Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only do you have snow and ice to deal with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well. In addition, many of the people with whom you share the road lack the skills and the temperament to safely navigate the roadways in snow, ice and fog. It goes without saying that you need to take time before every trip to know and understand weather and traffic conditions. You need to ensure that your equipment is in peak operating conditions paying special attention to tires, lighting, windshield wipers and washer fluids.
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. Once on the road, you need to be prepared, patient and cautious.
Are you as "winterized" as your truck?
- During the wintertime, icy running boards, steps, and trailer decks account for thousands of slip-and-fall accidents. While most are relatively minor, every year a few drivers are paralyzed for life from these incidents.
- Frostbite is another problem. Many frostbite injuries come from not wearing proper headgear and gloves when you are outside your truck, making deliveries, refueling or conducting your pre/post-trip inspection. The right clothing is the key to staying healthy, injury-free, and behind the wheel.
- A good place to start self-winterizing is with your shoes. Make sure that you wear good quality footwear with oil-resistant soles and some ankle support. Save your cowboy boots for the summer. They can be particularly slippery in bad weather. You don’t want to get them all wet and salt stained anyway.
- You may want to invest in a good pair of boot traction grips. They have been proven to reduce slips and falls.
- Many falls are the result of twisting an ankle to the side when getting out of your truck. Good ankle support can minimize this problem. Three points of contact will almost guarantee a safe egress. Treat your work boots with a quality water-sealing product and keep a good coat of polish on them to retain their waterproofing.
- Whenever you are outside in freezing weather, be sure to wear gloves, a hat (most body heat escapes through the head), and in really cold temperatures, make sure your ears are covered.
- Pack a change of clothes and a warm jacket.
- Take along some granola bars, dried fruits and nuts, and other high energy good and water or sports drinks in case you get stranded. Hard candy can keep your mouth moist while providing some degree of energy. Avoid salty foods.
Article courtesy of National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
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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.
As we approach the end of the 2012 calendar year, naturally, our attention turns to the normal December activities. Holiday planning, ho-ho-ho’ing, family and friend get-together’ing, ugly sweatering, caroling, egg nogging, Fiscal Cliff’ing and, of course, CSA’ing. Who among us doesn’t enjoy tracking a few “end of the year” changes to our two-year old safety program?
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) revealed CSA as the #1 critical issue facing the North American trucking industry in its annual survey of more than 4,000 trucking industry executives. Obviously, CSA has our industry’s attention…as do the most recent changes announced last week by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). From a big-picture standpoint, collectively, we agree it’s a good thing CSA continues to evolve. As our industry continues to openly share thoughts, experiences and recommendations about the safety program, the evolution of CSA slowly moves toward becoming more equitable and fair product and measurement system for the majority of the nation’s carrier participants. We hope it gets better and better over time.
Last week’s news is the FMCSA has implemented a number of changes to the CSA Safety Management System under which carriers are evaluated and prioritized for regulatory enforcement. The SMS changes are intended to provide the FMCSA more precise information to assess a company’s on-the-road safety performance. The revisions, which go into effect immediately, include:
- Changing the Cargo-Related BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) to the Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance BASIC to better identify HM-related safety and compliance problems. Motor carriers and law enforcement can view this new BASIC score effective immediately, but the scores will not be made public for the foreseeable future.
- Revising the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC by including cargo and load securement violations that were previously in the Cargo-Related BASIC.
- Counting intermodal equipment violations found during drivers’ pre-trip inspections.
- Aligning speeding violations to be consistent with current speedometer regulations that require speedometers to be accurate within 5 mph. The change applies to the prior 24 months of data used by the SMS and all SMS data moving forward.
- Changing the name of the Fatigued Driving BASIC to the Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance BASIC to more accurately reflect violations contained within the BASIC.
- Aligning the severity weight of paper and electronic logbook violations equally on the SMS for consistency purposes.
Motor carriers are encouraged to check their safety data at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/ to see how the SMS changes may have affected their SMS results. The FMCSA has also published a factsheet on the SMS revisions at the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) web site at http://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Happy holidays…happy egg noggin…happy fiscal cliff results…and a sincere Happy New Year!!
