Road Safety

Community and home care workers will often drive, or take transit, to a client’s home as part of their job. This means that if you are driving, your car is your mobile workplace while you are visiting clients. Being on the road can be dangerous if you are not prepared.

Preventing hazards related to driving

• Review your driving schedule, ensure it’s do-able and can be carried out safely
• Plan your route before you leave and keep an emergency roadside kit in your car: be aware of the weather and road conditions
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather
• Check to see that you have enough gas in your car
• Ensure that your car is in good repair. This includes making sure your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working
• If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire hall or hospital and sound your horn to get attention

Are you prepared?

• I have had a good night’s sleep and I have a clear state of mind
• I am fit to drive
• I am not impaired by drugs, alcohol or prescription medication
• I have had something to eat and I have a snack or water with me
• My family, employer and clients are aware that I will be unavailable to answer calls, texts, and emails while driving
• My car is prepared for the day’s work and any weather or road conditions that I may encounter (e.g. mud & snow or snow tires for winter)
• I have an emergency preparedness road kit (see Reference/Resources – Winter Road Safety)
• I am aware of what to do in the event of a motor vehicle accident (see Reference/ Resources – Motor Vehicle Crash Sheet)
• I know to contact my supervisor immediately if it is unsafe for me to drive