Safe driving tips for waste and recycling workers

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, in partnership with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, issued driving tips March 26 to help waste and recycling workers stay safe on the road as part of their Safety Monday initiative.

Safe driving tips

Stay focused

• Don’t drive distracted: Turn off all mobile devices, cell phones, radios, etc.
• Continually search the roadway to be alert to situations requiring quick action.
• Stop about every two hours for a break. Get out of the vehicle to stretch, take a walk and get refreshed.

Stay safe

• Use a seat belt at all times for both drivers and passengers.
• Be well-rested before driving.
• Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.
• Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely each day.
• If you are impaired by alcohol or any drug, do not drive.

Avoid aggressive driving

• Keep your cool in traffic.
• Be patient and courteous to other drivers.
• Do not take other drivers’ actions personally.
• Reduce your stress by planning your route ahead of time (bring maps and directions), allow plenty of travel time, and avoid crowded roadways and busy driving times.