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The facts about food and nutrition
The facts about food and nutrition
While on the road, drivers often have to grab quick meals at fast food restaurants. Unfortunately what's most convenient for you isn't always what's healthiest.
We turned to Carolyn Burdsall, a registered clinical dietitian with 24 years of experience at Hendricks Regional Health in Indiana, for advice on how you can make healthy food choices while on the road.
Protective Insurance Company: How can drivers eat healthy while on the road? What are some healthy meal and snack options?
Carolyn Burdsall: The current model for healthy eating is the "Plate Method," based on a standard nine-inch dinner plate. Fill a quarter of the plate with meat, a quarter with starch and half with veggies. Add a glass of low fat milk and fruit for dessert and you've got a well-balanced meal!
If we use this guide for packing a cooler to keep in your cab, stock up on raw veggies, fresh fruit or unsweetened individual fruit cups. Add a sandwich on whole grain bread or a pita made with lean meat such as deli ham or turkey. Go light on the condiments. If you want a crunchy snack, try a handful of pretzels, dry whole grain cereal or snack mix instead of chips which have a lot of fat, salt and calories without a lot of nutritional value.
PIC: What advice do you have for making healthy choices at fast food restaurants and truck stops?
CB: Whenever possible, avoid the fried choices. Go with a grilled chicken sandwich or more basic burger, ideally on a whole grain bun. Ask for the mayo on the side or skip it altogether. Instead of fries, many restaurants offer small side salads or fruit. Don't use too much salad dressing though! Grilled snack wraps light on the sauces, chili and basic tacos are also good choices.
PIC: Why is it important to complement eating right with being physically active?
CB: Imagine weight management as a teeter totter. On one side are the calories we bring in (food) and on the other side are the calories we burn up in the course of the day. If we eat more than we burn, we will gain weight.
PIC: What does it mean to "budget calories" and how many calories should drivers eat a day?
CB: There are a certain number of calories that each of us requires to meet our needs and that number varies from person to person based on a variety of factors such as age, gender and activity level. Most of us exceed this target. If we want to stay within our calorie target, we have to adjust our food choices to do this. If we know one particular meal or food item will cost us more calories, we have to purposely try to "spend" fewer calories at other meals or on other food items.
Determining a person's calorie needs is not an exact science, but a reasonable starting point for most people is 10 – 12 calories per pound. That means a person weighing 200 pounds should shoot for about 2,000 – 2,400 calories per day.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
While on the road, drivers often have to grab quick meals at fast food restaurants. Unfortunately what's most convenient for you isn't always what's healthiest.
We turned to Carolyn Burdsall, a registered clinical dietitian with 24 years of experience at Hendricks Regional Health in Indiana, for advice on how you can make healthy food choices while on the road.
Protective Insurance Company: How can drivers eat healthy while on the road? What are some healthy meal and snack options?
Carolyn Burdsall: The current model for healthy eating is the "Plate Method," based on a standard nine-inch dinner plate. Fill a quarter of the plate with meat, a quarter with starch and half with veggies. Add a glass of low fat milk and fruit for dessert and you've got a well-balanced meal!
If we use this guide for packing a cooler to keep in your cab, stock up on raw veggies, fresh fruit or unsweetened individual fruit cups. Add a sandwich on whole grain bread or a pita made with lean meat such as deli ham or turkey. Go light on the condiments. If you want a crunchy snack, try a handful of pretzels, dry whole grain cereal or snack mix instead of chips which have a lot of fat, salt and calories without a lot of nutritional value.
PIC: What advice do you have for making healthy choices at fast food restaurants and truck stops?
CB: Whenever possible, avoid the fried choices. Go with a grilled chicken sandwich or more basic burger, ideally on a whole grain bun. Ask for the mayo on the side or skip it altogether. Instead of fries, many restaurants offer small side salads or fruit. Don't use too much salad dressing though! Grilled snack wraps light on the sauces, chili and basic tacos are also good choices.
PIC: Why is it important to complement eating right with being physically active?
CB: Imagine weight management as a teeter totter. On one side are the calories we bring in (food) and on the other side are the calories we burn up in the course of the day. If we eat more than we burn, we will gain weight.
PIC: What does it mean to "budget calories" and how many calories should drivers eat a day?
CB: There are a certain number of calories that each of us requires to meet our needs and that number varies from person to person based on a variety of factors such as age, gender and activity level. Most of us exceed this target. If we want to stay within our calorie target, we have to adjust our food choices to do this. If we know one particular meal or food item will cost us more calories, we have to purposely try to "spend" fewer calories at other meals or on other food items.
Determining a person's calorie needs is not an exact science, but a reasonable starting point for most people is 10 – 12 calories per pound. That means a person weighing 200 pounds should shoot for about 2,000 – 2,400 calories per day.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Gear up to survive extreme winter weather
As winter progresses, you’ll likely encounter weather events such as heavy snow, ice or freezing rain, some of which may be severe enough to close roads and trap drivers in their vehicles.
Take a look around your cab. If you were in this situation but not lucky enough to be near a truck stop, would you have the supplies and tools needed to survive for 24 hours or longer?
Hazards like snowstorms and ice increase your chances of sliding off the road or being involved in a collision. Depending on where you are when that happens, you may be stranded for a while before help arrives. If it’s weather-related, you could be stranded for several days.
This may sound like an extreme situation but it’s something you can easily prepare for by making sure you have the following items in your cab to take care of yourself and your vehicle:
Keep warm clothing for your head, hands and feet in your vehicle, as well as a sleeping bag or blankets.
Personal supplies
• Additional warm socks, hat and gloves
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereals and ready to eat canned or boxed foods
• Extra medication (check expiration dates)
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Hand and foot warmer packs
• Whistle
• Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers
Jumper cables and basic tools may prove vital during a winter weather event.
Vehicle supplies
• Shovel
• Bag of cheap kitty litter, pea gravel, sand or salt to help get traction
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Tire chains
• Small section of tarp or other material to lay on when installing chains
• Windshield de-icer and scraper
• Emergency flares
Keep your fuel tanks no less than half full. If you do become stranded, conserve fuel by idling your vehicle sparingly – just long enough to keep yourself warm. Slightly open a window that’s away from your exhaust outlet to permit fresh air into your cab. Make sure your exhaust outlet is not enclosed by snow. Also, ration your food and water so you have plenty until you are rescued.
Take a look around your cab. If you were in this situation but not lucky enough to be near a truck stop, would you have the supplies and tools needed to survive for 24 hours or longer?
Hazards like snowstorms and ice increase your chances of sliding off the road or being involved in a collision. Depending on where you are when that happens, you may be stranded for a while before help arrives. If it’s weather-related, you could be stranded for several days.
This may sound like an extreme situation but it’s something you can easily prepare for by making sure you have the following items in your cab to take care of yourself and your vehicle:
Keep warm clothing for your head, hands and feet in your vehicle, as well as a sleeping bag or blankets.
