Celebrate Safety
Safety is a cornerstone of thriving communities and workplaces, and it deserves to be celebrated. Each year, Our Driving Concern, a program of the National Safety Council that is funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, shines a spotlight on Texas employers who prioritize traffic safety. Through a unique awards recognition program, Our Driving Concern and NSC honor Texas safety leaders who promote employee safe driving behaviors both on and off the job.
Will you be next? Fill out this application for the 2025 Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety Awards. Get recognized as a road safety leader.
The goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by crashes on Texas roads, and any Texas employer is eligible. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 14.
- Before you apply, get answers to all your questions
- Learn from the 2024 winners, and check out this best-practices brochure to see how others have elevated themselves in the past
- Be sure to share this promotional flyer with outstanding organizations you partner with so they can apply, too
Employers who integrate traffic safety discussions into daily workplace operations not only protect their workforce, they protect their bottom line. Promoting company policies, educational resources and incentives for safe driving habits makes practical sense, and it saves dollars and cents.
You’re also sending a powerful message about your commitment to employees and their families. These efforts can position your organization as a role model in the broader community, and the Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety awards program offers an opportunity for you to garner that recognition.
Traffic safety isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a celebration of lives saved and futures protected. Let’s honor those making a difference in workplaces across Texas. Join this movement, celebrate safety and take pride in the role your organization plays in driving positive change.
Source of Inspiration
As we begin a new year, we establish resolutions to improve our lives. Why not include traffic safety as part of this commitment? By adopting better habits behind the wheel and ensuring our vehicles are road-ready, we can make a real difference in road safety. Following are talking points to influence your team.
Avoid Distractions
We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, yet many still fall into bad habits, like texting, eating or fiddling with devices while driving. To counter this, try:
- Silencing notifications: Turn off phone alerts while driving to resist the urge to check your device.
- Offering incentives: Many insurance companies offer apps that reward safe driving. Employers can create similar programs to encourage employees to avoid phone use on the road.
- Changing habits: Instead of eating while driving, pull over and enjoy your meal safely. Keep snacks and drive-thru items out of reach to minimize temptation.
Every risky behavior can be replaced with a safer habit. As a leader, set the example by sharing how you’ve improved your own driving habits. Your influence can inspire others and promote safer roadways for everyone.
Maintain Your Vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle is key to safer and more efficient driving. Neglecting maintenance not only increases safety risks but also can drive up repair costs in the long run. Share these tips:
- Follow manufacturer guidelines: Use recommended fuel grades and adhere to schedules for oil changes and other maintenance tasks.
- Check engine lights: Don’t ignore warning signals – address them promptly.
- Monitor tires: Ensure proper inflation and tread wear. Low tire pressure impacts gas mileage and increases the risk of blowouts. More than 11,000 crashes every year in the U.S. are tire-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Check for recalls: Find out if your personal vehicle has an open recall. It’s free to check and free to repair at a dealer. Search by vehicle license number or VIN #. If you work for a business or organization, you can visit the CARFAX Vehicle Recall Check site to request an account that allows you to review thousands of VINs at once for open safety recalls.
Drive Efficiently
Smart driving can save fuel and reduce stress. Encourage these practices:
- Plan routes: Combine errands and optimize delivery routes to minimize mileage.
- Use cruise control: Maintaining consistent speeds on highways saves fuel.
- Avoid aggressive driving: Rapid acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption.
Let’s start the year with safer roads and smarter habits. Small changes in our behavior and vehicle care can lead to big improvements for everyone.