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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.
So far this year we have experienced very mild weather conditions, but we are quickly approaching the winter season with poor driving conditions right around the corner. We want to share some safe winter driving tips to help you reduce your risk of accidents and help keep you safe this winter.
Winter driving tips:
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Be prepared. Plan your trip accordingly by checking weather forecasts and possible construction areas along your route, chart fuel and meal stop locations, and allow extra time for traffic delays. The Weather Channel has a tool that allows you to receive severe weather alerts in your area on your phone via email or text message. You can sign up here.
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Do a thorough pre-trip inspection. Do a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including tires, wiper blades and fluid and lights. Check your vehicle often. Also, shifting product and icy roads are not a good combination. If possible, drivers should monitor the shipper's loading procedures to ensure weight has been evenly distributed within their trailer.
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Slow down and give yourself extra space. Compensate for poor traction by slowing down and making all movements gently - never drive faster than conditions allow. Double or triple your following distance and never tailgate. Keep at least a ten second following distance when driving on snow and ice covered roads. Turn OFF the cruise control - Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
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Beware of black ice. Black ice can fool drivers into thinking its water. This shiny form of ice is one of the most slippery road conditions. Black ice is likely to form first under bridges & overpasses, in shady spots & at intersections. Bridges & overpasses freeze before roadways.
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Braking and accelerating. Drivers need to be aware of becoming overconfident if they have antilock brakes. If the brakes happen to lock, release them to avoid sliding. This will help to regain steering. Always brake gently to avoid skidding.
If you begin to skid:
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Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, quickly
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Then steer in the direction you want your car to go
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Before the rear wheels stop skidding, shift to drive and gently press
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the accelerator
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Don't ask your truck to do more than it can. If you don't feel comfortable driving, park it!
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ALWAYS wear your seat belt!!
Here are a few additional winter driving-related articles:
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Winter Driving for CDL Drivers - The most frequent reasons for winter weather related accidents, along with a variety of tips to reduce winter driving and non-driving (work comp) risks.
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Winter Driving - 10 Most Unsafe CDL Driver Habits - A top 10 list of the most unsafe truck driver habits that lead to greater crash risk during the winter months
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Winter Safety Poster - Trucking companies are encouraged to print out this winter safety poster and display it in the break room, at the time clock, or wherever drivers might congregate. They could also use it as a pay check stuffer. (Courtesy of the Ohio Trucking Association)
Do you have any safe winter driving tips to add?
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.
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.
Last week the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced that a record 74,072 truck and bus inspections took place during this year’s Operation Roadcheck, the world’s largest annual 72-hour roadside inspection and enforcement blitz for CDL drivers and trucking companies.
There were a total of 48,815 North American Standard Level 1 inspections - the most comprehensive roadside inspection - resulting in a total of 22.4% of vehicles, and 3.9% of drivers, being placed out of service. Both percentages are the second-lowest achieved in Roadcheck’s 25-year history, and continue a downward trend.
The overall OOS rates for the entire event in 2012, including all inspection levels, were 20.9% for vehicles and 4.6% for drivers, both of which were higher than Roadcheck 2011.
Despite the positive trend on Level 1 inspections, the CVSA expressed concern that one in five vehicles selected for inspection was found with a violation serious enough to be considered an imminent safety hazard. While the attention to maintenance and regulatory compliance generally is improving, more needs to be done by industry and enforcement alike.
“Once again, Roadcheck effectively identifies and removes from the road truck and bus companies that cut corners at the expense of safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro. “FMCSA embraces Roadcheck 100 percent and for good reason – it enforces high safety standards and improves roadway safety for everyone.”
The 74,072 inspections conducted during Roadcheck 2012 included 652 inspections of passenger-carrying vehicles and 4,826 inspections of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Of passenger-carrying vehicles inspected, 8.6% of vehicles and 2.5% of drivers were placed out of service. Of vehicles carrying hazardous materials, 15.6% of vehicles and 2.3% of drivers were placed out of service.