Personal supplies
• Additional warm socks, hat and gloves
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereals and ready to eat canned or boxed foods
• Extra medication (check expiration dates)
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Hand and foot warmer packs
• Whistle
• Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers
Jumper cables and basic tools may prove vital during a winter weather event.
Vehicle supplies
• Shovel
• Bag of cheap kitty litter, pea gravel, sand or salt to help get traction
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Tire chains
• Small section of tarp or other material to lay on when installing chains
• Windshield de-icer and scraper
• Emergency flares
Keep your fuel tanks no less than half full. If you do become stranded, conserve fuel by idling your vehicle sparingly – just long enough to keep yourself warm. Slightly open a window that’s away from your exhaust outlet to permit fresh air into your cab. Make sure your exhaust outlet is not enclosed by snow. Also, ration your food and water so you have plenty until you are rescued.
How to Back Up Safely
Winter Weather Driving Tips |
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Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Safety Solutions: Preventing Slips & Falls
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Avoiding Low Clearance Collisions
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Pre-Trip Inspection Guidelines
While most of the time it is tempting to get a voyage underway as quickly as possible, don’t underestimate the importance of a pre-trip inspection. Taking the time to inspect and analyze your vehicle before driving can help you identify any initial red flags and preserve the longevity of your vehicle. Additionally, it will help ensure your most important asset—your employees—are safe on the road and driving a reliable vehicle. This inspection can be the difference between millions of dollars in unanticipated expenses from the results of claims, accidents and injuries versus a clean balance sheet. The following are sample guidelines that can be used to conduct a step-by-step pre-trip inspection of your commercial motor vehicle. Chock blocks should be utilized to prevent the truck from moving inadvertently during the inspection.
Carry at least the following items with you during your inspection:
1. Flashlight to see in dark or shaded areas
2. Clean rag to wipe off light lenses and reflective tape
3. Air gauge to check tire pressure 4. Ruler to measure brake travel
Shield a quarterly publication provided by Protective Insurnace
While most of the time it is tempting to get a voyage underway as quickly as possible, don’t underestimate the importance of a pre-trip inspection. Taking the time to inspect and analyze your vehicle before driving can help you identify any initial red flags and preserve the longevity of your vehicle. Additionally, it will help ensure your most important asset—your employees—are safe on the road and driving a reliable vehicle. This inspection can be the difference between millions of dollars in unanticipated expenses from the results of claims, accidents and injuries versus a clean balance sheet. The following are sample guidelines that can be used to conduct a step-by-step pre-trip inspection of your commercial motor vehicle. Chock blocks should be utilized to prevent the truck from moving inadvertently during the inspection.
Carry at least the following items with you during your inspection:
1. Flashlight to see in dark or shaded areas
2. Clean rag to wipe off light lenses and reflective tape
3. Air gauge to check tire pressure 4. Ruler to measure brake travel
- Check the vehicle’s general condition. Start about 20 feet away from the truck to view the entire truck. Check underneath for any puddles or pools of oil and other vehicle fluids. Also look for any visible damage to the truck and for anything that may be hanging or dragging underneath.
- Make sure all emergency devices are in the vehicle as specified in the FMCSR, Section 393.95, including a properly rated and maintained fire extinguisher and warning devices to use for emergency stops. Start the engine and check for any unusual smells and noises. Watch for fluid leaks as well.
- Check coupling devices, including a visual inspection of the king pin jaws to make sure they are properly locked. Look for “high hitching” and any cracks in the fifth wheel assembly and frame.
- Check mirrors for proper adjustment, cleanliness and securement.
- Check all gauges to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Review the vehicle inspection report that was completed at the end of the last trip. If any defects were reported on that inspection report, make sure the defects are corrected before signing the report and beginning the trip.
- Activate windshield wipers to check for proper operation. Also, check for any worn or damaged wiper blades and that the windshield washer reservoir is full.
- Inspect the steering system. Check for loose play and look for broken parts.
- Check under the hood for worn belts, leaking fluids, cracked wires, etc.
- Activate horns to make sure they work properly.
- Check all lights for proper operation, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional lights and warning lights.
Shield a quarterly publication provided by Protective Insurnace
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Be Aware of Summertime Driving Challenges
You made it through the winter and the poor road conditions that accompanied it; but this is no time to let your guard down. Millions of Americans, including an increase in young drivers, take advantage of the warm weather to head out on the road for recreation and travel. Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this makes July 4 the most dangerous day and August the most hazardous month of the year for severe driving-related injuries and deaths.
Warn your drivers to be extra cautious this time of year. Increased congestion makes it more critical than ever to restrict cell phone use and other forms of distracted driving. It is also especially important during heavy travel periods for drivers to be fully rested to avoid the dangers of fatigued driving. Summertime driving requires complete focus.
Many motorists on the road throughout the summer are not accustomed to high speeds of travel and may not demonstrate safe driving skills. Non-professional drivers who are not used to long trips may drive into the early morning hours to reach their destination, increasing their risk of driver fatigue. Professional drivers must be aware of the potential mistakes these drivers could make and always maintain enough distance from other vehicles to avoid any collisions that result.
Tourists who are traveling unfamiliar routes have a tendency to make abrupt course corrections. Advise your drivers to be on the lookout for this behavior and yield to confused drivers. Pedestrians in tourist and resort areas are also unpredictable and more prone to step unexpectedly into the roadway. In addition, more children play outside. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road to spot and avoid children, bike riders, skateboarders or distracted pedestrians who may suddenly enter their lane of travel.
Instruct drivers to keep the inside of their windows clean and streak-free. The film that develops on inside window glass is capable of defusing incoming light, spreading it across the entire window and making it difficult to see through. Approaching headlights in the evening hours can cause the same effect. Battling excessive window glare for an extended period of time could make your drivers drowsy, leading to fatigue-related driving errors.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
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Vehicle and Driver Pre-Trip Inspections
Driving Safely Through Highway Work Zones
Why Hands-Free Devices Do Not Promote Safe Driving
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than one out of every four motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use at the time of the crash. While most drivers agree they should not talk on handheld phones or text while driving, many also believe they can safely drive and talk on hands-free devices. Studies on inattention blindness, however, show that this is not the case.
The NSC’s 2010 white paper, “Understanding the distracted brain: Why driving while using hands-free cell phones is risky behavior,” details the many reasons why carrying on conversations on hands-free devices is just as dangerous as any other form of distracted driving. Regardless of the device, talking on a phone or texting behind the wheel requires the brain to multitask. However, the brain does not actually have the capability of focusing on two tasks at once; rather, it addresses tasks sequentially, switching from one to another.
