With the need to navigate a big rig in and out of various delivery locations, it’s no surprise that backing accidents have for years been the highest frequency accidents with the lowest severity in the industry. However, the exposure – as with any type of accident – always exists for a fatality, injury and physical damage. And nobody wants an accident, regardless of severity, on their record.
Therefore, to enhance your backing skills and to reduce the frequency and exposure of such accidents, it’s a good idea to adhere to the following safe backing procedures:
- Before starting your trip, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. Check the vehicle’s brakes, horn, back-up lights, 4-way flashers and back-up alarm and video camera (if equipped) for proper working condition.
- Clean windows and mirrors thoroughly to provide a clear view. Never back a vehicle when any mirror is covered with dirt, frost, snow or other substances that keep you from visually clearing the path the vehicle will take.
- Plan ahead and avoid backing whenever possible. Do not put yourself into unnecessary backing situations. When practical, avoid parking the vehicle in a way that will require it to be backed at a later time. If you learn your routes, you may be able to avoid certain backing situations.
- Get to know the vehicle’s blind spots. Mirrors can never give the whole picture while backing.
- Adjust mirrors for maximum visibility. Mirrors are a major key to any backing maneuver. Adjust your mirrors while the tractor and trailer are in a perfectly straight line and you are sitting in the driver’s seat in your normal comfortable sitting position. Get help adjusting the right side mirror, if possible.
- Park defensively. Carefully survey the parking opportunities when you arrive at the delivery site. If possible, choose an easy-exit parking space that does not crowd neighboring vehicles. Avoid the temptation of pulling into the most convenient location in order to speed up the delivery process. Sometimes, choosing a poor parking space is a matter of necessity - but in many cases, a better defensive position is available if you take the time to look and evaluate.
- Situate your vehicle in the best possible position before starting to back up. Make the turn on the driver’s side, if possible, in order to minimize turning and allow you to see the back of the vehicle swinging into position.
- Plan your exit when parking in an alley. If an alley does not permit driving all the way through or room to turn around, then back into it (if local ordinances permit) so that when leaving, you can drive your vehicle forward into the street.
- Walk around your vehicle and check and recheck your path of travel. Before any attempt is made to back, always get out of your cab to look and see what lies between you and your backing destination. Check for workers, pedestrians, soft or muddy areas, potholes, tire hazards and equipment hazards. When backing long distances, it doesn’t hurt to stop and recheck your path of travel.
- Don’t forget to look up! Look for awnings, pipes, framing, fire escapes, wires, etc. that will be in your way. Look up, down, all around and under the truck before backing. The entire path the vehicle will take must be clear of obstacles. Also, anticipate where another vehicle or pedestrian could reach the rear of the vehicle while you are backing.
- This is also a good time to determine space limitations. Is the space wide enough? Is the loading dock platform high enough or low enough? Be aware that the path may slope up or down, making it difficult to judge vehicle clearance at your destination point. Measure and determine proper distances vertically and horizontally to safely park or unload your freight.
- Although ultimately the responsibility of backing safely falls on the driver, it is helpful to use a reliable, well-trained guide or spotter whenever possible to assist when backing. An extra set of eyes could make all the difference, particularly in situations where there are blind spots or when someone or something could come into your path.
- When you must spot for yourself without a guide, return to the vehicle quickly. Start backing within a few seconds after finishing the walk-around check. This will allow very little time for people and/or obstacles to move behind the vehicle.
- Measure and mark the distance carefully before backing. As you back into your space, get out of your truck and pace off the length of the space from the dock to the rear of the trailer. Then pace off the same distance from your driver’s door back to the end of the trailer area. Place an object on the ground at this measurement point. Then as you back up, you will be at or near the dock when your driver’s door reaches the object.
- Once you are behind the wheel, with the engine running and the vehicle in reverse, check the area again by turning and visually clearing the path that the vehicle will take. Use all side mirrors to constantly check and visually clear your path.
- Use your 4-way flashers and back-up alarm (if equipped) and periodically tap your horn prior to backing and as you continue backing. These warning devices are designed to alert others of your presence and can make other drivers aware of your intentions. Assume that other vehicles or individuals do not see you coming.
- Back slowly and cautiously. Have complete control of your vehicle. Use the lowest possible gear or idle speed and do not accelerate.
Remember that every backing situation is new and different. Even if you visit the same location several times a day or each week, be watchful each visit.
