Promoting Safe Commuting as Daylight Hours Decrease – Risk Assessments Related to Traffic and Commuting Conditions

Autumn is well and truly here; the paths are hidden by fallen leaves, the car windows need demisting before you leave the house – and the clocks going back signals the beginning of leaving for work and returning home in darkness.

Now is the time when promoting safe commuting becomes critical. Reduced visibility, adverse weather conditions, and fatigue can increase the likelihood of traffic incidents. Conducting risk assessments related to commuting conditions during this period can help identify hazards and promote safer practices for employees and the general public. Here’s how to approach this from a risk assessment perspective and provide actionable strategies for promoting safe commuting:

1. Identifying Key Hazards

With the decrease in daylight, a number of commuting-related hazards become more pronounced. Some of the key risks to consider include:

• Reduced visibility: Shorter days mean more people are driving or walking in low-light conditions, which can impair the ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles on the road.
• Fatigue: Darkness can contribute to a feeling of tiredness, particularly for those commuting early in the morning or after a long day at work, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor weather conditions: The colder months often bring rain, snow, ice, and fog, which can make roads slippery, reduce visibility, and lengthen stopping distances.
• Increased pedestrian and cyclist vulnerability: Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to see in the dark, and they are more likely to be involved in accidents when visibility is poor.
• Longer stopping distances: Reduced traction from wet or icy roads means vehicles require more distance to come to a stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Distracted driving: Drivers may be more likely to become distracted in poor conditions, whether due to fatigue, phone use, or adjusting to changing weather.

2. Assessing the Risks

A risk assessment related to traffic and commuting conditions should focus on the likelihood of accidents occurring under these conditions and the potential impact of these accidents. Steps include:

• Reviewing accident data: Analyse traffic accident reports and near-miss data from previous years, particularly in the months with reduced daylight. This helps identify trends and high-risk areas.
• Evaluating road conditions: Assess the conditions of roads commonly used by commuters, including whether they are prone to flooding, ice, or poor lighting.
• Employee commuting patterns: Understand the commuting patterns of employees—whether they drive, bike, walk, or use public transportation—to identify specific risks for different groups.
• Assessing public transport: For those who rely on public transit, assess the safety of stations, bus stops, and walking routes to and from these locations during darker hours.
• Time of day considerations: Consider the typical commuting hours for employees and how changes in light levels during those times may impact risk (e.g., shift workers leaving after sunset).

3. Mitigation Strategies

After identifying the risks, it’s important to put in place strategies that promote safer commuting during the months with decreased daylight hours. These strategies should focus on both individual behaviour and organisational support.

For Employers:

• Flexible Work Hours: Consider offering flexible start and end times so that employees can commute during daylight hours. This can be particularly effective for employees with long commutes or those traveling on poorly lit roads.
• Promote Carpooling or Public Transportation: Encouraging carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road and can increase safety by reducing driver fatigue through shared driving responsibilities.
• Provide Safety Information: Educate employees on safe commuting practices. Topics could include:
  • The importance of vehicle maintenance (e.g., ensuring tires, brakes, and headlights are in good condition).
  • Defensive driving techniques, especially for low-visibility and adverse weather conditions.
  • The importance of staying alert and avoiding distractions while driving.
  • Tips for pedestrians and cyclists on wearing reflective gear and using lights.
• Parking Lot Safety: Ensure company parking lots are well-lit, cleared of ice and snow, and clearly marked with pedestrian walkways.
• Emergency Kits: Encourage employees to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle with items such as a flashlight, blanket, food, water, and ice scraper in case they are stranded due to bad weather or accidents.

For Drivers:

• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and tires to ensure they are in optimal condition for winter driving.
• Use Headlights Properly: Headlights should be used during twilight, overcast days, or when weather reduces visibility. This not only helps you see but also makes your vehicle more visible to others.
• Reduce Speed in Poor Conditions: Slowing down allows for greater reaction time in case of an emergency. This is especially important on wet or icy roads, where stopping distances are longer.
• Increase Following Distance: In bad weather or when driving in the dark, increasing the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead allows for better response time in case of sudden stops.
• Stay Alert and Minimise Distractions: Avoid using mobile devices, adjusting settings in the car, or engaging in activities that take your attention off the road.
• Plan Ahead: Check weather conditions and plan extra time for commuting to account for slower traffic or potential hazards.

For Pedestrians and Cyclists:

• Wear Reflective Clothing: This increases visibility to drivers, especially during dawn, dusk, and night hours.
• Use Lights: Cyclists should use front and rear lights on their bikes, while pedestrians should consider carrying a flashlight when walking in poorly lit areas.
• Cross at Designated Areas: Whenever possible, pedestrians should use crosswalks and traffic lights to cross streets. Cyclists should follow the same traffic rules as cars to ensure safety.
• Stay Vigilant: Pedestrians and cyclists should avoid using headphones or mobile phones while commuting, as this can distract from their surroundings and reduce awareness of approaching vehicles.

4. Promoting a Safety Culture

Beyond individual actions, organisations can play a role in fostering a culture of safety during the winter months by:

• Regular Safety Communications: Send regular reminders and updates to employees about safe commuting, including real-time weather updates, road condition reports, and safety tips.
• Conducting Safety Workshops: Offer training sessions that focus on driving in winter conditions, vehicle safety, and accident prevention.
• Organising Safety Campaigns: Host a winter safety week or campaign to encourage employees to focus on commuting safety, perhaps with incentives for those who demonstrate safe practices.

5. Monitoring and Reviewing Risk

• Post-Incident Reporting: Encourage employees to report any commuting incidents or near-misses. Analysing these reports can provide valuable insight into potential safety improvements.
• Regular Risk Assessments: Conduct ongoing reviews of commuting risks throughout the winter season, adjusting recommendations and support strategies as needed based on evolving conditions.