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Rear Weel Skids – This occurs when the rear drive wheels lock. Because locked wheels have less traction than rolling wheels, the rear wheels usually slide sideways to “catch up” with the front wheels. D. DAILY OPERATIONS Staying Alert & Fit to Drive Driving a vehicle for long hours is tiring. Even the best drivers will become less alert. However, there are a few things that good drivers do to help stay alert and safe. Here are a few suggestions: • Be Ready to Drive – Get enough sleep. Leaving on a trip when you’re already tired is dangerous. Make sure you are getting enough rest before the days you drive. Most people get 7-8 hours of sleep every 24 hours. Making sure you get enough rest will help you be ready to drive the next day. • Avoid Medications – Some medications can make you sleepy. Those that do have a label warning against operating vehicles or machinery. The most common medicine of this type is an ordinary cold pill. If you must drive with a cold, you are better off suffering from the cold than from the effects of the medicine. • Keep Cool – A poorly ventilated vehicle can make you sleepy. Keep the window or vent cracked or use the air conditioner if you have one. • Take breaks – Short breaks can keep you alert. But the time to take them is before you feel drowsy or tired. Stop often. Walk around to inspect your vehicle. It may help to do some physical activity. • Alcohol, Drugs & Driving – At no time should any driver be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should alert your agency director to plan to cover your shift. The safety of yourself, the passengers and others on the road is our highest priority. Inspection All vehicles are designed with safety features to protect you and the passengers you transport. The driver must be sure that the vehicle is kept in safe condition and is ready to do the job. A walk around inspection must be done prior to starting your shift. Look for the cleanliness of windows, body, mirrors, condition of tires and wheels, and lights; and make sure they are 29 | P a g e – E r i e C o u n t y G o i n g P l a c e s P o l i c y a n d P r o c e d u r e