manager does not have the time to be responsible for
safety issues, particularly, auto safety. The supervisor,
however, will have the most effect on the safety
program. The role of the supervisors cannot be ignored.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

This is due to the fact
that most accidents are
caused by people. The
unsafe acts of staff
members can be
detected and dealt with
by supervisors on a day-
by-day basis.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

THE PROBLEM

Auto liability dominates all property and
casualty losses for the typical service
provider. It is the majority of the frequency
and the majority of dollars paid out. While
commercial insurance does not transfer the
risk to an insurance carrier, the financial effects
will still be felt by the provider agency as
premiums will rise.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

THE PROBLEM

Insurance costs only make up the tip of
the iceberg. Keep in mind that many auto
accidents will result in an injured worker
who will be out as a result. This affects
your worker’s compensation rates.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

You can only see the tip of the iceberg. Similarly, the
direct costs of an accident are minor compared to the
indirect costs. Safety experts suggests that the indirect
costs for an accident are five (5) times the direct
costs. Consider time lost investigating the accident,
interviewing involved personnel and participants.
Consider the down time of staff who will talk about the
accident. When a worker is injured in an accident, the
money spent training that person has been possibly put to
waste. Replacing that person might even be more
expensive.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

THE CAUSE

Accidents are mostly caused by people.

Traditional numbers tell us that at least 85% of
accidents are caused by unsafe acts.

More modern thinking has that number
between 92% and 97% as most unsafe
conditions are caused by the unsafe acts (or for
that matter, inaction) of people.

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The National Safety Council gives us ten (10) human factors that affect safety.
HUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETYHUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETY
1.Negligence - Failure to observe safety rules. Many people
choose to be negligent despite knowing what should be done.
2.Anger - Having an argument with your staff member is not the
best thing to do before he/she needs to drive.
3.Curiosity - Curiosity may have “ killed the cat”, but it certainly
kills people too.
4. Poor Work Habits - The creation of unsafe conditions often
stems from the poor work habits of one or more people.

11. 08/17/24 11
The National Safety Council gives us ten (10) human factors that affect safety.
HUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETYHUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETY
5.Over Confidence - Years of accident- free driving can lead to
over confidence.
6.Hasty Decision - Hasty decisions are often made at
intersections.
7.Lack of Planning - Work schedules must be tailored to avoid
rushing staff and participants into the van. Time must be built
in to inspect the vehicle and make other preparations.
8. Distractions - The driver’s eyes were not on the road.
Scenery can be a major distraction, but so can our thoughts.
The first responsibility when driving is to drive.

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The National Safety Council gives us ten (10) human factors that affect safety.
HUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETYHUMAN FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETY
9.Inadequate Instruction - Getting a driver’s
license may not be as tough as it should be.
Many defensive driving skills are
misunderstood by a great number of people.
10. Stress - The most common human factor
affecting safety is stress. Stress can cause us
to act unsafely in a number of ways and can be
linked to several of the above listed human
factors.

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
THE SOLUTION

The unsafe behaviors of drivers
can be witnessed every day on
almost any street. While you may
be powerless to change the
behavior of the driver who
annoyed you on the road, you are
not powerless to influence the
behavior of drivers you work with
or report to you.

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THE SOLUTION

Any safety program that does not feature the
pertinent role of the supervisor is bound to fail. Any
amount of training given will not be effective if the
supervisor does not follow up. This includes safety
training, such as by using the RSVP, and observing
how staff behave. Unsafe behaviors (unsafe acts)
must be dealt with through ongoing coaching and
supervision. Such follow up can not be done
effectively by anyone who is not an on-site
supervisor.

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
DISCUSSION

When you bring the participants
out in the van, do you ever worry
about anything?

Have you ever been in an
accident?

Do you feel comfortable driving
the van?

What disturbs you most about
other drivers?

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
State Driver’s Manual

What do you do when approaching an
intersection where the traffic light is
broken?

When you park a vehicle on the down
side of a hill, how should your tires be
angled?

How do you respond on a three-lane
highway when you notice an emergency
vehicle somewhere behind you with its
siren on?

When can you pass on the right?

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation

Safe Following Distance

How do you maintain proper following distance from
the vehicle in front of you?