Inattention blindness occurs when people do two cognitively complex tasks, such as driving and using a cell phone, causing the brain to shift focus. Although the brain may make this transition quickly, reaction time is delayed in the process. The delay caused by switching from task to task may cause drivers to miss information in their driving environment, slowing their reaction time and making it impossible to execute a safe response to avoid an accident. Hands-free devices present a unique hazard on the road because many drivers do not even realize the associated risk since they have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
A Carnegie Mellon University study determined that simply listening to sentences on cell phones decreased activity by 37 percent in the parietal lobe, part of the brain that perceives movement, integrates sensory information and plays an important part in language processing. Activity also decreased in the occipital lobe, which processes visual information. Vision, of course, is the most important sense for safe driving. However, when drivers use cell phones, they look at but do not actually see or comprehend up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment.
In fact, although they have their eyes on the road, drivers using hands-free devices are even less likely than others to see high and low relevant objects; visual cues; exits, red lights and stop signs; navigational signage; and the content of objects. It has been proven in many studies that driving while talking on cell phones, whether handheld or hands-free is very dangerous. The risk of crashes that result in injury and property damage increases fourfold when a cell phone is involved.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than one out of every four motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use at the time of the crash. While most drivers agree they should not talk on handheld phones or text while driving, many also believe they can safely drive and talk on hands-free devices. Studies on inattention blindness, however, show that this is not the case.
The NSC’s 2010 white paper, “Understanding the distracted brain: Why driving while using hands-free cell phones is risky behavior,” details the many reasons why carrying on conversations on hands-free devices is just as dangerous as any other form of distracted driving. Regardless of the device, talking on a phone or texting behind the wheel requires the brain to multitask. However, the brain does not actually have the capability of focusing on two tasks at once; rather, it addresses tasks sequentially, switching from one to another.
Inattention blindness occurs when people do two cognitively complex tasks, such as driving and using a cell phone, causing the brain to shift focus. Although the brain may make this transition quickly, reaction time is delayed in the process. The delay caused by switching from task to task may cause drivers to miss information in their driving environment, slowing their reaction time and making it impossible to execute a safe response to avoid an accident. Hands-free devices present a unique hazard on the road because many drivers do not even realize the associated risk since they have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
A Carnegie Mellon University study determined that simply listening to sentences on cell phones decreased activity by 37 percent in the parietal lobe, part of the brain that perceives movement, integrates sensory information and plays an important part in language processing. Activity also decreased in the occipital lobe, which processes visual information. Vision, of course, is the most important sense for safe driving. However, when drivers use cell phones, they look at but do not actually see or comprehend up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment.
In fact, although they have their eyes on the road, drivers using hands-free devices are even less likely than others to see high and low relevant objects; visual cues; exits, red lights and stop signs; navigational signage; and the content of objects. It has been proven in many studies that driving while talking on cell phones, whether handheld or hands-free is very dangerous. The risk of crashes that result in injury and property damage increases fourfold when a cell phone is involved.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Dangers of Spring Driving
Spring showers and flowers are often joined by a handful of seasonal driving hazards. Find out what to avoid, and use our spring-driving tips to get you and your vehicle safely to summer.
Why spring driving is dangerous
With winter fading into the background and better weather all around, you'd think the roads would finally be safe again. This isn't always the case.
Rainy days and flooding
Spring rain brings slippery road conditions and flooding. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain was a culprit of 46 percent of all weather-related crashes from 2005 to 2014, and wet pavement in general accounted for 73 percent.
What makes rain and wet pavement so dangerous? For one, slippery roads reduce your car's handling and increase the distance it takes to stop (up to 4 times normal stopping distance). Big puddles can also cut down on tire traction and could lead to hydroplaning.
Hail season
Beware of hailstorms, particularly if you live in a hail-belt state (Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri). Even small hailstones can shatter windshields, and raining balls of ice are never good for the roads (or anybody, really).
Winter road wear and tear
In many states, winter wreaks havoc on the roads. Snow plows, salt, sand, and the aftermath of ice can all leave roads a bit battered. Once snow melts away, expect to drive over new potholes.
Animal activity
Animals are incredibly active during the spring. Some are emerging from hibernation, and others are entering mating season. This could mean that more animals are crossing streets and roaming around. Many animals, especially deer, are most active at dawn or dusk.
More bicycles on the road
Spring also brings cyclists out of hibernation. Driving alongside cyclists can make traffic maneuvers, from turning right to parallel parking, more dangerous.
Spring Driving Safety Tips
Safe spring driving
Seasonal showers, migrating animals, and poor road conditions can create unpleasant complications out on the road. Use the above tips to your advantage and you'll be that much more prepared for any seasonal driving dangers that come your way.
Source: Esurance on AllState' Company
Spring showers and flowers are often joined by a handful of seasonal driving hazards. Find out what to avoid, and use our spring-driving tips to get you and your vehicle safely to summer.
Why spring driving is dangerous
With winter fading into the background and better weather all around, you'd think the roads would finally be safe again. This isn't always the case.
Rainy days and flooding
Spring rain brings slippery road conditions and flooding. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain was a culprit of 46 percent of all weather-related crashes from 2005 to 2014, and wet pavement in general accounted for 73 percent.
What makes rain and wet pavement so dangerous? For one, slippery roads reduce your car's handling and increase the distance it takes to stop (up to 4 times normal stopping distance). Big puddles can also cut down on tire traction and could lead to hydroplaning.
Hail season
Beware of hailstorms, particularly if you live in a hail-belt state (Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri). Even small hailstones can shatter windshields, and raining balls of ice are never good for the roads (or anybody, really).
Winter road wear and tear
In many states, winter wreaks havoc on the roads. Snow plows, salt, sand, and the aftermath of ice can all leave roads a bit battered. Once snow melts away, expect to drive over new potholes.
Animal activity
Animals are incredibly active during the spring. Some are emerging from hibernation, and others are entering mating season. This could mean that more animals are crossing streets and roaming around. Many animals, especially deer, are most active at dawn or dusk.
More bicycles on the road
Spring also brings cyclists out of hibernation. Driving alongside cyclists can make traffic maneuvers, from turning right to parallel parking, more dangerous.
Spring Driving Safety Tips
- Check your lights: Since spring rain hinders driving visibility, make sure all your lights work, including headlights, taillights, backup lights, turn signals, parking lights, and brake lights.
- Replace your wiper blades: Worn-out wiper blades may not be up to the task of clearing water away from your windshield. Check your wiper blades and replace them if necessary (usually once a year).
- Check your tire pressure: Harsh winter weather can deflate your tires. Make sure you have enough air in them once spring rolls around. (As a bonus, proper tire pressure can also help you increase your mpg.)
- Slow down and drive carefully: The first few rainy days of spring can produce exceptionally slippery roads due to oil and other leaked fluids mixing with rainwater, so slow down and increase your stopping distance when it's raining.
- Keep your eyes peeled for bad road conditions: Remember that harsh winter weather breeds potholes and other driving obstacles.