Courtesy of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Coming off one of the hottest months on record, the “dog days” of August, it is important for CDL drivers to be aware of what heat means. Working and driving in high heat and humidity puts an extra strain on you and your equipment.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate our heat production at a safe level. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
1. Fatigue, weakness, fainting
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Headache
4. Dizziness
5. Muscle cramps
6. Irritability
7. Sweating (absence or presence)
8. Paleness
These conditions can be further escalated by a driver's physical condition. People at a greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke are those with: heart disease, skin diseases, extensive burns, endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.), high blood pressure, overweight, depression, insomnia and fever. Over the counter drugs can also contribute to a greater risk for these conditions.
But remember, all heat-related illnesses are preventable! What can you do to prevent them?
- Limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible; wear good sunglasses when driving or working in the sun.
- Drink before, during and after physical labor to replace body fluid lost in sweating. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends fluid replacement not only as treatment for heat exhaustion, but as a preventive measure (i.e., water intake equal to the amount of sweat produced). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies drinking water as one of its top 10 tips for staying cool in hot workplaces. The agencies recommend drinking every 15 to 20 minutes -- not just during rest breaks -- to stay sufficiently hydrated and maintain a safe core body temperature. This puts less strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to fewer heat-related illnesses and injuries.
- Anticipate conditions that will increase the need for water, including high temperature, humidity, protective clothing and difficulty of work.
- Keep in mind that by the time you are thirsty, you are already about 2% dehydrated. Once you are dehydrated, it's difficult to make up for that lost hydration.
- Drink 5-7 ounces of fluids every 15-20 minutes to ensure proper hydration.
- Keep individual containers of cool, clean water within easy reach at all times.
- Drink cool water, which is absorbed more quickly by the body than warm or very cold fluids.
- Try carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks to help avoid heat cramps that can occur up to several hours after working.
- Avoid coffee, tea or soda, which act as diuretics, further depleting the body of fluid. Never drink alcohol while working.
- Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing that does not create a safety hazard for your work environment. If outdoors, wear a hat to reduce direct exposure to the sun.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals – they raise your body temperature.
- Pack a cooler with water for the day. Also, keep an umbrella in the truck if you are operating in extreme heat. This will allow you to move to an area with breeze and still be protected from the sun.
- If exposure to the sun is inevitable, apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a high SPF rating to exposed skin.
- Make sure your truck is in excellent condition. While operating in extreme heat conditions, a good pre-trip inspection is crucial; otherwise, you may find yourself and your unit on the side of the road exposed to the extreme heat.
- Be aware of the eight symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion (listed above) and seek immediate medical attention if any of them occur.
When you are properly hydrated, you are healthier, safer and more productive, no matter what the weather or working conditions.
Make it a safe day!
Courtesy of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
On September 21, the Department of Transportation held its second national Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. Building on last year’s success, the full-day event convened leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researches and victims affected by distraction-related crashes to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts. The Summit was webcast live at www.distraction.gov, enabling participation of people around the nation.
Since the first Distracted Driving Summit in 2009, twelve states have passed texting bans. This summer, The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) published a detailed report summarizing state activity. The report, Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs, details a host of approaches states are implementing. The GHSA has also posted “10 Tips to Manage Driver Distraction” online at www.ghsa.org.
At the 2010 Distracted Driving Summit, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced that he is initiating a new rulemaking to prohibit commercial truck drivers from texting while transporting hazardous materials. LaHood also announced that two rules proposed at last year’s Summit have now become law: a rule banning CMV drivers from texting on the job and restricting train operators from using cell phones and other electronic devices while in the driver’s seat.
The DOT has also engaged the private sector to promote anti-distracted driving policies in the workplace. The DOT and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) announced that almost 1,600 U.S. companies and organizations have adopted distracted driving policies to date, covering approximately 10.5 million workers nationwide. An additional 550 organizations have committed to adopting policies that will cover another 1.5 million employees within the next 12 months.
“We are taking action on a number of fronts to address the epidemic of distracted driving in America…we are going to do everything we can to put an end to distracted driving and save lives,” said Secretary LaHood.
In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research, distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities in 2009. The NHTSA study found that the proportion of fatalities associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent to 16 percent since 2005. This news comes as overall traffic fatalities fell in 2009 to their lowest levels since 1950.
Secretary LaHood cautioned that researchers believe the epidemic of distracted driving is likely far greater than currently known. Police reports in many states still do not routinely document whether distraction was a factor in vehicle crashes, making it more difficult to know the full extent of the problem. "These numbers show that distracted driving remains an epidemic in America, and they are just the tip of the iceberg," said Secretary LaHood.
