In Module 5: Taxi Driving Skills we reviewed techniques for safe driving. Go back to this Module and remind yourself of the key strategies we looked at for safe driving. Safe driving is obviously a key element of OH&S for taxi drivers.
When considering the risk from attack by a passenger using the seat belt worn by the driver, drivers must also take into account the risk of injury by not wearing a seat belt in the event of a road accident. The risk of road accident injury is especially significant if the vehicle is fitted with a driver side air bag.
One of the elements of safe driving is to manage fatigue. As a Taxi Driver you have been driving for long periods of time on your shifts. Taxi driving can be very tiring and you may have found that you have sometimes become very fatigued (tired) while driving. Fatigue can be very dangerous for drivers. You may fall asleep at the wheel. You may simply lose concentration. Fatigue is a significant cause of road accidents.
Fatigue management strategies include the following.