Working as a PCO Driver? Here’s How to Stay Safe and Healthy
Being a PCO driver in London can be physically and mentally demanding. You have to spend long hours behind the wheel and often drive in high traffic conditions with irregular shifts. This routine can gradually start to take a toll on your mental and physical health.
To help protect drivers, Transport for London (TfL) has set specific medical standards that all PCO drivers must meet. Failing to meet these requirements could lead to suspension or even rejection of your PCO licence.
Fortunately, you can significantly improve your overall health both on and off the road by adopting a few simple daily habits.
Article Highlights
Enjoy a safe and healthy driving experience by:
- Taking care of your physical health.
- Looking after your mental wellbeing.
- Protecting yourself from difficult passenger situations.
- Being aware of your surroundings.
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Tips to Stay Healthy
Take Care of Your Physical Health
PCO drivers have to sit in the same driving position for hours. Over time, this can strain your back, neck, and other body parts, causing stiffness or poor posture, which can lead to long-term discomfort. Here’s how to minimise the risk of this happening:
Protect Your Posture
- Adjust your seat: Make sure that there’s a comfortable distance between you and the steering wheel. Being too close will make you feel cramped, while being too far will require you to lean forward or overstretch your arms and legs, causing discomfort in your body. An ideal distance allows you to sit upright with your back against the seat and your shoulders relaxed.
- Use Lumbar Support: A lumbar support cushion supports the natural curve of your lower back, preventing strain during long shifts. Get yourself one to prevent back pain. You can also tilt the seat slightly back to reduce pressure on your lower spine.
- Check Arm Position: Your elbows should stay close to your body, and your hands should rest comfortably on the wheel without overstretching. If you feel any strain after some time, readjust your position.
Stay Hydrated
Going long hours without drinking water can cause dehydration, which often results in headaches, fatigue, or poor concentration. The best way to avoid dehydration is to:
- Keep a bottle of water: Always have a bottle of water in your car and drink from it every 20-30 minutes. During summer months, use an insulated bottle to keep water cool for long periods.
- Avoid fizzy drinks: Soft drinks may give you a quick energy boost, but they’re loaded with sugar. Excess sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues. So, stick to water and natural fruit juice.
Eat Healthy Meals
Fast food may seem like a convenient and quick option during busy shifts. But mostly it contains a high amount of fat, sugar, and calories, which can negatively affect your health over time.
If possible, pack healthy meals and snacks before your shift. Simple options like fruits, nuts, or sandwiches can keep you full and energised.
If you must buy food on the go, look for meal deals with fruit and salad at supermarkets, instead of fast food takeaways.
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Look After Your Mental Wellbeing
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. A clear, calm mind keeps you safe on the road and helps you make better decisions on the road. Here are some tips to protect your mental health:
- Set a daily driving limit and stick to it. Chasing every bonus and working extra hours can take a toll on your mind.
- Schedule regular breaks or days off to recharge your energy and lower the stress. Even a single day of rest during a week can make you feel fresh and prevent burnout.
- Listen to soft music or podcasts. They can help you stay relaxed and make the long shifts feel more manageable.
- Make time to socialise with your family, friends, or fellow drivers. Social interaction can relieve stress and help you stay active.
Keep Your Vehicle Clean and Hygienic
Maintaining a clean vehicle contributes to a better driving environment for both you and your passengers. It also helps you meet any cleanliness standards set by your PCO car hire agreement. Here are some ways to keep your vehicle clean and hygienic:
- Wipe down high-contact areas: High-touch surfaces like the steering wheel, gear stick, and door handles can collect dust and bacteria throughout the day. Using antibacterial wipes occasionally can help keep things fresh.
- Clear the clutter: Removing rubbish and giving the interior a quick cleanup at the end of your shift can make your car feel more comfortable and presentable.
- Vacuum when needed: Depending on how busy your schedule is, a quick vacuum once or twice a week can help keep dust and debris under control.
At Fleeto, we offer clean, well-maintained, and hygienic PCO cars that are ready to hit the road from day one. Each vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection and cleaning session before we hand it over to you because we know a tidy, fresh-smelling car makes a big difference in your driving experience. Get in touch to learn more.
Tips to Stay Safe When Driving
Maintain a Professional Attitude During Rides
PCO drivers face different kinds of passengers and situations on a daily basis. While most passengers are respectful, some are not. You should always maintain a professional attitude throughout the trips to ensure a smooth experience for you and your passengers.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion during rides. Even if a passenger seems open to conversation, these subjects can lead to misunderstandings or discomfort.
Keep the conversation light and neutral to maintain a peaceful and professional environment in your car. If a rider initiates small talk, topics like weather, travel, or local events are usually safe and easy to discuss.
Keep Doors Locked Until Ready
During late-night or low-visibility pickups, it’s common for drivers to take extra care. Verify the passenger’s name and destination before starting the journey to ensure correct match with the rider. If the passenger refuses to confirm their name, do not unlock the door. You can drive away, cancel the ride, and report the incident through the app if necessary.
Know When to Cancel
Many ride-hailing platforms prioritise driver safety just as much as passenger safety. So, if you feel unsafe with a passenger, you can cancel the ride. Most platforms have a flexible policy for safety-related cancellations, and explaining your situation is unlikely to affect your ride cancellation score. Some apps like Uber and Bolt also have built-in buttons to immediately connect you with emergency services or their safety support team. You can use this feature if an issue arises during a trip.
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Conclusion
Being a PCO driver can be physically and mentally demanding. While your main focus should always be on completing trips successfully, this shouldn’t happen at the cost of your health and safety. By following the tips we mentioned above, you can reduce the risks associated with the job and enjoy a safe and healthy time on the road for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any regular checkups I need to maintain good health?
Yes. Regular eye tests, blood pressure checks, and general health scans can help with early diagnosis of problems caused by driving full-time.
Is it safe to work at night as a PCO driver?
It’s generally safe to work at night as a PCO driver. However, when picking up a passenger in a remote or dark area, keep the doors locked and confirm the passenger’s name before allowing them to enter your car.
What should I do if I start feeling unwell during a shift?
Stop driving and take a break. If you can’t recover quickly, call it a day. Always prioritise your health over completing rides.
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