June 23 2025
By: Traci D. Long
Most safety programs aim to improve risk – that is lowering the potential for (or impact of) an incident or injury. But the legal side of safety tends to address liability rather than risk, and often this can be adverse to safety improvement.
My new truck is a good example of this. My well-loved truck of nearly 10 years developed engine issues, and I opted to trade it in for a pre-owned upgrade for hauling campers, to support my husband’s work as well as our hobby. 
I was used to the Chevrolet instruments, locations, etc., so driving the Ford was an adjustment. It talks – relentlessly. I start it and immediately get a ding and message that it is running. It dings for every little thing. After finding the settings, I was able to turn some of them off, to keep me from being distracted. While I’m sure there was a reason for each of these indicators, it was quite overwhelming, which surely takes away from their intentions.
There is a message that covers the full display telling me that looking away from the road can be hazardous – but it displays while I’m driving, demanding I take my eyes off the road to dismiss it. When I reverse with the tailgate down to attached to a camper, there is a loud audible continuous note that makes it very difficult to keep on focus.
After nearly 9 months with this machine, I found that it’s not set up for safety, but surely checked off all of the liability boxes at the manufacturer. It is essential to focus safety on user experience and potential hazards, and not simply mark the boxes on the checklist. Safety is complex, and should be addressed as such. Checklists are for reminders, not guidelines. Requirements should be realistic and effective. The goal of safety is not to avoid liability, but to genuinely protect all drivers and passengers alike.
"The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it." — Dudley Moore
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view." — Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Traci D Long is the Director of Operations for ProAct Safety. With more than 20 years of experience, she assists with statistical analyses of safety management data, provides project oversight and management for client and internal projects, and assists with the development of quality assurance efforts.
For more information, call +1.936.273.8700 or email info@ProActSafety.com.
