Requirements and recommendations for drivers

Requirements and recommendations for drivers

Existing requirements for drivers under the Road Traffic Act

Drivers must always drive within the posted road speed limit or the vehicle speed limit of 60km/h, whichever is lower.

Drivers must not hold in his or her hand and use mobile devices or other devices (e.g. tablets) while driving (Requirement does not apply to wearable devices).

Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.

5. Drivers should adopt safe and good driving habits, have sufficient rest and not rush. If the driver feels unfit to drive (e.g. unwell, drowsy from medication), the driver or the vehicle buddy should inform his/her supervisor or employer immediately and seek the necessary medical treatment.

6. Drivers should:

Before driving,

-Perform daily checks on the general condition of the vehicle.

-Check that the workers are seated properly and have their seat belts fastened (where applicable) before moving off.

When driving,

-Always stay focused on the road.

-Adopt safe driving habits including:

-No harsh turning, acceleration, and braking;

-Slow down when approaching road humps; and

During adverse weather conditions, drive slower, keep a longer safe distance from the vehicle in front as longer braking distance may be required, and turn on headlights.

When vehicle stops at a destination,

-Pull handbrake and make sure vehicle comes to a complete stop before letting passengers alight; and

-Switch on hazard lights if stopping at the roadside.

D. Recommendations for vehicle buddies

8. Vehicle buddies should:

-Remind the driver to drive safely (e.g. stay within the speed limits, no reckless driving);

-Assist the driver to look out for obstruction, hazard, or danger; and

-Assist the driver with navigating to the destination if asked, to allow the driver to focus on driving.

E. Requirements and recommendations for workers in lorry rear decks

Existing requirements for workers in lorry rear decks under the Road Traffic Act

-Workers in lorry rear decks must be properly seated and

-Not allow any part of his/her body to project beyond the side of the vehicle.

-Not be seated more than 1.1m above the rear deck.

9. Workers in lorry rear decks should:

-Board and alight the lorry with care. Do not rush or jump down from the lorry;

-Not move around when the lorry is moving;

-Report defects on vehicle to employers or driver so that timely repairs can be carried out;

-Report unsafe driving to their employers or the authority; and

-Report unsafe behavior of other lorry passengers during commute to their employers.