Category - Safety Articles

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.

Driving In Springtime Weather

Turn Around Don’t Drown!

With the recent storms and flooding that have occurred this spring, drivers of any type of vehicle need to know road conditions can change rapidly with flash floods. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Over half of all flood-related deaths, each year occur with victims inside vehicles. Many of the deaths occur in vehicles as they are swept downstream.

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.

read more

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.

read more

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.

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
10 Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones

10 Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones

We are now in the middle of work zone season and you cannot drive anywhere without experiencing a work zone. As traffic volumes begin rebounding as COVID-19 lockdown orders are relaxed, renewed...

read more
The Heat is On!

The Heat is On!

This crazy weather continues this year and the heat is setting record temperatures across North America. What are you doing to protect your employees from heat stroke and exhaustion? These...

read more