The Be Alert Bruins annual driver safety campaign is now in its fourth year. This year's focus on the "Circle of Safety" is sponsored by UCLA Fleet & Transit, UCLA Insurance and Risk Management and UCLA Environment, Health & Safety.
The Most Common Collision at UCLA: Stationery Object Accidents
54% of all collisions reported at UCLA involve backing into and hitting stationary objects. All types of campus vehicles ranging from small utility carts to large commercial vehicles travel in congested areas with high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Parking can also pose challenges due to low clearances, blind corners and concrete pillars.
Prevent these accidents by performing the Circle of Safety check: Visually inspect the area to ensure that there are no pedestrians or obstacles around your vehicle.
How to Perform the Circle of Safety Check
The Circle of Safety procedure is a safe practice any driver can follow to ensure that the area around the vehicle is safe before departing. Simply walk all the way around your vehicle and check the clearances to the side, front, back and above. When backing into a parking space or work area, look for obstacles such as poles, other vehicles or concrete pillars. Prior to departing, make sure to check if any pedestrians may have entered your vehicle’s path of travel. Whenever possible, back in to a parking space or driveway to increase visibility when departing. If you must stop or park the vehicle in a position that requires backing, the vehicle should be positioned to maximize visibility to the rear and critical areas adjacent to the vehicle.
UCLA drivers are encouraged to check 360 degrees and make the Circle of Safety a daily habit, just like putting on a seatbelt.
Take a Driver Safety Quiz and Enter to Win Prizes
The Driver Safety Quiz has ended. Congratulations to our winners!
