On Monday, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) kicked off its national Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) campaign. More than 2500 organizations representing approximately 13 million employees are poised to take part in the week that promotes safe-driving education and awareness materials for all employees and their families. This year's campaign is taking place October 7-11.
Motor vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States. Transportation incidents accounted for more than two out of every five fatal work injuries in 2012, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This year's campaign theme is "Gear Up for Safe driving- Mind • Body • Vehicle." Campaign materials illustrate how maintenance of mind, body and vehicle are all connected and essential components to being a safe driver, according to NETS. Resources, tips and activities are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel. The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS' member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 10 billion miles globally each year.
"There is a natural, yet potentially over-looked connection between wellness and road safety," said Sandra Lee, NETS Chair and Director of Worldwide Fleet Safety for Johnson & Johnson. "This year's campaign highlights that connection and offers practical steps that can be taken to improve both physical and mental fitness for drivers of all ages."
The DSWW campaign focuses on the importance of issues that include:
Regular vision screening.
Being well-rested and properly fueled for sustained energy.
Keeping your vehicle healthy through preventative maintenance.
Getting the right ergonomic fit to your vehicle for maximized field of vision, comfort and well-being.
Drive Safely Work Week is observed annually during the first week of October. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year, according to NETS. Over the past three years, an average of 3500 organizations has participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The DSWW 2013 toolkit is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.