Two-Second Rule – This accounts for speed and space. The
two-second rule gives you more space at 30mph than it does
at 20mph.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU PASSES A FIXED OBJECT,
BEGIN COUNTING “ONE-ONE-THOUSAND ONE, ONE-ONE-
THOUSAND-TWO…”

If you can complete this by the time the front of your car
reaches the same fixed object, you are two seconds behind the
vehicle. This rule applies to cars driving in good conditions.

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
Safe Following Distance

When driving a van or small bus, use a 3-5 second
rule to determine safe following distance.

Add at least 2 more seconds for each of the
following conditions:

Weather, rain, snow, sleet

Visibility (fog, sun glare, lack of light, weather conditions)

When following a motorcycle

When towing something

When being tailgated

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
Why add seconds?

Weather: Many weather conditions lead to slippery
roads on which we will not stop as quickly. The
driver in front may go into a skid – more room and
time to maneuver is needed.

Visibility: Poor visibility prevents us from detecting
hazards quickly. Motorcycles can stop more quickly
& can slow down significantly without touching the
brakes. Consider potholes, wet roads, or a road w/
gravel. Never add less than 2 seconds!

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation
Why add seconds?

Towing a load: Increases stopping distance.
Compensate by adding a second for each 10 feet of
vehicle length. Never add less than 2 seconds!

Tailgaters tailgate: If you speed up while being
tailgated, chances are you’ll just be tailgated at a
higher speed. By adding two seconds, you’ll
compensate for the ignorance of the person
tailgating you. This also encourages the tailgater to
pass you.

While being tailgated, ease your foot off the accelerator to
gradually reduce speed.

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
SAFETY BELT USE

Safety belts are designed to protect us from
the “2
nd
Collision.”

Your car hits a wall at 50mph. The belt keeps
you from going through the windshield and
hitting the same wall w/ your body at 50mph.
Even with no wall to hit, your chances of
being killed or maimed increase by 25 times
once you are ejected from the vehicle.

They spread the impact onto the strongest
parts of our bodies – the hips and shoulders.

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SAFETY BELT USE

Reduce chances of being killed by
about 45% and give a 50% better
chance of surviving without severe
injury.

Drivers wearing seatbelts have more
control over their vehicle when an
accident does occur.

75% of car accidents happen w/in 25
miles of home

80% of bodily injuries are from people
hitting people during the collision.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation
THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL/DRUGS
Anyone ever drive after drinking too much?
Anyone ever ride with a driver who drank too much?
What is the blood alcohol content in New Mexico to be considered
DWI?
WHAT DOES ALCOHOL DO TO YOUR DRIVING
ABILITIES?
* Impairs judgement and all senses
* Decreases your field of vision
* Takes away inhibitions
* Increases the liklihood of dozing off

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SPOTTING RECKLESS
DRIVERS
Avoiding drivers who might have been
drinking, the same principle applies to
identifying and avoiding drivers who might
be using drugs or simply falling asleep
behind the wheel.

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SPOTTING RECKLESS DRIVERS
How do you identify a vehicle being driven by
somebody whose ability is impaired?
•Driving excessively slow or fast
•Frequent, needless lane changes
•Dangerous passing of other vehicles
•Not staying centered in the lane
•Disregard of traffic lights and signals
•Driving without headlights when they’re needed
•Driving with dome light on and headlights off
•Sloppy turns
•Constant flashing of brake light

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
A defensive driver is willing to
sacrifice his/her time in order to
complete the trip safely.

If the reckless driver is behind you,
make the first right turn possible.

If he/she is coming head on, reduce
speed and go to the right. You’re
better off going into a ditch. Head on
collisions are the deadliest.

If the driver is in front of you, pull over
or turn off the road. DO NOT attempt
to pass a reckless driver.

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
STRESS & THE DRIVER

Everyone needs to know how stress
affects a driver.

Supervisors need to be aware of the
stress their staff is under.

Take a minute to talk with staff &
reassure them. If they are running
late to an appointment, tell them not
to worry. Call ahead and explain why
they’ll be late.