Roadcheck 2012 took place June 5-7, with an average of more than 1,000 trucks or buses inspected every hour. Inspections included an examination of driver license and credentials, proper and complete records-of-duty status, safety belt use, driving behaviors and other driver safety conditions. Vehicles were examined for proper brake system maintenance, tire condition, function of lighting systems, properly secured loads and other vehicle condition-related violations.
About CVSA
CVSA is an international not-for-profit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials and industry representatives from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The CVSA's mission is to promote commercial motor vehicle safety and security by providing leadership to enforcement, industry and policy makers. CVSA member jurisdictions are represented by various Departments of Transportation, Public Utility and Service Commissions, State Police, Highway Patrols and Ministries of Transport.
In addition, CVSA has several hundred associate members who are committed to helping the Alliance achieve its goals; uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial vehicle inspections, and enforcement activities throughout North America by individuals dedicated to highway safety and security.
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.
Last month, we talked about what you can do to stay cool and ensure you don’t become a victim of heat-related diseases. This month, we will take a look at what you can do to make sure your truck stays cool.
A good pre-trip inspection is crucial in extreme heat operating conditions to prevent breakdowns. During the summer months, you should pay special attention to the following items:
Tires
Check the tire mounting and air pressure. Inspect the tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather. Air pressure increases with temperature. Do not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off. If a tire is too hot to touch, remain stopped until the tire cools off. Otherwise the tire may blow out or catch fire.
Engine Oil
The engine oil helps keep the engine cool, as well as lubricated. Make sure there is enough engine oil. If you have an oil temperature gauge, make sure the temperature is within the proper range while you are driving.
Engine Coolant
Before starting out, make sure the engine cooling system has enough water and antifreeze according to the engine manufacturer’s directions (antifreeze helps the engine under hot conditions as well as cold conditions). When driving, check the water temperature or coolant temperature gauge from time to time. Make sure that it remains in the normal range. If the gauge goes above the highest safe temperature, there may be something wrong that could lead to engine failure and possibly fire. Stop driving as soon as safely possible and try to find out what is wrong.
Some vehicles have sight glasses, see-through coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery containers. These permit you to check the coolant level while the engine is hot. If the container is not part of the pressurized system, the cap can be safely removed and coolant added even when the engine is at operating temperature. Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns. If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough to open. If coolant has to be added to a system without a recovery tank or overflow tank, follow these steps:
- Shut engine off
- Wait until engine has cooled
- Protect hands (use gloves or a thick cloth)
- Turn radiator cap slowly to the first stop, which releases the pressure seal
- Step back while pressure is released from cooling system
- When all pressure has been released, press down on the cap and turn it further to remove it
- Visually check level of coolant and add more coolant if necessary
- Replace cap and turn all the way to the closed position
Engine Belts
Learn how to check v-belt tightness on your vehicle by pressing on the belts. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly. This will result in overheating. Also, check belts for cracking or other signs of wear.
Hoses
Make sure coolant hoses are in good condition. A broken hose while driving can lead to engine failure and even fire. Check fuel lines, crankcase, hydraulic hoses and the exhaust system. All leaks should be repaired and any leakage cleaned up.
Battery Cables
Ensure all battery cables are not frayed cables, are not missing cable tie-downs, and are free from any buildup of grease and debris.
Once out on the road, watch for bleeding tar. Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar “bleeds” to the surface are very slippery.
Slow down. High speeds create more heat for tires and the engine. In desert conditions the heat may build up to the point where it is dangerous. The heat will increase chances of tire failure or even fire, and engine failure.
Stay cool and stay safe!
Article provided by the National Private Truck Council as one of their monthly safety letters for truck drivers.
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.
With record heat torching virtually every corner of the country, it is important to fully understand what you can do to protect you and your equipment from the higher temperatures and humidity.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are created when our body is unable to regulate our heat production at a safe level. The first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms for these conditions.
According to the National Safety Council, heatstroke is the most serious and life-threatening heat-related illness. In certain circumstances, your body can build up too much heat, your temperature may rise to life-threatening levels, and you can become delirious or lose consciousness. If you do not rid your body of excess heat fast enough, it "cooks" the brain and other vital organs. It is often fatal, and those who do survive may have permanent damage to their vital organs.
