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Awareness
MAVO’s should take all necessary steps to
ensure they get adequate sleep before
operating a vehicle. When we are tired, we
can make mistakes that jeopardize safety.
People who are overly tired may react too
slowly, or not at all, to a vehicle in front of or
next to them. They may swerve on the road
or even fall asleep.
Make sure you read the warning labels on
any prescription or over-the-counter drugs
you may be taking. If you still have
questions, talk to your doctor about the
effects the medication may have on your
driving skills.
NEVER get behind the wheel if you have
been drinking or doing drugs. Alcohol and
some drugs delay response time, cause
blurred vision, and impair your ability to
judge distances. Your dangerous choices
should never compromise the safety of your
patient.
Speed
Travel at a safe speed; the MAVO should
never exceed the posted speed limit.
Speeding is a common cause of traffic
accidents. Use safe following and braking
distances and keep a “cushion of safety”
around your vehicle. If the weather is posing
a threat, add another second on to account
for risky conditions.
Stay Cool
There are times when an MAVO may get
caught in a traffic jam that leads to delays in
transports and lateness to appointments. In
these situations drivers tend to get frustrated
and angry. Should this happen to you,
remember not to let your frustration or anger
turn you into an aggressive driver. Always
keep in mind that the most important factor
is safety.
Know Your Vehicle
As stated previously, the MAVO should also
be familiar with their vehicle. An inspection
of the vehicle should be done according to
your company’s guidelines prior to operating
the vehicle. This will help ensure the vehicle
is safe to operate.
Some items that should be checked prior to
operating the vehicle:
All tires are properly inflated
No mirrors are cracked or damaged
Fluid levels are adequate
The lift/ramp is in working order
All tools needed to transport a patient
are on board :
o
Wheelchair
o
Seatbelts
o
Securement restraints
o
Trip reports
o
Gloves
o
State required equipment
Parking
Parking your vehicle in an appropriate
parking spot is the responsibility of the
driver. Make sure that you never park in
spots that are designated for handicapped
parking. These spots are for people with
disabilities who drive themselves and who
have special vehicle permits. While your
patient is in a wheelchair, your vehicle does
not have the required permits nor do you as
the driver to park in designated handicapped
spaces. If you do park in these spots you
can receive parking tickets with stiff fines
and you may be taking up a spot needed by
someone with the proper permits.