To view the archived webcast of the 2010 Distracted Driving Summit, and to learn more about the DOT’s efforts to stop distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
According to the latest Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and related NHTSA data, the number of truck-involved traffic fatalities fell 20 percent in 2009, to the lowest level since the Department of Transportation started keeping records, while overall highway deaths (33, 808) fell to the lowest number since 1950. The number of truck occupant deaths fell 26 percent in 2009, from 682 in 2008 to 503 in 2009, and the number of injuries in large truck crashes also fell 26 percent from 23,000 in 2008 to 17,000 in 2009.
The record-breaking decline in traffic fatalities occurred even while estimated vehicle miles traveled in 2009 increased by 0.2 percent over 2008 levels. In addition, 2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates ever recorded: 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, compared to 1.26 deaths for 2008.
There are several explanations for the significant reduction: Increased seat belt use, stronger enforcement of drunk driving laws, better roads, safer vehicles, and an increasingly well-coordinated approach to creating a culture of safety by the DOT and FMCSA, including efforts to curb distracted driving.
The reduction also reflects a 33 percent decrease in fatalities since the current Hours-of-Service regulations first became effective in January 2004. “Greater rest opportunities for drivers under the 2004 hours-of-service rules and a more circadian-friendly approach to a driver's work-rest cycle have helped truck drivers achieve these exceptional results," said ATA President & CEO Bill Graves.
“This significant gain in commercial truck safety shows that ongoing enforcement efforts and our partnerships with state and local law enforcement are making a difference,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro. “Yet, FMCSA will not rest until there are zero commercial truck-related fatalities on our roads. We are committed to using every resource available to strengthen commercial truck safety and save lives.”
Click here to view the latest 2009 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Do the circumstances warrant DOT post-accident tests?
Suppose your CDL driver calls in saying there's been an accident. Everyone's adrenaline is running, and you may have to pry the details out of him or her to determine if DOT post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required. The following checklist will aid in deciding your course of action:
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Did the accident occur in a vehicle that requires a CDL?
- If yes, proceed to question 2.
- If no, you cannot test under §382.303, regardless of the licensing of the driver. The driver is not subject to Part 382 in this instance. Stop here.
- Was there a fatality as a result of the accident within 8 hours of the accident?
- If yes, send the driver for both a drug and alcohol test. Stop here.
- If no, proceed to question 3.
- Was there a fatality as a result of the accident occurring beyond 8 hours following the accident, but within 32 hours?
- If yes, send the driver for just drug testing, and document that alcohol testing could not be performed because it was past the allowable time frame for testing. Stop here.
- If no, proceed to question 4. You cannot test if the fatality occurs beyond 32 hours after the accident. Testing would be based on other variables if they exist.
- Was there an injury as a result of the accident that required treatment away from the scene?
- If yes, proceed to question 6.
- If no, continue with question 5.
- Was there disabling damage to one of the vehicles involved in the accident that required towing?
- If yes, proceed to question 6.
- If no, stop here (i.e., no damage, no injury, no fatality). It does not qualify for testing.
- Was your driver cited, plus does one of the situations listed in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
- If yes, proceed to question 7.
- If no, the incident does not qualify for DOT testing.
- Was the driver cited at the scene or within 8 hours of the accident, plus does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
- If yes, send the driver the driver for both a drug and alcohol test.
- If no, proceed to question 8.
- Was your driver cited later than 8 hours but within 32 hours of the accident, plus does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
- If yes, just test the driver for drugs and document that alcohol testing could not be performed since it was past the allowable time frame for testing.
- If no, proceed to question 9.
- Was the driver cited beyond 32 hours of the accident, plus does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
- If yes, you cannot conduct either test type. Document that it was beyond allowable time frame for testing. Stop here.
As you can see from this checklist, all the variables must be met in order to test under DOT rules. You cannot test "just in case" circumstances change. This is a misrepresentation of the test and a violation.
If you conduct testing in "all post-accident circumstances" as a matter of company policy, it must be done using a non-DOT form and represented as a non-DOT test to the driver. The collector must also be aware that it is not a regulated test. The drug test results must be linked to a separate non-DOT lab account for reporting purposes. The results of these non-DOT tests hold no DOT consequences. In addition, if circumstances change and a DOT post-accident test is required, these non-DOT tests cannot be substituted to satisfy the DOT requirements. The driver must be sent again for another round of tests.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Click here to view the short film, produced in Wales, UK, that has circulated over the internet the past couple months. The film shows the devastating consequences of Driving While Texting (DWT) and has helped to ignite the overwhelming interest in creating a ban for the practice.