Symptoms of heatstroke:
- The victim's body feels extremely hot when touched.
- Altered mental status (behavior) ranging from slight confusion and disorientation to coma.
- Conscious victims usually become irrational, agitated, or even aggressive and may have seizures.
- In severe heatstroke, the victim can go into a coma in less than one hour. The longer the coma lasts, the lower the chance for survival.
What to do?
- Move person to a half-sitting position in the shade.
- Call for emergency medical help immediately.
- If humidity is below 75%, spray victim with water and vigorously fan. If humidity is above 75%, apply ice packs on neck, armpits or groin.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy perspiration with normal or slightly above normal body temperatures. It is caused by water or salt depletion or both (severe dehydration). Heat exhaustion affects workers and athletes who do not drink enough fluids while working or exercising in hot environments.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.
- The affected person often mistakenly believes he or she has the flu.
- Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke.
- Profuse sweating
- Clammy or pale skin
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Normal or slightly above normal body temperature
What to do?
- Sit or lie down in the shade.
- Drink cool water or a sports drink.
- Stretch affected muscles.
- If persistent, gently apply wet towels and call for emergency medical help.
Heat cramps are painful muscular spasms that happen suddenly, affecting legs or abdominal muscles. They usually happen after physical activity in people who sweat a lot or have not had enough fluids.
These conditions can be further escalated by your physical condition. People at a greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke are those with heart disease, skin diseases, endocrine disorders such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, insomnia, or that are overweight.
What can you do to prevent heat related diseases?
- Be prepared and use common sense.
- Limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible. Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic); do not drink fluids that contain caffeine or large amounts of sugar. Sport drinks are good as they replace electrolytes and salt in your body. Avoid extremely cold fluids as these can cause stomach cramps. Drink often throughout the day 4-6 ounces at a time.
- Wear light-weight, light-colored and 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 add heat to your body.
- Consider packing a cooler with water for the day. Also, keep an umbrella in the truck if you are operating in extreme conditions (desolate, desert, etc.), this will allow you to move to an area with breeze and still be protected from the sun.
Next month, we will take a look at how to ensure your truck is ready for the high heat. Until then, stay cool and safe.
Article provided by the National Private Truck Council as one of their monthly safety letters for truck drivers.
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.
REGISTER NOW!!
Driving Ambition is proud to be a sponsor of the Indiana Motor Truck Association’s Spring Council Conference. The annual Conference, put on by the Safety & Maintenance Council, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 9-10, at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing.
This informative, two-day Conference will feature a variety of critical transportation-related topics, including:
- Driver Recruitment & Retention – presented by Jeremy Reymer, President & CEO of Driving Ambition
- Driver Wellness – presented by Chuck Gillespie, Program Director for Wellness Council of Indiana
- Cargo Theft – presented by Ari Berlin, Federal Bureau of Investigations
- FMCSA Update (CSA, EOBRs, HOS, and Sleep Apnea) – Kenneth Strickland, Division Administrator for FMCSA
- Fuel / Energy Price Advisory – presented by Jack Hunter, Risk Management Consultant for INTL FCStone, Inc.
- Alternative Fuels – Panel discussion led by Kellie Walsh, Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition
- Maintenance Compliance – presented by Michael Irwin, DEKRA Automotive North America, Commercial Fleet Performance Systems
- Indiana Transportation Projects – Keith Bucklew, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
The Spring Council Conference begins in the afternoon on Wednesday, May 9, followed by an Awards Dinner featuring key-note speaker Rob Abbott, VP of Safety Policy for ATA. The Conference will end before noon on Thursday, May 10.
At only $80 for IMTA members to attend (only $130 for non-members), this is an incredible value!
For more information, and to register online, click here.
Register now and join us for this important industry update!
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.
During last month’s Mid-America Trucking Show, an FMCSA roadside inspector demonstrated key problem areas for drivers, fleets, and truck owners.
