3 Reasons Why Ryder is a Part of World Safety Day

Posted on the 28 April 2015 by Ryderexchange

Did you know that globally, traffic accidents are the #1 cause of death for people between 15 and 29 years old?  And that three out of every four victims are male?  April 28 is World Safety Day and Ryder wants to bring attention to these and other, equally startling statistics because we want encourage everyone to take meaningful action in making the roads safer for all.

In late 2014, Ryder learned about Together for Safer Roads (TSR), a newly created coalition that brought together eleven global private sector companies to focus on improving road safety and reducing deaths and injuries by road traffic collisions and we immediately decided to join.

We’re extremely conscious of the role we play in keeping traffic and driving conditions safe, vehicles properly maintained, and drivers trained to be the safest drivers they can be.  I was very impressed by TSR’s initiatives to improve the safety of roads around the world and reduce the number of road traffic crashes.  Joining the TSR coalition is an ideal partnership because they share our commitment to safety.

Jointly, the coalition represents three million employees – the majority of which drive to or for work – and account for more than three billion miles driven per year in more than 200 countries.  Through our partnership with TSR, Ryder will work with other member companies in three core areas: safer roads, vehicles and systems; safer road users; and advocacy and thought leadership.

Ryder decided to join TSR’s commitment to World Safety Day is for three main reasons:

  1. We need to keep safety top of mind and this is a great way to do it. Today is an opportunity to pause and reflect on all that we do to work, live and drive safely, not just on the job, but take this message home to your families, friends, neighbors.
  2. By taking a day to focus on safety, we get to shine a spotlight on those who do an outstanding job in this area.  We’re about to kick off the Chairman Safety Awards over the next few weeks with Robert Sanchez visiting the top teams throughout Ryder that demonstrated outstanding safety performance in 2014.
  3. We’re just one spoke in a big safety wheel and we all have a responsibility and role to play in making our roads safer. Whether you’re a technician, driver, or simply drive to and from work every day, you can make a meaningful and positive impact by practicing good defensive driving skills and maintaining awareness.

To hear more about Ryder’s commitment to safety and World Safety Day, watch the short video below:

By: Sanford J. Hodes is a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Ryder System Inc.