- Watch out for animals: This is especially important during the early morning and evening when animals are most active.
Safe spring driving
Seasonal showers, migrating animals, and poor road conditions can create unpleasant complications out on the road. Use the above tips to your advantage and you'll be that much more prepared for any seasonal driving dangers that come your way.
Source: Esurance on AllState' Company
Techniques for Safe Parking
Costly collisions don’t always happen at high speeds. Minor incidents from a slow moving or parked position can add up to large costs because they occur so frequently.
• Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted throughout the day.
• When parking on narrow roadways or streets, pull out of the lane of traffic as far as you can, put on your four-way hazard flashers and fold your traffic-side mirrors to avoid having them struck.
• When returning to your vehicle, check around the vehicle for obstacles and look for the best way to exit.
• Watch for pedestrians and fixed objects.
• When parking in a lot, scan the area and look for where you are going to park and how you will need to exit the area.
• Make backing a last resort, as it can be very dangerous. Always park your vehicle so that you can drive forward to leave whenever possible.
• Check your tail swing on the side of your vehicle closest to the curb by looking in the mirror on that side of the vehicle.
• If you are delivering to a new customer and you are unsure of where to park, call ahead and ask for specific instructions.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Costly collisions don’t always happen at high speeds. Minor incidents from a slow moving or parked position can add up to large costs because they occur so frequently.
• Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted throughout the day.
• When parking on narrow roadways or streets, pull out of the lane of traffic as far as you can, put on your four-way hazard flashers and fold your traffic-side mirrors to avoid having them struck.
• When returning to your vehicle, check around the vehicle for obstacles and look for the best way to exit.
• Watch for pedestrians and fixed objects.
• When parking in a lot, scan the area and look for where you are going to park and how you will need to exit the area.
• Make backing a last resort, as it can be very dangerous. Always park your vehicle so that you can drive forward to leave whenever possible.
• Check your tail swing on the side of your vehicle closest to the curb by looking in the mirror on that side of the vehicle.
• If you are delivering to a new customer and you are unsure of where to park, call ahead and ask for specific instructions.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Accidents hurt – Safety doesn’t
Winter Survival Kit: Gear up to survive extreme winter weather
As winter progresses, you’ll likely encounter weather events such as heavy snow, ice or freezing rain, some of which may be severe enough to close roads and trap drivers in their vehicles.
Take a look around your cab. If you were in this situation but not lucky enough to be near a truck stop, would you have the supplies and tools needed to survive for 24 hours or longer?
Hazards like snowstorms and ice increase your chances of sliding off the road or being involved in a collision. Depending on where you are when that happens, you may be stranded for a while before help arrives. If it’s weather-related, you could be stranded for several days.
This may sound like an extreme situation but it’s something you can easily prepare for by making sure you have the following items in your cab to take care of yourself and your vehicle:
Keep warm clothing for your head, hands and feet in your vehicle, as well as a sleeping bag or blankets.
Personal supplies
• Additional warm socks, hat and gloves
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereals and ready to eat canned or boxed foods
• Extra medication (check expiration dates)
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Hand and foot warmer packs
• Whistle
• Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers
Vehicle supplies
• Shovel
• Bag of cheap kitty litter, pea gravel, sand or salt to help get traction
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Tire chains
• Small section of tarp or other material to lay on when installing chains
• Windshield de-icer and scraper
• Emergency flares
Keep your fuel tanks no less than half full. If you do become stranded, conserve fuel by idling your vehicle sparingly – just long enough to keep yourself warm. Slightly open a window that’s away from your exhaust outlet to permit fresh air into your cab. Make sure your exhaust outlet is not enclosed by snow. Also, ration your food and water so you have plenty until you are rescued.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
As winter progresses, you’ll likely encounter weather events such as heavy snow, ice or freezing rain, some of which may be severe enough to close roads and trap drivers in their vehicles.
Take a look around your cab. If you were in this situation but not lucky enough to be near a truck stop, would you have the supplies and tools needed to survive for 24 hours or longer?
Hazards like snowstorms and ice increase your chances of sliding off the road or being involved in a collision. Depending on where you are when that happens, you may be stranded for a while before help arrives. If it’s weather-related, you could be stranded for several days.
This may sound like an extreme situation but it’s something you can easily prepare for by making sure you have the following items in your cab to take care of yourself and your vehicle:
Keep warm clothing for your head, hands and feet in your vehicle, as well as a sleeping bag or blankets.
Personal supplies
• Additional warm socks, hat and gloves
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereals and ready to eat canned or boxed foods
• Extra medication (check expiration dates)
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Hand and foot warmer packs
• Whistle
• Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers
Vehicle supplies
• Shovel
• Bag of cheap kitty litter, pea gravel, sand or salt to help get traction
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Tire chains
• Small section of tarp or other material to lay on when installing chains
• Windshield de-icer and scraper
• Emergency flares
Keep your fuel tanks no less than half full. If you do become stranded, conserve fuel by idling your vehicle sparingly – just long enough to keep yourself warm. Slightly open a window that’s away from your exhaust outlet to permit fresh air into your cab. Make sure your exhaust outlet is not enclosed by snow. Also, ration your food and water so you have plenty until you are rescued.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Prevent Truck Jackknifes on Slick Roads
Make sure your vehicle load is distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability and balance.
• Brake before a turn, not after you go into one.
• Decelerate slowly and brake smoothly.
• If the unit starts to slide, press in the clutch to get all wheels rotating equally.
• Do not use the trailer hand valves to slow down or stop. This can cause the trailer wheels to lock up and slide sideways.
• Check the mirrors when you stop on ice or snow or even in rain. If the trailer begins to move out of line, release the brakes and straighten the rig before you brake again.
• Start your correction quickly. Your chance of recovery lessens as you approach an angle of 15 degrees. Do not overcorrect.
• If there is a chance the tractor may slide, back off the accelerator. If you must shift, do it carefully. It is easy to spin out immediately after shifting.
• Jackknifes result from uncontrolled braking and driving too fast for conditions. Slow down to give yourself additional time to react.
• If either the tractor or trailer does not have ABS and the other does, the unit without ABS will have a higher degree of causing a jackknife because its wheels will lock up during hard braking, while the ABS equipped unit’s wheels keep rotating.
• Do not become complacent or overconfident with your equipment or yourself.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Make sure your vehicle load is distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability and balance.
• Brake before a turn, not after you go into one.
• Decelerate slowly and brake smoothly.
• If the unit starts to slide, press in the clutch to get all wheels rotating equally.
• Do not use the trailer hand valves to slow down or stop. This can cause the trailer wheels to lock up and slide sideways.
• Check the mirrors when you stop on ice or snow or even in rain. If the trailer begins to move out of line, release the brakes and straighten the rig before you brake again.
• Start your correction quickly. Your chance of recovery lessens as you approach an angle of 15 degrees. Do not overcorrect.