If you or a staff member is under
extreme stress, relieve them of the
task of driving or ask to be relieved.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation
Pre/Post-Trip Inspections

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

Tires (sufficient air pressure & tread)

Body (any damage)

Leaks (look under vehicle)

Check the lift/ramp (as applicable)

Check & test your windshield wipers

UNDER THE HOOD

Oil level

Windshield washer fluid

Hoses & belts for signs of wear & tear

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Pre/Post-Trip
Inspections

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Safety belts

Horn

Gauges

Back up alarm

Lights

Blinkers
The pre/post-trip
inspections must not
replace a more
complete inspection
which should be done
weekly, or at least
monthly by assigned,
qualified personnel.
The inspection must
be documented.

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Motor Vehicle OperationMotor Vehicle Operation
Safe Fueling Procedures

Turn off your vehicle when
fueling.
Follow all appropriate steps
required to operate the
service station’s fueling
equipment.
Make sure to secure the
gas tank cap after fueling
the vehicle.
Check for leaks, signs of
damage, etc. each time you
refuel
Vehicle Maintenance

Follow all manufacturer’s
recommendations regarding
service on each facility vehicle
(regular oil changes, routine
maintenance, tire rotation,
electrical systems checks, etc.)

Ensure all out-of-the-ordinary
problems are identified and
serviced immediately to avoid
potentially dangerous
situations (brake failure,
broken head/tail lamps, etc.)

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
COMMUNICATION w/ the FACILITY

Make sure you clearly understand your
facility’s procedures for maintaining
communication with them while
transporting residents.

For example, your facility may have vehicles
equipped with cellular/digital phones or two-
way radios.

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EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Emergency triangles

Fire extinguisher (mounted)

First aid kit w/ CPR protector

Flashlight

Belt cutter

Fire blanket

Spill kit

Spare tire, jack, lug wrench

Accident kit (insurance papers, notification list…)

Cell phone or two-way radio (if possible)

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
MECHANICAL LIFTS

It is vital that ALL personnel that
operate lifts know how to
operate them manually.
Checking such manual operation
should be part of the pre-trip
inspection. Also, the manual
function of the lift will corrode if
it’s not used often enough.

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It is best not to drive during inclement weather. If
an emergency demands it, know the following
guidelines for driving especially during fog:

During heavy fog, NEVER use your high beams

Use your defogger to clear the inside of the windshield, if
needed.

If you can’t see, it’s time to get off the road and wait for the
fog to clear up (turn in your emergency flashers/hazard lights)
To see better during sun glare:

Use sunglasses or clip on shades

Use your visor

Keep the windshield clean

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
All ice and snow MUST be cleared off the vehicle
before departing.

Take an ice scraper with you; use the hot defog
to prevent the windshield from icing up.

If an oncoming driver has his/her high beams
on, shift your vision to the line/lane divider on
your right. Flashing your high beams back may
only lead to two blinded drivers.

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
Winter driving is definitely different from driving in
warm weather, you must be prepared.

Vehicles must be winterized, including a tune-up that
ensure that the vehicle is idling properly and the anti-
freeze is mixed properly for the winter.

Snow tires should be used and in good shape,
seasonal tires may be acceptable in certain areas.

Windshield wipers should function well and
windshield fluids should be made for winter
conditions.

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
Thinner oil should be used in cold weather to help
vehicles start properly and to avoid wear on engine
parts. Check the owner’s manual.

Pre-trip inspections must be done despite the cold
and should include scraping ice and snow off all the
windows and checking the exhaust pipe for wear
and tear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning; be
sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged by snow.

Be sure that the windshield wipers are clean and
that there is plenty of windshield washer fluid.

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Bring along extra blankets in case of a break down.
In fuel injected vehicles when starting the engine, turn the
ignition switch slightly and hold for five seconds before
turning all the way to start the engine. This will send gas to
the engine and make starting slightly easier. Your first
attempt at start the vehicle in cold weather is important
because you don’t want to run the battery down.
Warm up the vehicle before having the residents board.
To Drive or not to drive. Get guidelines of when a trip or
errand should be cancelled due to hazardous weather.
Make the decision yourself or contact your supervisor.

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
HOT WEATHER
DRIVING

The vehicle needs to
have the radiator fluid
checked so as to avoid
over heating.

