A tree worker’s guide to arriving safely to the job (while driving)

We work in an industry where there are many safety factors in play – from working around faulty trees to working around power lines that could end your life at a moment’s notice. Yet, in the domain of climbing and working in trees, the riskiest aspect might not be with the ascent or among the branches but in the journey to the tree itself. The simple act of driving to the job site contains a massive amount of risk and liability, and demands caution and awareness.

We have unpredictable weather conditions and winding roads that require us to be absolutely focused and ready to maneuver on a split-second’s notice. Even the most seasoned tree climbers recognize their safety vigilance begins with walking out the front door, and way before they even put on a harness. With every turn of the wheel, they navigate through hazards knowing a miscue could result in devastating consequences for them and/or other drivers on the road.

By the numbers

Vehicle crashes in the United States present a staggering reality, with approximately 6.42 million occurring annually. That equates to a daunting average of 17,589 crashes every day, translating to a startling 732 crashes each hour and about 12 crashes every minute. What’s even more alarming is that a staggering 98% of these accidents stem from human error. These figures underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness, responsible driving practices and the adoption of advanced safety measures to mitigate the devastating impact of such crashes on individuals and communities nationwide.

The grim reality of vehicle crashes in the United States is epitomized by the statistic of 42,795 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. This equates to an average of 117 lives lost every day, resulting in four tragic deaths every single hour and one life ending every 15 minutes. These sobering numbers serve as a poignant reminder that driving is, unequivocally, one of the most perilous activities we engage in daily.

It’s imperative to approach driving with the utmost caution and respect for the potential consequences. Each journey behind the wheel demands our unwavering attention, responsibility and adherence to safety protocols, underscoring the critical importance of prioritizing safe-driving practices to safeguard both ourselves and others on the roadways.

What can you do?

Here are approaches to help mitigate and minimize your chances of incidents and liabilities on the road.
Plan your route: Before you start your vehicle, it’s important to plan your route carefully. Think about things like how busy the roads might be, whether there are areas of road work to be aware of and alternate routes you could take. You can use GPS apps or services that track traffic to help you stay updated on any unexpected problems or delays that could affect your travel time. Taking a moment to plan can make your drive smoother and safer.

• Stay focused: Distractions pose a significant risk on the road, often leading to accidents. It’s vital to remain fully focused on driving. Refrain from using your phone, eating or participating in any activities that divert your attention away from the road or require you to take your hands off the wheel. If you must attend to a call or message, pull over to a safe spot before doing so.
• Keep a safe distance: Tailgating, in addition to being aggressive, poses serious risks. It’s essential to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, giving you enough time to respond to sudden stops or traffic changes. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least a three-second gap between cars in normal driving conditions.
• Follow traffic laws: Traffic laws aren’t just casual suggestions; they’re important for everyone’s safety. Follow speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals and other road signs diligently. Remember to yield when necessary, and use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
• Watch your speed: Driving at excessive speeds diminishes your capacity to respond to potential dangers and escalates the seriousness of accidents. Maintain a safe and sensible speed, considering factors like road conditions, weather and visibility. Keep in mind that arriving a few minutes late is preferable to not arriving at all.
• Stay vigilant about weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog and other adverse weather can substantially affect driving safety. Adapt your driving accordingly by slowing down and increasing the distance between your vehicle and others to adjust for decreased visibility and slippery roads. Use headlights and windshield wipers as necessary to enhance visibility for both you and other drivers.
• Stay calm in traffic: Traffic jams are a common occurrence during our commutes. Although they can be irritating, it’s crucial to stay composed and patient while driving. Aggressive behaviors like constantly changing lanes, excessive honking or tailgating only raise tensions and make accidents more likely.
• Check your vehicle: Keeping your vehicle well maintained reduces the chances of experiencing mechanical issues while driving. Regularly inspect your brakes, tires, lights and fluids to ensure they’re all working correctly. Make sure to schedule routine maintenance appointments, and promptly address any problems to prevent breakdowns or accidents. (Z133 5.1.2)
• Practice defensive driving: Lastly, embrace a defensive-driving approach. Predict the moves of other drivers, stay ready for surprises and be prepared to respond defensively to potential dangers. Keep in mind, prioritizing safety – both yours and others’ – is worth the additional care and focus while driving.

Employing technology

So, what’s our next step? When it comes to improving driving habits, technology can be an asset. It offers creative solutions that focus on educating people and changing their behavior. For instance, there are advanced systems in cars, called advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), that can give drivers immediate feedback. They can warn you about dangerous actions like speeding, being distracted or driving aggressively.

Also, there are smartphone apps and devices in cars that keep track of how you drive. They can give you personalized advice on how to get better.

When combined with educational programs like online courses or community workshops, these technologies can help people develop safer driving habits. They teach drivers about the risks of certain behaviors and offer practical tips for improvement. By using technology to give drivers the knowledge and tools they need to change their behavior, we can create a culture where safety on the road is a top priority for everyone.

Conclusion

If we imagine that everyone in the cars around us is our own family, our approach to driving would change significantly. Recognizing that each person behind the wheel or in the passenger seat is someone’s cherished loved one would deeply impact us, invoking a strong sense of empathy and responsibility. Suddenly, their safety becomes just as important to us as the safety of our own family members. We would drive with heightened awareness, patience and compassion, ensuring that every decision we make prioritizes the well-being of those around us.

This idea, that “everyone in the cars around you is somebody’s loved one,” serves as a powerful reminder to care for each other on the road. Nurturing a culture of mutual concern and respect can ultimately make our journeys safer and more harmonious.

Korey Conry, CTSP, TCIA Qualified Trainer, is a field safety supervisor/trainer with Mountain F. Enterprises Inc., a 15-year TCIA member company based in Folsom, California. Follow Korey on Instagram
@Korey_of_all_trainer.

This article was based on his presentation on the same subject at TCI EXPO ’23 in St. Louis, Missouri. To view a video created for that presentation, go to this page in the digital version of this issue of TCI Magazine online and click here. Or, visit tcimag.tcia.org and find the video or click here