Chief Inspector John Pavett from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit hopes the serious message in this film will hit home to viewers: "Seeing a scenario, like [this] one, played out right before your eyes makes you realize how extremely dangerous it can be and what devastating consequences it can have. I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realize that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other people's lives at risk."
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
1. Monday Morning Reports - the alleged injury occurs first thing on Monday morning or late on Friday afternoon but is not reported until Monday.
2. Employment Change - the reported accident occurred immediately before or after a strike, job termination, layoff, end of a big project, or at the conclusion of seasonal work.
3. Suspicious Providers - an employee's medical provider or legal consultants have a history of handling suspicious claims, or the same doctors and lawyers are used by groups of claimants.
4. No Witness - there are no witnesses to the accident, and the employee's own description does not logically support the cause of the injury.
5. Conflicting Descriptions - the employee's description of the accident conflicts with the medical history of First Report of Injury.
6. History of Claims - the claimant has a history of a number of suspicious or litigated claims.
7. Treatment is Refused - the claimant refuses a diagnostic procedure to confirm the nature or extent of an injury.
8. Late Reporting - the employee delays reporting the claim without a reasonable explanation.
9. Claimant is Hard to Reach - the allegedly disabled claimant is hard to reach at home.
10. Changes - the claimant has a history of frequently changing physicians, changing addresses, and has numerous past employment changes.
Experience shows that when two or more of these factors are present in a workers' compensation claim, there is a chance the claim may be fraudulent. Remember, though: these are simply indicators. Many perfectly legitimate claims are filed on Mondays - and some accidents have no witnesses.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
This is the time of year when most safety directors focus on the hazards of winter driving. Although winter driving safety must be addressed with drivers for the next couple months, winter weather ushers in hazards that extend beyond the roadway. Many companies experience a spike in workers' compensation claims during the winter months as a direct result of winter hazards that are completely unrelated to driving a truck. Slips and falls happen to represent the most prevalent cause of truck driver injuries. Below is a brief overview of several behavioral, physical, and environmental aspects to preventing slips and falls:
From a behavioral standpoint, employees should:
- Use the three-point contact climbing method. Keep three limbs (one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot) in contact with the handholds or the steps. If a hand or foot slips, two other limbs will be in contact with the vehicle to catch the driver. Also, training in this method is required by U.S. Federal Motor Carrier regulations.
- Always face the equipment. Drivers may be tempted to exit the cab facing forward, which makes the three-point climbing method awkward. Facing the truck increases the driver's control.
- Avoid jumping. Some of the most frequent and serious injuries are the result of jumping from the cab, deck plate or steps.
- Keep hands free. Drivers should avoid carrying items while entering or exiting the cab so their hands are free to use the grab rails.
- Get a grip. The hookup area behind the cab is the scene of many slips and falls. Drivers should place their feet solidly on the surface of the catwalk and use a secure handhold, leaving one hand free to do the work.
From a physical perspective, the following will help prevent injuries:
- Select or retrofit equipment. Newer trucks are incorporating better steps and ladders with non-slip surfaces that drain without retaining mud, ice and snow. Square edges and perforated surfaces on the steps reduce the chance of slips while entering or exiting the cab, especially during poor weather.
- Keep equipment in good condition. Pre- and post-trip inspections should include steps, deck plates and grab rails. Repairs should be done immediately. Preventive maintenance for scheduled services should also include safety equipment inspection.
- Select proper footwear. Drivers should be required to wear sturdy footwear with slip-resistant soles.
- Clean the deck plate/catwalk area. When drivers need to connect, unhook or check brake and electrical connections, the work should be done from the ground, if possible. If not, the area should be equipped with as many footholds and grab rails as possible. Deck plates commonly become slippery from fuel and moisture, so it's critical that proper material be used.
Finally, environmental aspects can influence trucker safety:
- Adverse conditions. Snow, ice, rain, mud, grease and even morning dew can increase slip-and-fall potential. Drivers should be instructed to clean handholds, steps and truck platforms before entering the cab. When exiting, they should use extra caution. Also, drivers should not install carpet on the steps to keep the inside of the tractor clean. Carpet can freeze in cold, icy conditions and be very slippery during wet weather.
- Housekeeping. Although most truckers aren't going to win awards from Martha Stewart, a clean cab is essential for safety. Drivers must use trash bags to keep the floor clean. Loose wires from CB radios, cellular phones and other equipment can catch the driver's heel upon exit; drivers should keep these hazards off the floor.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.