Back Into Zero!

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for government employees, and an estimated 90% of all motor vehicle crashes are attributable, at least in part, to driver behaviors. Management has a major responsibility to make the workforce aware of their safety measures and to stress those areas where there is an elevated risk of loss. Due to the frequency of vehicle damage and the potential severity of injury and liability, Prince William County determined that simple awareness training could be extremely beneficial. Through appropriate implementation and support, effective backing training has the ability to reduce frequency, severity, and liability associated with motor vehicle crashes and resulting employee injuries and public loss. The “Back into Zero” program brought a host of County organizations together to participate and take advantage of the opportunity to learn the skills to improve the safety of the County’s workforce while also ensuring the safety of County employees both on the roads at work and at home. Immediate results were exhibited as a result of simply biring focus to and raising awareness of the hazards associated with vehicle backing maneuvers and providing safe, realistic alternatives. In the four years preceding the implementation of the program, the two-month average for backing collisions was seven. The number of collisions that spanned the two-month period associated with the program was a mere two. This represents an immediate 71 percent reduction in backing collisions, simply by creating focus, raising awareness, and providing training.