Route planning
All journeys should include a route plan. For regular routes a route plan needs to be prepared and maintained by the transport manager’s office. A good route plan will identify hazards along a route and provide guidance for negotiating each hazard identified. They will also include information about safe stopping/rest areas, and details of emergency service support along the route, including emergency contact numbers (e.g. police, medical, the organisation’s own contacts etc.).
To assist in route planning, the organisation needs to first identify preferred routes to be used, and alternates in the event of an emergency. It is equally as important to also identify those routes not to be used, or areas to be avoided.
To be effective it is essential to brief drivers before each journey and to provide them with a copy of the appropriate route plan. A briefing is important for all drivers, whether new to the route or not, so that any changes or new hazards are recognised before they commence their journey.
It is particularly important that route planning is carried out in higher-risk countries and areas.