The air conditioner also
needs to be checked.

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
EFFECTS OF HOT
WEATHER

Heat Exhaustion

Participants who are
susceptible to this include:

Elderly

Individuals missing a limb

Those who take psychotropic
medication

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Avoiding Heat
Exhaustion

Have beverages available

Encourage residents to
take liquids

Water, juices, fruit
punches, & lemonade are
good

Make available
carbohydrate snacks (ex:
crackers)

Sun block should be
routinely used

Prepare the vehicle

Bring ice chest w/ drinks

Bring more drinks than
you think you need

Start vehicle ahead of
time, turn on air
conditioner, and get
vehicle cool.

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
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF
AN ACCIDENT

Know your organization’s
policies regarding what to do
in the event of a motor
vehicle accident, and where
to find information that
you/they will need.

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
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

When conditions and/or regulations permit (police), more
onto the shoulder or side of the road to prevent further
damage/hazards. Please warning signs promptly.

Ask someone to call the police and medical assistance (if there
are injuries). Repeat after 5 minutes.

KEEP CALM. BE COURTEOUS. DO NOT ARGUE. Make no
statements concerning the accident to anyone except a police
officer. Get the officer’s name & badge #. DO NOT MAKE ANY
SETTLEMENT.

Complete an accident report on scene. Fill in all information.

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
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

Obtain the names & addresses of witnesses and ask that
they complete information cards.

Obtain the names & addresses of all injured, regardless of
how minor the injury. Try to learn where injured parties are
treated.

Do not administer first aid unless you are qualified to do so.

Report the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible.

Before leaving the scene, check to see that you have all the
facts.

Notify your insurance agent/broker.

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
PASSENGER SAFETY & DIGNITY

The principles of passenger safety
include:

Proper use of lifts, ramps, etc.

Safe use of wheelchairs

Tie down equipment for wheelchairs

Sensitivity to the needs & feelings of
participants in the vehicle

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PASSENGER SAFETY & DIGNITY

Do you or your staff give individuals adequate
assistance in boarding the vehicle?

Do you or your staff speak to individuals in
wheelchairs as you/they go about assisting them?

Do you or your staff exercise correct body mechanics
in assisting participants into the van when they are in
wheelchairs?

Do you or your staff ensure that all participants are
belted in and that wheelchairs are properly secured
for the trip?

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THE SKID
How would you recover from a
skid?

Techniques are the same in front
and rear wheel drive vehicles

Recovering from a REAR WHEEL
skid:

Ease off the gas and shift into
neutral

DO NOT hit the brakes

Turn the steering wheel in the
direction you need to go

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THE SKID

How would you recover from a skid?

As you recover, you might start heading too far in the
other direction. Adjust your wheel accordingly. DON’T
PANIC. You may have to make a few GENTLE
adjustments before you are straightened out completely.

Recovering from a FRONT WHEEL skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift into neutral.

DO NOT try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, your vehicle will slow down
and traction will return. At this point, you should make
adjustments and shift back to drive.

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
BLIND SPOTS

How can blind spots be reduced?

Lean in your seat while checking mirrors

Turn your head 90 degrees to the right
or left, depending upon which side you
want to check

If you are the driver in the middle
and wish to change lanes, what do
you do?

Check your blind spot – if there’s anyone
there, realize you cannot change lanes
immediately.

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
BLIND SPOTS

If you are the driver on the
right or left, how can you
tell that you are in the
middle driver’s blind spot?

If you cannot see them in their
rearview mirror, assume you
are in their blind spot.

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
BLIND SPOTS

Being the driver on the
left or right and now
realizing that you are
in someone’s blind
spot, what do you do?

Move up or drop back by
adjusting your speed.
You should not stay in
someone’s blind spot.

BLIND SPOTS

Blind spots for vans are
essentially the same
except that there are
larger blind spots
directly behind the van.

When looking in the
rearview mirror of a van,
you may not see the
ground for the first 8
feet behind the van.

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
Check your blind spots
when:

You are entering a highway

You wish to change lanes

You are looking for possible
escape routes in case of a
collision

You need to back up

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Tire Blowout

If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel firmly
and ease off the gas pedal. If your vehicle skids,
handle it as you would a normal skid. Don’t use
your brake until your vehicle is under control.
Get off the road as soon as it is safe to do so.

