The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has launched a free online toolkit to help employers prepare for Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW), the October workplace campaign that seeks to improve the safety of employees, employee family members and their communities.

You can download the toolkit by clicking here.

The campaign theme this year is “#PlanAhead — Your Key to Driving Safely.” Campaign materials underscore that planning may be the most critical leg of any driving trip, whether the trip takes place on the job or off.

“Planning is critical to safe driving from many different perspectives,” said Joe McKillips, chairperson of NETS and director of commercial environment, health and safety for healthcare company Abbott. “It can be as simple as planning the best route. Other times, it can mean planning for a designated driver, setting aside time with your teen driver to practice, or talking to an older family member about the possibility of limiting their driving. These considerations and more are covered in this year’s campaign materials.”

The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 11 billion miles globally each year.

“Actionable steps are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel,” the group said.

These steps include:

• Remember to take time to plan the journey – even those that feel routine.

• Prepare for driving situations that take you into unfamiliar areas.

• Take precautions to ensure you’re driving with a clear head.

• Learn to navigate the changes we all experience as we age and how they may affect driving.

• Think through ways to plan ahead for driving situations that involve family members.

The free DSWW toolkit provides Web-based resources, including facts and tips, downloadable graphics, and activities tailored for each day of the campaign week. The toolkit also includes materials geared toward management to encourage the review of safe driving policies and guidelines. There’s also information about integrating road safety into existing wellness programs.

Drive Safely Work Week is an initiative of NETS and its member companies. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Co., Hess Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Co., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Co. and UPS.

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative.

For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.