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Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 369

01 August 2013

Slip Roads and Blind Spots

Please see enclosed a self-explanatory newsletter that was shared with us by ExxonMobil.

Ian Kidger, Safety Advisor UK/Ireland for Esso Petroleum Company Ltd stated that “slip roads and
blind spots present exposures to drivers” and highlighted the need to mitigate the risks with a planned,
skillfully executed maneuver and stressed the importance of defensive driving.

Key points are as follows:

• Observe the road layout, plan for a trajectory that affords optimum vision and the most options
should things start to go wrong (in right hand drive this is typically the left hand lane).
• Keep your eyes moving and always “get the big picture” tracking all vehicles when merging is
the key to safe maneuvering and merging. A vital check over your shoulder to cover your blind
spot is vital.
• Leave yourself an out – allow other drivers especially tourists, or foreign goods vehicles plenty
of space – they may not have seen you!”

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works
for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!