For drivers, the FMCSA inspector said the top five roadside violations are:
- Logbook issues – either not current, not signed, or otherwise incomplete
- Driver’s record of duty status isn’t current
- Driver isn’t in possession of a medical certificate
- Driver doesn’t speak English
- Fleet requires or permits driver to drive after 14 hours on duty
The inspector indicated that the top five Out-of-Service violations include:
- Fleet requires or permits driver to drive after 14 hours on duty
- False reports of driver record of duty status
- No record of duty status
- Driver fails to retain logs for previous seven days
- Carriers requiring or allowing drivers to drive more than 11 hours
The top five vehicle violations were also identified:
- No, or defective, lighting devices or reflective material, as required
- Required lamps are inoperative
- Tire tread depth of less than 2/32-inch
- Inspection or repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
- Oil or grease leaks
The inspector indicated that the top five vehicle Out-of-Service violations are:
- Inoperative turn signals
- Flat tire or exposed fabric
- Inspection or repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
- Inadequate brake tubing and hoses
- Stop lamp violations
The inspector gave a list of “pointers” to help drivers pass a roadside inspection:
- Be prepared
- Have a valid CDL
- Keep current logs
- Drive within allowed hours-of-service
- Wear your seatbelt
- Know the critical vehicle inspection items
- Have a professional attitude
- Keep in mind BLT - brakes, lighting and tires
- Know the three P’s of hauling hazmat – papers, placards and packaging
The inspector referenced the following critical vehicle inspection items:
- Fuel system
- Brakes
- Coupling devices (fifth wheel)
- Lighting devices
- Steer mechanism
- Suspension
- Frame and body components
- Tires and wheels
- Windshield wipers
- Load securement
- Rear view mirrors
- Horn
- Exhaust
- Emergency equipment
After an inspection, the FMCSA inspector said that drivers or fleets should repair out-of-service defects before operating the truck again. If that’s not possible, get the truck towed, satisfy any driver out-of-service requirements before driving again, repair non-out-of-service vehicle defects and turn in the inspection report within 15 days.
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.
Trucking Companies: Update Your Cell Phone Policy
Article provided by Antony E. Palmer, Jr., Attorney with AldenLaw
The age of the cell phone ban is upon us. Effective January 3, 2012, the FMCSA banned the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving a CMV and stiffened penalties against drivers and trucking companies that violate that ban. With a possible fine of up to $11,000 per offense for employers and $2,750 for drivers, trucking companies surely want to protect themselves and establish a written policy to address cell phone usage by drivers.
AldenLaw encourages a proactive approach in updating a carrier’s mobile communications policies according to the following recommendations:
- Make your policy uniform. While the federal government and states may have different rules on the use of hand-held mobile phones, AldenLaw recommends that trucking companies adopt one uniform policy to eliminate confusion. Where the federal law and state law conflict, a company should adopt a policy that follows the more stringent government restriction.
- Be clear in what is prohibited and what is allowed. At a minimum, an employer should include a provision that the company does not allow or require drivers to use hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV. A policy should also mirror the regulation by prohibiting its drivers from dialing, using a push-to-talk function on a mobile phone, and reaching for the phone. Certain communication options remain legal for drivers, such as hands-free mobile phone use and touching a single button on a mobile phone, earpiece, steering wheel, or instrument panel.
- Establish specific consequences for violating the policy. The consequences could be warnings, termination, or other disciplinary actions, including a fine. A driver needs to know what the specific consequence of his violation will be. And of course, after setting the policy, enforce it.
- Disclose the policy to your drivers. It is advisable that the employer include a written acknowledgement to the driver that indicates that the driver understands the policy and agrees to abide by it.
AldenLaw is a law firm in Columbus, Ohio that focuses on transportation law. AldenLaw provides guidance and assistance to carriers on issues relating to safety regulations, business matter, and CDL traffic cases. AldenLaw also represents carriers before federal and state enforcement agencies. The founder of AldenLaw, John L. Alden, has practiced in transportation and warehousing law for over twenty-five years. Along with John, attorney Anthony E. Palmer, Jr. represents carriers and drivers in business, regulatory, and traffic matters. AldenLaw’s transportation clients range from local motor carriers to the largest nationwide carriers, including specialized carriers of all types, as well as brokers, shippers, and logistics companies.
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.