While the term “journey management” is common among those in the oil and gas sector, it’s a logical concept that can easily be adopted by all drivers. Journey management is simply a planned and systematic process for reducing transportation-related risks.
Brad Parker says, “It may seem obvious, but by reducing time spent driving on the road you are also reducing the risk of getting into an accident.”
When developing a journey management plan, keep in mind that the key objectives of the plan should be to eliminate unnecessary trips, reduce driving distances and minimize the risks associated with necessary trips. A solid journey management plan will focus on four key factors: the roadway, the driver, the vehicle and the environment.
Your journey management plan should also take into account the following hazards:
- Distracted driving behavior
- Driver inexperience
- Risky behaviors of other drivers
- Poor road conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Wildlife on the roads
- Adverse weather conditions
- Malfunctioning vehicles
- Unsecured projectiles
- Communication failure
Fatigue plays a major factor in many road traffic accidents. If planned correctly, your chances for feeling sleepy while driving can be minimized substantially.
Other tips when creating your journey management plan include:
- Schedule your journey carefully to avoid night driving (2 a.m.– 6 a.m.)
- Adhere to the legal restrictions on speed limits
- Plan when and where to take rests
- Allow for unexpected delays
- Know what to do in case of an emergency
- Make sure you can stay in communication with someone
- Think about the timing of your journey and how busy roads will be
- Identify high risk locations such as schools
- Keep hydrated with non-caffeine drinks
Journey management is commonly used in commercial trucking for the oil and gas sector, mining and long-haul transportation fields. In addition to reducing the risks associated with long road trips, journey management plans also provide a written record of the journey, which can provide insight into the extent of the due diligence that an employer is taking toward its workers’ road-safety practices.
“Truck drivers and other commercial vehicle drivers are required to follow certain regulations regarding their work schedule, called ‘hours of service.’ A journey management plan helps hold both the truck driver and the trucking company to some sort of accountability,” Brad says. In commercial industries, additional benefits of a solid journey management plan include:
- Minimized exposure to traffic hazards
- Reduced fuel costs
- Reduced wear and tear on fleet vehicles
- Reduced liability
- Increased fleet and driver efficiency
While this term isn’t commonly used among the greater population, it can be a great and helpful part of planning both short and long drives. With the right planning, you reduce the risk of getting in a dangerous car accident or running into issues on the road. At Parker Law Firm, we know that anything can happen on the road, no matter how prepared you might feel.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas motorcycle accident you need to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation. We help motorcycle accident victims throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
