ABOUT

Welcome to the Fit to Drive (F2D) website.

Today we see driving, whether at work or for personal use as an essential element of our day to day lives. It is easy to forget that driving a motor vehicle is a very complex activity. Our road infrastructures are built to protect us. But our ability to drive competently comes down to our capability to function efficiently both physically and mentally.

Driving requires the complex application of physical, cognitive and psychosocial abilities in a constantly demanding and fluid road and traffic environment. Any decrease of ability in any one, or combination of these areas – because of ageing, medical condition (physical or mental), impairment either through substance abuse or state of mind, can have a serious effect on a persons’ driving ability.

Determining and promoting driver awareness of fitness to drive should be an important element of any road safety programme. These web pages are designed to assist you in understanding and raising awareness of fitness to drive. 

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Safe to drive

Resources

While a comprehensive occupational road risk policy and procedures (which include F2D factors) is a necessary starting point, it is also essential than employers consider how the organisation’s specific journeys, specific vehicles and specific drivers might affect F2D

Employers must therefore carry out risk assessments taking these specific factors into account.

Examples to demonstrate are listed below:

Specific Journeys:

  • Driving a large vehicle (e.g. refuse collection vehicle) in high risk pedestrian areas (e.g. areas around and entry into schools) can be very stressful (children may not recognise danger). Planning collections to avoid school start and finish times could help to minimise risk and reduce any pressure or stress drivers may feel.
  • Driving at certain times (e.g. between 2am and 6am) can increase risk of driver fatigue. One of the most important things employers must do is ensure that their drivers are not at risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Schedules should therefore seek to reduce night driving.

Specific Vehicles:

  • Reversing/manoeuvring vehicles in certain high risk locations can be extremely difficult and stressful. (E.g. narrow lanes, locations with restricted access/parked cars or other obstructions). Using the correct type and size of vehicles with incorporated essential safety features e.g. CCTV, reversing alarms/sensors can help to minimise risk and reduce potential driver stress
  • Poor vehicle ergonomics could cause, or exacerbate health problems (e.g. back pain/ musculoskeletal disorders). Assessing the design of vehicles and equipment at the procurement stage would help to minimise risk.

Yes. The HSE has produced a template to help you record your assessment

 

This is not the only way to record your assessment. You can record the assessment in any convenient way so long as it is retrievable.