A thumping sound may be a warning that a
blowout is about to occur. If you hear it, get
safely off the road and check your tires.

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
EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS

Loss of a Wheel

Handle this as you
would a blowout. A
thump or clunk may be
a warning. Pull off the
road and check the
tire.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Steering Failure

If your vehicle suddenly stops responding to the steering
wheel, ease off the gas pedal, turn on your flashers and
keep your foot off the brake pedal for as long as it is safe
and practical.

The vehicle’s natural balance should allow it to continue
going straight, but a sudden change in speed could spin it
out of control.

As the vehicle slows down, you may brake very gently to
bring it to a stop.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Brake Failure

If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor,
try pumping it to build up pressure.

If that does not help, use your emergency
parking brake, but use it gently.

Shifting to a lower gear will also help you slow
down.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Headlight Failure

If your headlights suddenly go out, try your four-way
flashers, parking lights, and directional signals.

These may still work and should give you enough
light to get safely off the road.

If your headlights begin to dim, drive to a nearby
service station, or pull off the road and go for help.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Stuck Gas Pedal

Hook your toe under the pedal and see if you can
free it.

If not, shift into neutral and use the brake to slow
down and get off the road.

If you have power steering or a locking steering
wheel, DO NOT turn off the ignition.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Running Off the Pavement

If your wheels drift off the pavement onto the
shoulder of the road, DO NOT yank the steering
wheel back.

Ease off the gas pedal and brake gently.

When you’ve slowed down, check the traffic behind
you, then steer gently back onto the pavement.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Vehicle Approaching Head-On in Your
Lane

Slow down and pull over to the right, driving
right off the road if needed.

If time warrants, sound your horn and flick
your lights.

GO RIGHT, NOT LEFT – as the other driver
might go back toward his/her lane.

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
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Stalling on Railroad Tracks

If a train is approaching, unfasten your seatbelt, get out of the
vehicle and off the tracks as far away as you can.

RUN in the direction the train is coming from. If you run the
direction the train is going, you may be hit with debris when
the train strikes your vehicle.

If you are ABSOLUTELY SURE no trains are near, open the
window to listen for an approaching train, have someone
posted as a lookout, and try to start the engine.

If that fails, shift to neutral and push the vehicle off the tracks.

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EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Going Into Water

A vehicle will usually float for awhile, and you should have
time to get out before it starts sinking.

Unfasten your seatbelt and escape through a window.

If the vehicle sinks before you can get out, climb into the
back seat. An air pocket may form there as the weight of
the engine pulls the vehicle down nose first.

When the vehicle settles, take a breath and escape through
a window. As you rise, air pressure will build in your lungs.
Let it out in small breaths through your nose or lips as you
surface. Don’t hold your breath tightly or try to blow are
out. Just let it escape naturally.

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EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Fire

If you see smoke coming from under the hood, pull off the
road and turn off the ignition. Evacuate the vehicle and
stay away from it.

Contact the Fire Department

Blocked Vision

If your hood suddenly flies open, your windshield wipers
fail, or something blocks your vision, roll down your side
window so you can see.

Turn on your flashers and pull your vehicle carefully off the
road.

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
RULES FOR THE INTERSECTION

Never assume you have the right of way.

Look out for the driver who might not yield the right of way.

You will often need to yield right of way to the driver on your
right.

Slow down and cover the brake.

Indicate where you’re going.

Look out for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Don’t just look for the rolling ball, look for the children!

Look left, look right, scan left again.

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Training Development Resources
Adelante Development Center, Inc. “Passenger Restraint Systems:
Vehicle Tie-Downs.” Albuquerque, NM. 1995.
Goodall, Jim. Hospital Services Corporation. Albuquerque, NM.
Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc. “Teaching Passenger Assistance, Safety, &
Securement: An Inclusive Teaching Guide for Organizations Providing
Support to People with Disabilities.” Rock Hill, NY. ©1996. Primary
development resource.
National Safety Council. “Transporting Passengers with Special Needs:
A Coaching Program.” FLI Learning Systems, Inc. Princeton, NJ.
©1993.