What to Do If You Have a Blowout on the Highway

Having a flat tire when driving is always a problem. But experiencing a flat or blowout while traveling on an interstate highway or other high-speed roadway can present special dangers. Here are some tips for coping with tire trouble:

• At the first sign of tire trouble, grip the steering wheel firmly.
• Don't slam on the brakes.
• Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.
• Work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or, if possible, toward an exit.
• If it is necessary to change lanes, signal your intentions to drivers behind and do so smoothly and carefully, watching your mirrors and the traffic around you very closely.
• Steer as your vehicle slows down. It is better to roll the car off the roadway (when you have slowed to 30 miles per hour) and into a safe place than it is to stop in traffic and risk a rear-end or side collision from other vehicles.
• When all four wheels are off the pavement—brake lightly and cautiously until you stop.
• Turn your emergency flashers on.
• It's important to have the car well off the pavement and away from traffic before stopping, even if proceeding to a place of safety means rolling along slowly with the bad tire flapping. You can drive on a flat if you take it easy and avoid sudden moves. Don't worry about damaging the tire. It is probably ruined anyway.
• Once off the road, put out reflective triangles 10 to 15 feet behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.
• Keep your emergency flashers on.
• If you know how to change a tire, have the equipment, and can do it safely without being near traffic, change the tire as you normally would.
• Remember that being safe must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have. Changing a tire with traffic whizzing past can be nerve-wracking at best and dangerous at worst. Therefore, it may be best to get professional help if you have a tire problem or other breakdown on a multi-lane highway.
• Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know that you need help.
• Don't stand behind or next to your vehicle. If possible, stand away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
• All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special "call-for-help" phones. If you have a cell phone you can call right from the roadside. It is inadvisable to walk on a multi-lane highway. However, if you can see a source of help and are able to reach it on foot, try the direct approach by walking but keeping as far from traffic as possible.
  

The most important things to remember when dealing with a flat tire on the highway are:

• Don't stop in traffic.
• Get your vehicle completely away from the roadway before attempting to change a tire.
• 
  Finally, have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle after having a flat tire to be sure there is no residual damage from the bad tire or the aftermath of the flat.
  
  Source: National Safety Council
  

How to prevent violence at work

Preventing violence from occurring in your office or workplace depends largely on recognizing the signs. The fact of the matter is that if you are not prepared within your organization to deal with a potentially violent situation, you increase your risk of having one occur. As a manager, there are steps you can take to ensure this is never the case. It is essential to not only prepare a written policy clearly stating the rules concerning violent behavior, but also to maintain a relationship with your employees wherein issues are discussed openly and honestly. It would also be in your best interest to inform your employees about workplace violence and to have a course of action planned for a possible situation. Your employees should be trained to resolve conflict at some level.

The risk of workplace violence varies among occupations, with the highest aggression rate found in jobs that deal directly with the public. Positions such as teacher or school worker, police officer, or jobs that have contact with mental health patients rank high when it comes to dangerous jobs. This, however, is not to suggest that hostile behavior by employees is not possible within other organizations.

It is not surprising that hostile employees often disclose their discontent and frustration to coworkers prior to committing acts of violence. The person may appear lonely, under a great deal of stress, or dissatisfied with his job. He may act out, behave in a dramatic or inappropriate fashion at work, or engage in fights with other employees. Perhaps he feels he has been treated unfairly; either way, he is likely to let a fellow coworker know. Though it's often hard to tell whether someone is serious or just joking around, and coworkers may be reluctant to report their colleagues, threats should be taken seriously.

If an employee exhibits any of these signs, you must address the issue in such a way that safety is a high concern. If you plan to speak to the person, do not allow him a chance to prepare for the meeting, and be certain to have security personnel available.

Pre-screening employees prior to hiring may be one of the most effective methods of preventing violence. If a person has a criminal record or other history of violent behavior, you might want to reconsider hiring him.

As an employer, know that a policy regarding violence is something that should not be overlooked. It should be brief and avoid specific statements about what the company will not tolerate. Defining certain behaviors could cause uncertainty with employees who aren't sure whether an incident or threat warrants a report. Examples work well; accusing terms do not. When composing the policy, it's wise to consult a lawyer as well.

Violence in the workplace can be easily avoided. It's up to employers to ensure that their companies are prepared to handle it.

References: http://crimeprevention.rutgers.edu/crime/violence/workplace/intro.htm

http://www.opm.gov/Employment_and_Benefits/WorkLife/OfficialDocuments/handbooksguides/Work placeViolence/index.asp