Vehicle Safety Tips for Sports Coaches and Athletes
Getting the team to practice, games, or tournaments means spending a lot of time on the road. A single slip-up can turn a routine trip into a serious problem. Below are straightforward steps you can take right now to make every journey safer for players, staff, and yourself.
Plan and Prepare Before You Hit the Road
Start each trip with a quick checklist. Verify that the driver’s license is valid, the vehicle registration is up‑to‑date, and insurance covers the type of transport you’re doing. For larger buses or vans, double‑check that the last safety inspection was performed within the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
Map out the route ahead of time. Use a GPS that alerts you to traffic, construction, and weather warnings. If the weather looks rough, consider postponing the travel or choosing an alternative path. Sharing the route with a teammate or a parent adds an extra layer of accountability.
Keep the Vehicle in Top Shape
Regular maintenance is the simplest way to avoid breakdowns. Schedule tire rotations, brake checks, and fluid top‑ups at least once a month during the season. Keep a spare tire, jack, and basic tools in the vehicle, and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
Before each departure, do a visual scan: are the headlights working? Are the windshield wipers clear? Any strange noises? A quick look can catch problems before they become emergencies.
For teams that travel often, assign a “vehicle captain” – a trusted staff member who does the daily walk‑around and logs any issues in a shared notebook or app.
Safety Habits While Driving
Distractions kill. Enforce a no‑phone rule for the driver and store all devices out of reach. If you need to use a GPS voice prompt, set it up before you start moving.
Always buckle up, and make sure every passenger does the same. For younger athletes, use seat belts or child restraints as required by law. Keep the speed reasonable – arriving a few minutes late is better than a crash.
Take regular breaks on long trips. A 15‑minute stop every two hours helps prevent fatigue, which is a leading cause of accidents. Encourage the driver to stretch, hydrate, and get fresh air.
Handling Emergencies
If a breakdown happens, move the vehicle to a safe spot off the road, turn on hazard lights, and call roadside assistance. Having a printed emergency number list in the glove compartment saves time.
Carry a basic first‑aid kit and know where it is. Even a small cut needs proper cleaning to avoid infection, especially when you’re far from a medical facility.
Practice a quick evacuation drill once a season. Show players and staff how to exit the vehicle safely, where to gather, and who to contact.
Team Communication and Responsibility
Make vehicle safety a regular agenda item at team meetings. Ask players for feedback on routes, vehicle conditions, and driver behavior. When everyone feels responsible, safety becomes part of the team culture.
Use simple tools like a shared spreadsheet where drivers log mileage, fuel, and any issues. This transparency helps coaches spot patterns and act before a small problem grows.
Remember, safe travel protects the team’s performance. A healthy, uninjured squad can focus on the game, not on paperwork or insurance claims. By following these easy steps, you’ll keep the wheels turning smoothly all season long.
Kieran Lockhart, Jul, 20 2025
A Tesla Cybertruck imported from the U.S. was seized by Greater Manchester Police over safety concerns and lack of certification. Returned to its owner, the truck is still banned from UK roads due to non-compliance with local safety standards. The case highlights the tough regulations that U.S.-spec vehicles face in the UK and Europe.
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