• If there is a chance the tractor may slide, back off the accelerator. If you must shift, do it carefully. It is easy to spin out immediately after shifting.
• Jackknifes result from uncontrolled braking and driving too fast for conditions. Slow down to give yourself additional time to react.
• If either the tractor or trailer does not have ABS and the other does, the unit without ABS will have a higher degree of causing a jackknife because its wheels will lock up during hard braking, while the ABS equipped unit’s wheels keep rotating.
• Do not become complacent or overconfident with your equipment or yourself.
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Stay Alert – Don’t Get Hurt
Drive smart, be professional
Follow these tips to avoid aggressive and road rage drivers and to avoid becoming one yourself.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVER BEHAVIORS INCLUDE:
RESPOND PROFESSIONALLY TO AGGRESSIVE OR ROAD RAGE DRIVERS BY:
AVOID ROAD RAGE BY:
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Follow these tips to avoid aggressive and road rage drivers and to avoid becoming one yourself.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVER BEHAVIORS INCLUDE:
- Exceeding the speed limit and driving too fast for conditions
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Trying to “beat” red lights
- Making erratic lane changes and not signaling intentions
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving in non-driving or wrong lanes
- Tailgating
- Flashing headlights at slower vehicles
- Using high beams routinely and/or not turning them off for oncoming traffic + Using horn frequently and/or inappropriately
- Passing on the right
- Blocking passing lanes
- Cutting others off when changing lanes or passing other vehicles
- Using rude or obscene hand or facial gestures to communicate displeasure with other drivers
- Taking the right of way away from others
RESPOND PROFESSIONALLY TO AGGRESSIVE OR ROAD RAGE DRIVERS BY:
- Giving them plenty of room
- Letting them pass
- Staying behind them with additional following distance
- Staying calm and not reacting to their behavior + Not making eye contact with them
- Not engaging in an argument or trying to “teach them a lesson”
- Stopping in a safe place and reporting the driver to authorities, if needed
AVOID ROAD RAGE BY:
- Obtaining adequate rest and healthy nutrition before your trip to help with a healthy mental attitude
- Organizing your day and trip in advance and planning for delays
- Driving in a courteous and considerate manner
- Keeping your emotions in check and staying calm
- Practicing relaxation techniques with slow, deep breaths
- Obeying all traffic laws, signs and signals
- Signaling your driving intentions well in advance before turning, passing, etc.
- Checking blind spots before turning and changing lanes
- Turning off your high beams for oncoming traffic
- Using your horn sparingly and never in anger
- Staying out of the passing lane if you are not passing another vehicle
- Maintaining a safe “space cushion” and at least a seven-second following distance between you and all other vehicles
- Do not confuse a simple driving error by others as road rage. We all make mistakes
- Never tailgating + Never taking your problems with you when you are on the road
- Never permitting outside stimuli to negatively affect your driving
- Never assuming ill intent on the part of other motorists who may make an honest driving mistake; be forgiving instead
Provided by the Loss Prevention & Safety Services Department of Protective Insurance Company
Driving & Merging Collision Prevention FactSheet
Maneuvers
Collisions frequently occur when traffic merges from one lane into another. These merging maneuvers usually occur at highway on/off ramps, at the juncture of two or more highways blending together in the same direction, and on local streets and highways as the roads narrow or available lanes are reduced due to construction, or lane obstructions, etc. Merging in traffic is an especially difficult challenge for a truck driver and is one situation where the limitations of a large truck are most noticeable. Most highway merging collisions are considered “preventable” on the part of the professional driver. Therefore, all of your drivers should be trained on how to avoid merging collisions, particularly those collisions that are due to their driving inexperience, visibility, and “blind spots.” Drivers need to be well aware of their “blind spots” which prevent them from seeing other motorists. According to a report prepared by Motor Carrier Safety Services, one of the most common merging or lane change collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles occurs when the passenger vehicle is traveling slightly in front and to the right of the truck, and about one car length forward of the front truck bumper. This is because the truck driver’s blind spot actually extends from eleven feet behind his front bumper to twelve feet six inches in front of it. Compact cars are usually less than 14 feet in length. During a lane change collision where a semi-trailer or the rear of a tractor’s cab strikes the left side of a passenger vehicle, usually the driver of the passenger vehicle is able to see the truck and attempt evasive action. When an impact does occur, the result is often a sideswipe collision.
However, when a passenger vehicle traveling straight is struck on the left rear side by a truck switching lanes to the right, the front of the passenger vehicle immediately spins to the left, going sideways in front of the truck, and is then struck a second time. The first collision often is very light with little visible damage to either vehicle. Two factors contribute to collision severity. First, the driver of the passenger vehicle would not be anticipating an impending collision. Second, there is no time to react. The passenger vehicle immediately goes into a spin and is out of control. Then the more serious second collision occurs when the passenger vehicle is broadsided at freeway speed by the truck.
Training
To help your drivers avoid these and other merging/ lane change collisions, conduct a series of lane change and merging maneuvers during all road exams. Provide training as necessary and retest your drivers. Proper mirror adjustment should be covered during all orientation programs, during periodic safety meetings, and especially during the road examination. Give retraining any time there is a new type of mirror installed and any time that a driver has a collision where improper mirror adjustment or lane changing was a factor. Drivers who experience “near misses” should receive retraining as well. Have your drivers retake their road test to determine the type of retraining that is necessary to eliminate repeat collisions.
Precautions
In addition, instruct your drivers to follow these precautions:
• Before beginning the trip, properly adjust the driver’s seat and clean and adjust all mirrors in order to minimize your blind spots.
• While driving, scan your mirrors often so you know what is around your vehicle.
• Make certain you have enough space to complete any maneuver you attempt to make.
• Communicate your intentions to merge or change lanes to other drivers by turning on your turn signals before you begin your maneuver. A minimum of three blinks of your signal is recommended.
• After you pass, make sure the vehicle you just passed has the proper following distance behind you before you lane change back in front of it.
• Watch for any vehicles around your truck that may be moving into your blind spots. If you had sight of a vehicle and suddenly it “disappears,” it is most likely in your blind spot
\This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Maneuvers
Collisions frequently occur when traffic merges from one lane into another. These merging maneuvers usually occur at highway on/off ramps, at the juncture of two or more highways blending together in the same direction, and on local streets and highways as the roads narrow or available lanes are reduced due to construction, or lane obstructions, etc. Merging in traffic is an especially difficult challenge for a truck driver and is one situation where the limitations of a large truck are most noticeable. Most highway merging collisions are considered “preventable” on the part of the professional driver. Therefore, all of your drivers should be trained on how to avoid merging collisions, particularly those collisions that are due to their driving inexperience, visibility, and “blind spots.” Drivers need to be well aware of their “blind spots” which prevent them from seeing other motorists. According to a report prepared by Motor Carrier Safety Services, one of the most common merging or lane change collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles occurs when the passenger vehicle is traveling slightly in front and to the right of the truck, and about one car length forward of the front truck bumper. This is because the truck driver’s blind spot actually extends from eleven feet behind his front bumper to twelve feet six inches in front of it. Compact cars are usually less than 14 feet in length. During a lane change collision where a semi-trailer or the rear of a tractor’s cab strikes the left side of a passenger vehicle, usually the driver of the passenger vehicle is able to see the truck and attempt evasive action. When an impact does occur, the result is often a sideswipe collision.
