Category - Safety Articles

Applications Requested for Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program

The application process remains open for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP).  This is a...

CVSA Operation Safe Driver Week Set for July 10-16, 2022

Operation Safe Driver Week Operation Safe Driver Week is a safe-driving awareness and outreach initiative aimed at improving the driving behaviors...

What CDL drivers should know about using CBD products

Positive drug tests account for 81% of the total violations reported in the Clearinghouse since January 6, 2020. As of May 1, 2021, marijuana has...

SCHOOLS ARE LETTING OUT, PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

With Spring already here, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Many schools will be letting out in the next couple of weeks. There will be many children going to and from, and participating in, outdoor activities throughout the day. Adults, too, are taking advantage of the longer daylight hours, so let us all commit ourselves to stay alert and safe. Here are some safety tips for drivers I urge you to follow:

The last week of school is an exciting time for children, and they may become preoccupied and forget the rules of the road. Use extra caution when driving through school zones.
During those last few days of school, be aware that kids may arrive or leave school at different times throughout the day.
Remember that playground speed limits remain in effect year-round. Observe carefully when driving around playgrounds and parks. Small children are less predictable and harder to see than adults.
Watch for clues, a hockey net or ball in the road or on the sidewalk can mean kids are playing nearby. Pay attention and constantly anticipate the unexpected.
Always watch for small children as you’re backing up. Walk around your vehicle to ensure no kids or pets are behind it.
As you make your deliveries you will see children that would normally be in schools on bikes, skateboards, walking, etc. in parking lots, shopping centers, and crossing streets.

Why are we getting brake adjustment violations?

With automatic slack adjusters required by regulation on trucks and tractors since 1994 and trailers since 1995 why do we have brake adjustment violations? The first reason is that this is a mechanical device which if it is not maintained properly can malfunction and contribute to brakes out of adjustment. Slack adjusters on all commercial vehicles should be inspected and greased every 90 days.

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The Winter Weather Has Arrived! Are You Prepared?

This week the Midwest is getting its first dose of measurable snow and below-freezing temperatures. The front will bring cold temperatures as far south as Georgia. So, it is an excellent time to review with your drivers how to take care of their fuel during these times.

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Are You Sharing Your Driver With Another Company?

Multiple-employer driver means a driver who, in any period of 7 consecutive days, is employed or used as a driver by more than one motor carrier. This definition applies to a driver who regularly works part-time for two or more employers.

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Back to School Safety

Back to School Safety

In the next two weeks we will see many students returning to school after the summer break.  For some of these students this will be the first time since the pandemic started that they will be...

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CVSA Announces Dates for Brake Safety Week

CVSA Announces Dates for Brake Safety Week

This year's Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 22-28, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). The enforcement campaign is a part of the larger Brake Safety Awareness...

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Managing Drivers with Prescription Drugs

Managing Drivers with Prescription Drugs

Prescription Drugs and Commercial Motor Vehicle Operation Do Not Always Mix Our society continues to be challenged with opioid overdoses. As managers of commercial drivers, we need to be aware of...

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Top 3 Hazmat Violations in 2021

Top 3 Hazmat Violations in 2021

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Analysis & Information (A&I) online data, the top three hazardous materials regulations violations so far this year...

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