Safe Driving Standards for Professional Courier Drivers
All drivers operating on behalf of BHA Couriers must follow safe driving practices at all times. These standards are designed to reduce risk, prevent incidents, and ensure compliance with road laws.
Safe driving is not optional. It is a core requirement of operating within the BHA driver network.
---Legal Driving Responsibilities
Drivers must comply with all road traffic laws at all times. This includes speed limits, traffic signals, road markings, and legal driving conduct.
- Obey all speed limits
- Follow traffic signs and signals
- Use lanes correctly
- Give way where required
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Failure to comply with legal requirements may result in fines, penalties, or removal from work allocation.
---Speed Management
Driving at a safe speed is critical. The legal limit is not always a safe speed.
- Reduce speed in poor weather conditions
- Slow down in built-up areas and near pedestrians
- Adjust speed when carrying heavy or unstable loads
- Allow extra stopping distance at higher speeds
Key principle: Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see.
---Safe Following Distance
Drivers must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Use the two-second rule in normal conditions
- Increase to four seconds in wet conditions
- Increase further in poor visibility or heavy loads
Tailgating is a major cause of collisions and must be avoided at all times.
---Hazard Awareness & Defensive Driving
Drivers must anticipate hazards and react early.
- Scan the road ahead continuously
- Identify potential risks early (pedestrians, cyclists, junctions)
- Adjust position and speed proactively
- Expect other road users to make mistakes
Defensive driving reduces the likelihood of incidents, even when others behave unpredictably.
---Use of Mobile Phones & Distractions
- No handheld mobile phone use while driving
- Do not text, call, or use apps when in control of the vehicle
- Avoid distractions such as eating or adjusting devices
Even hands-free use can reduce concentration. Drivers must remain fully focused on the road.
---Reversing & Manoeuvring
Reversing is one of the highest-risk activities for drivers.
- Check surroundings before reversing
- Use mirrors and cameras where available
- Exit the vehicle if visibility is limited
- Use a banksman if necessary
If unsure, do not proceed. Take time to assess the situation.
---Driving in Adverse Conditions
Drivers must adapt their driving to weather and road conditions.
- Reduce speed in rain, fog, or snow
- Increase following distance
- Use appropriate lights
- Avoid sudden braking or steering
If conditions are unsafe, drivers must stop and notify operations.
---Urban & High-Risk Environments
- Take extra care around pedestrians and cyclists
- Be cautious near schools and crossings
- Watch for blind spots in busy areas
- Expect sudden stops and unpredictable behaviour
Urban driving requires constant awareness and reduced speed.
---Driver Behaviour & Professional Standards
- Drive courteously and professionally
- Avoid aggressive driving
- Do not engage in road rage situations
- Represent the company in a professional manner
Driver behaviour reflects directly on BHA operations and standards.
---Fatigue & Driver Condition
Drivers must not operate vehicles when tired or unfit.
- Take regular breaks
- Stop if feeling drowsy
- Do not drive when ill or impaired
Fatigue significantly increases reaction time and accident risk.
---What To Do In Unsafe Situations
- Slow down immediately
- Increase distance from hazards
- Pull over safely if required
- Notify operations if unable to continue safely
Compliance & Enforcement
Safe driving is actively monitored.
- Unsafe driving may result in immediate suspension
- Repeated issues will lead to removal from the driver network
- Serious breaches may result in permanent exclusion
Drivers are expected to maintain the highest standards at all times.
---Daily Driver Confirmation
By completing the daily driver check, the driver confirms:
- They are fit to drive
- They will follow safe driving standards
- The vehicle will be operated safely and legally