However, when a passenger vehicle traveling straight is struck on the left rear side by a truck switching lanes to the right, the front of the passenger vehicle immediately spins to the left, going sideways in front of the truck, and is then struck a second time. The first collision often is very light with little visible damage to either vehicle. Two factors contribute to collision severity. First, the driver of the passenger vehicle would not be anticipating an impending collision. Second, there is no time to react. The passenger vehicle immediately goes into a spin and is out of control. Then the more serious second collision occurs when the passenger vehicle is broadsided at freeway speed by the truck.
Training
To help your drivers avoid these and other merging/ lane change collisions, conduct a series of lane change and merging maneuvers during all road exams. Provide training as necessary and retest your drivers. Proper mirror adjustment should be covered during all orientation programs, during periodic safety meetings, and especially during the road examination. Give retraining any time there is a new type of mirror installed and any time that a driver has a collision where improper mirror adjustment or lane changing was a factor. Drivers who experience “near misses” should receive retraining as well. Have your drivers retake their road test to determine the type of retraining that is necessary to eliminate repeat collisions.
Precautions
In addition, instruct your drivers to follow these precautions:
• Before beginning the trip, properly adjust the driver’s seat and clean and adjust all mirrors in order to minimize your blind spots.
• While driving, scan your mirrors often so you know what is around your vehicle.
• Make certain you have enough space to complete any maneuver you attempt to make.
• Communicate your intentions to merge or change lanes to other drivers by turning on your turn signals before you begin your maneuver. A minimum of three blinks of your signal is recommended.
• After you pass, make sure the vehicle you just passed has the proper following distance behind you before you lane change back in front of it.
• Watch for any vehicles around your truck that may be moving into your blind spots. If you had sight of a vehicle and suddenly it “disappears,” it is most likely in your blind spot
\This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Defensive Driving
When driving is part of your job duties, whether you are behind the wheel of a rental vehicle, a van, a company car, or an eighteen-wheeler, you are a professional driver. Most drivers can drive around the block without incident, but it takes a dedicated professional to drive perfectly for thousands of miles. When professional drivers are at the controls of any vehicle they should always remember that defensive driving is a full-time job. They take the time to complete pre-trip checklists and perform inspections that familiarize the driver with the vehicle and identifies unsafe mechanical conditions that may need repair. The driving conditions of today’s roads and highways demand a higher level of skill, knowledge, and decision making ability. A defensive driver is someone who looks for the mistakes of other drivers; not merely a person who has had the good fortune to avoid accidents.
Safety-conscious drivers:
• develop good habits and practice them continually;
• are prepared mentally and physically every time they are behind the wheel;
• comply with all traffic laws and are courteous to others;
• remember that speed, whether too slow or too fast, kills;
• adapts their driving to the current driving conditions;
• maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them-one vehicle length for each 10 mph; and
• are aware of the vehicle’s limitations.
Defensive drivers:
• have foresight that gives them the ability to size up traffic situations on the road ahead;
• start slowing down sooner and apply the brakes the instant they see a hazard developing;
• apply the brakes gradually so they don’t spin or grind to a stop so quickly that they risk a rear-end collision; and
• anticipate the incorrect actions of other drivers in time to take the actions necessary to prevent accidents.
Professional drivers:
• practice defensive driving to prevent accidents, in spite of the incorrect actions of other drivers or adverse weather conditions;
• anticipate driving hazards and know how to protect themselves from roadway dangers;
• remain alert and focus their attention on driving by keeping their minds free of distractions;
• watch for and instantly recognize accident-causing factors;
• anticipate traffic problems that may develop and decide whether these developments could be dangerous.
In other words, defensive drivers must learn to maintain and operate their vehicles in a manner that avoids contributing to an accident or being involved in a preventable accident. Remember to drive defensively and practice safety. Don’t learn it by accident.
When driving is part of your job duties, whether you are behind the wheel of a rental vehicle, a van, a company car, or an eighteen-wheeler, you are a professional driver. Most drivers can drive around the block without incident, but it takes a dedicated professional to drive perfectly for thousands of miles. When professional drivers are at the controls of any vehicle they should always remember that defensive driving is a full-time job. They take the time to complete pre-trip checklists and perform inspections that familiarize the driver with the vehicle and identifies unsafe mechanical conditions that may need repair. The driving conditions of today’s roads and highways demand a higher level of skill, knowledge, and decision making ability. A defensive driver is someone who looks for the mistakes of other drivers; not merely a person who has had the good fortune to avoid accidents.
Safety-conscious drivers:
• develop good habits and practice them continually;
• are prepared mentally and physically every time they are behind the wheel;
• comply with all traffic laws and are courteous to others;
• remember that speed, whether too slow or too fast, kills;
• adapts their driving to the current driving conditions;
• maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them-one vehicle length for each 10 mph; and
• are aware of the vehicle’s limitations.
Defensive drivers:
• have foresight that gives them the ability to size up traffic situations on the road ahead;
• start slowing down sooner and apply the brakes the instant they see a hazard developing;
• apply the brakes gradually so they don’t spin or grind to a stop so quickly that they risk a rear-end collision; and
• anticipate the incorrect actions of other drivers in time to take the actions necessary to prevent accidents.
Professional drivers:
• practice defensive driving to prevent accidents, in spite of the incorrect actions of other drivers or adverse weather conditions;
• anticipate driving hazards and know how to protect themselves from roadway dangers;
• remain alert and focus their attention on driving by keeping their minds free of distractions;
• watch for and instantly recognize accident-causing factors;
• anticipate traffic problems that may develop and decide whether these developments could be dangerous.
In other words, defensive drivers must learn to maintain and operate their vehicles in a manner that avoids contributing to an accident or being involved in a preventable accident. Remember to drive defensively and practice safety. Don’t learn it by accident.
Proper Mirror Adjustment and Backing Maneuvers
Proper Mirror Adjustment
When looking to reduce blind spots and improve reaction time, proper mirror adjustment may be the solution. Be sure to check any loose or broken mirrors during your pre-trip inspection, and keep in mind these helpful tips:
•Sit normally in your seat before adjusting mirrors.
• Be sure that your side convex mirrors are at an angle to where the side of your vehicle is barely visible horizontally and the horizon is just out of sight vertically.
• Your side flat mirrors should be adjusted to where the rear corner of the vehicle is barely visible. Also, adjust mirrors vertically so the horizon is visible in one-third of the mirror and the ground is visible in two-thirds.
• Keep mirrors clean and move your head for a better view.
Safe Backing Maneuvers
When backing, it is important to check all of your surroundings before, during, and after your maneuver. Here are some tips for reducing your risk of backing collisions:
• Practice G.O.A.L (Get Out And Look) when backing your vehicle.
• Only back when necessary.
• Check the ground and overhead path for obstacles or possible collision points.
• Roll down your window to listen for any potential warning of danger.
• Use 4-way flashers and/or horn to alert others that you are backing.
• Always back at a slow and controlled speed.
This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Proper Mirror Adjustment
When looking to reduce blind spots and improve reaction time, proper mirror adjustment may be the solution. Be sure to check any loose or broken mirrors during your pre-trip inspection, and keep in mind these helpful tips:
•Sit normally in your seat before adjusting mirrors.
• Be sure that your side convex mirrors are at an angle to where the side of your vehicle is barely visible horizontally and the horizon is just out of sight vertically.
• Your side flat mirrors should be adjusted to where the rear corner of the vehicle is barely visible. Also, adjust mirrors vertically so the horizon is visible in one-third of the mirror and the ground is visible in two-thirds.
• Keep mirrors clean and move your head for a better view.
Safe Backing Maneuvers
When backing, it is important to check all of your surroundings before, during, and after your maneuver. Here are some tips for reducing your risk of backing collisions:
• Practice G.O.A.L (Get Out And Look) when backing your vehicle.
• Only back when necessary.
• Check the ground and overhead path for obstacles or possible collision points.
• Roll down your window to listen for any potential warning of danger.
• Use 4-way flashers and/or horn to alert others that you are backing.
• Always back at a slow and controlled speed.
This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Watch our for animals!
The following are tips on how to avoid animal/vehicle collisions or reduce the severity if a collision occurs.
- Drive at a safe and prudent speed, since excessive speed reduces the reaction time and increases braking distance.
- Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in animal/vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
- Be extremely alert in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer and other animals.
- Slow down and be careful when approaching a horsedrawn vehicle or someone riding an animal, since most animals are easily frightened by motor vehicles. Allow plenty of room for passing safely. Be prepared to stop if the animal you are attempting to pass appears frightened.
- Be more observant and use special caution in areas marked with deer or other animal crossing signs.
- During periods of darkness, use your bright lights when no traffic is approaching. High beams will illuminate the eyes of animals on or near the roadway much sooner, allowing a greater reaction time. Continually scan for animals and the reflection of light in their eyes. Also look for animals’ silhouettes in back-lit conditions.
- Slow down when approaching a deer or other animal standing near the roadside. The animal may “bolt” or instantly change direction onto the road.
- Expect a second animal to follow when you see one near or crossing the road.
- Focus your vision far down the road. If the headlights or taillights of other vehicles or roadway signs appear to flash, flicker or momentarily disappear, it might be an animal or pedestrian crossing the roadway.
- Warn other drivers by turning on your 4-way flashers and flashing headlights when deer or other animals are on or near the road.
- Remember where you have seen deer cross the road. They are creatures of habit and use the same paths.
- Watch for evidence where animals were previously struck. This should be another warning sign that animals are in the area.
- Use one long horn blast to frighten deer or other animals on the road. Flashing your lights may cause it to further fixate on your vehicle. Brake firmly in a controlled fashion and do not swerve. Attempt to steer around the animal only if your speed has been significantly reduced and you can do it safely and in a controlled manner while remaining on the roadway.
- If a collision with an animal cannot be avoided, strike the animal using controlled breaking and do not swerve. It is better to strike an animal than another vehicle or fixed object. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop off the side of the road and turn on the emergency flashers
- Never touch a struck animal. In attempting to flee, the injured and frightened animal may hurt you. Protect the scene to prevent additional accidents and contact nearest law enforcement agency.
This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Work Zone Safety
Drivers like traveling on a well-kept road. A smooth road with no potholes, bright yellow and white lines, and clear and concise signage helps drivers do their jobs well. However, getting that well-kept road takes time, and more often than not, a lot of construction. Highway construction zones are dangerous to drive through at any time of the year, but the number of construction zones increase during the warmer months. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 3,261 fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2010 (the most recent data available). Out of those crashes, 114 were located in a work zone; a significant decrease since 2005, when 289 commercial vehicles were involved in work zone accidents. While this is a significant achievement for the transportation industry, striving for safety is a long-term commitment for you, your drivers and your company
Pay attention and stay alert
While you always want to be alert and aware while driving, it is especially important in a construction zone. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), everyone is responsible for work zone safety. Planners and engineers are responsible for ensuring the work zone is operating properly and drivers are responsible for travelling safely through construction zones. In a work zone, drivers should always pay attention to roadway signs, construction workers on or near the road and the road’s surface.
Roadway signs are meant to notify and give direction to drivers. Pay attention to these signs. They include important information about the route ahead. Be aware of the possibility of decreased speed, a lane change or detour.
Construction workers should not need to worry about onsite fatalities or injuries. Stay alert for roadway workers, and encourage your drivers to slow down and use caution when entering, travelling through or exiting a construction zone. Data has shown that the longer a construction zone is, the faster drivers’ speeds increase.
Pay attention to the road surface. In a construction zone, there is always a possibility for debris. If the road is being mended, repaved or widened, the road’s surface is more likely to be uneven. Be cautious and aware of any anomalies appearing in the roadway such as potholes or miscellaneous debris. If possible, seek alternate routes and avoid the work zone.
Construction zone layout
While each individual construction zone differs, knowing the general layout of construction zones helps your drivers plan for their next maneuver. Each construction zone is comprised of five areas that are designed to keep all workers and motorists safe.
Driving strategies
When traveling through a construction zone, drivers should be aware of driving strategies that will ensure greater work zone safety.
Drivers like traveling on a well-kept road. A smooth road with no potholes, bright yellow and white lines, and clear and concise signage helps drivers do their jobs well. However, getting that well-kept road takes time, and more often than not, a lot of construction. Highway construction zones are dangerous to drive through at any time of the year, but the number of construction zones increase during the warmer months. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 3,261 fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles in 2010 (the most recent data available). Out of those crashes, 114 were located in a work zone; a significant decrease since 2005, when 289 commercial vehicles were involved in work zone accidents. While this is a significant achievement for the transportation industry, striving for safety is a long-term commitment for you, your drivers and your company
Pay attention and stay alert
While you always want to be alert and aware while driving, it is especially important in a construction zone. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), everyone is responsible for work zone safety. Planners and engineers are responsible for ensuring the work zone is operating properly and drivers are responsible for travelling safely through construction zones. In a work zone, drivers should always pay attention to roadway signs, construction workers on or near the road and the road’s surface.
Roadway signs are meant to notify and give direction to drivers. Pay attention to these signs. They include important information about the route ahead. Be aware of the possibility of decreased speed, a lane change or detour.
Construction workers should not need to worry about onsite fatalities or injuries. Stay alert for roadway workers, and encourage your drivers to slow down and use caution when entering, travelling through or exiting a construction zone. Data has shown that the longer a construction zone is, the faster drivers’ speeds increase.
Pay attention to the road surface. In a construction zone, there is always a possibility for debris. If the road is being mended, repaved or widened, the road’s surface is more likely to be uneven. Be cautious and aware of any anomalies appearing in the roadway such as potholes or miscellaneous debris. If possible, seek alternate routes and avoid the work zone.
Construction zone layout
While each individual construction zone differs, knowing the general layout of construction zones helps your drivers plan for their next maneuver. Each construction zone is comprised of five areas that are designed to keep all workers and motorists safe.
- Advance warning area: Alerts drivers on what to expect and allow enough time to adjust driving.
- Transition area: Allows drivers to move to a new path including merging lanes.
- Buffer area: The open space between the transition area and the work zone, which gives space between drivers and workers before traffic actually reaches the active work area.
- Work area: Closed to traffic and houses workers, equipment and building materials. More often than not, only a barricade is separating the traffic from the worker and machinery.
- Termination area: Provides a short distance for traffic to clear the work area and return to normal traffic patterns
Driving strategies
When traveling through a construction zone, drivers should be aware of driving strategies that will ensure greater work zone safety.
- Slow down. Always pay attention to the speed limit, especially in construction zones. Some states have increased fines for speeding. Do not be intimidated by others behind you encouraging you to drive over the speed limit.
- Don’t tailgate. Double the following distance to allow more time to stop or safely react in case of an emergency.
- Stay a safe distance away from construction workers and their equipment.
- Watch for stopped traffic.
- Merge as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to merge into another lane. If all individuals on the roadway cooperate, traffic flows well and efficiency improves.
- Do not block traffic. This is a traffic violation in most states and encourages road rage and aggressive driving in other drivers.
- Plan ahead. Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays. Highway agencies use different methods to inform drivers about work zone delays. However, they will often suggest a detour that will allow drivers to avoid the work zone.
- During the Advance Warning Area, or earlier if the driver sees traffic getting congested, make an announcement for all passengers to sit in their seats and fasten their seat belts (if equipped) until advised by the driver that it is safe again to move around once you are safely past the work zone. This will help prevent passenger slips, trips and falls should the bus brake, stop, bounce, turn, lane shift or otherwise divert from a smooth ride.
Driving in the Fog Fact Sheet
Weather can be very dangerous at times, especially when you drive a car, truck, bus, airplane or boat for a living. Fog creates dangerous driving conditions and has been the cause of a high number of accidents and fatalities. Fog is a cloud form at the surface of the earth made of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. The greatest problem with fog is visibility. Heavy fog is defined as visibility below one quarter of a mile. A Dense Fog Advisory means that dense fog has reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less within the advisory area.
If you must drive in fog, follow these safety tips:
• Slow down and do not drive faster than your vision.
• Be cautious, fog can become thicker without warning and without being noticed until it is too late to react.
• Increase following distance to ensure enough reaction time and stopping distance.
• Turn on all your lights-including your hazard lights. Use low beam headlights and fog lights. Do not use high beams
• Turn on your 4-way flashers to give vehicles approaching from behind a better opportunity to see and notice your vehicle.
• Use windshield wipers and defroster as necessary to maximize visibility.
• Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles.
• If possible, drive in a “pocket” where no other vehicles are around you.
• Turn off your cruise control so you are in control of your vehicle.
• Use the right edge of the road or roadside reflectors as a guide.
• Listen for traffic you can’t see. • Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles, unless absolutely necessary.
• Remember that other drivers have limited sight distance and that fog makes the road wet.
• Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don’t stomp on them. • Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles.
• If you cannot see, pull completely off the road preferably at a rest area or truck stop.
• If you pull off the road, turn on your hazard flashers immediately.
Remember to practice safety. Don’t learn it by accident
This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Weather can be very dangerous at times, especially when you drive a car, truck, bus, airplane or boat for a living. Fog creates dangerous driving conditions and has been the cause of a high number of accidents and fatalities. Fog is a cloud form at the surface of the earth made of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. The greatest problem with fog is visibility. Heavy fog is defined as visibility below one quarter of a mile. A Dense Fog Advisory means that dense fog has reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less within the advisory area.
If you must drive in fog, follow these safety tips:
• Slow down and do not drive faster than your vision.
• Be cautious, fog can become thicker without warning and without being noticed until it is too late to react.
• Increase following distance to ensure enough reaction time and stopping distance.
• Turn on all your lights-including your hazard lights. Use low beam headlights and fog lights. Do not use high beams
• Turn on your 4-way flashers to give vehicles approaching from behind a better opportunity to see and notice your vehicle.
• Use windshield wipers and defroster as necessary to maximize visibility.
• Be ready for emergency stops by other vehicles.
• If possible, drive in a “pocket” where no other vehicles are around you.
• Turn off your cruise control so you are in control of your vehicle.
• Use the right edge of the road or roadside reflectors as a guide.
• Listen for traffic you can’t see. • Do not change lanes or pass other vehicles, unless absolutely necessary.
• Remember that other drivers have limited sight distance and that fog makes the road wet.
• Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don’t stomp on them. • Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles.
• If you cannot see, pull completely off the road preferably at a rest area or truck stop.
• If you pull off the road, turn on your hazard flashers immediately.
Remember to practice safety. Don’t learn it by accident
This fact sheet was published with information from Baldwin & Lyons Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
How to maintain safe speed and following distance
Properly maintaining speed and following distance are crucial to safely operating a commercial motor vehicle, but even the most experienced drivers commonly follow too closely or do not properly control their speed. These behaviors could lead to a serious collision and should be avoided. All drivers should always obey posted speed limits. This is especially true for drivers of commercial vehicles due to the increased stopping distance required by the vehicles’ larger size and weight. Many different factors must be considered to determine a safe speed. Posted speed limits only apply when conditions are favorable. Visibility, road conditions, traffic, work zones and the vehicle’s length, condition and weight all factor into determining a safe speed.
Some states have also raised speed limits to 75 mph or higher. These speeds are excessive for a tractor-trailer and most truck tires are not rated for sustained speeds above 75 mph. Ultimately, a safe speed is one that's below the posted limit, allows the driver to easily control and stop the vehicle under current conditions, and does not exceed the limits of the equipment.
Stopping distance is one of the most important factors in determining a safe speed and following distance. It is calculated by adding the distances traveled while perceiving a hazard, applying the brakes and braking. For example, an average, alert driver under ideal conditions can perceive a hazard in 1.75 seconds and apply the brakes in 0.75 to 1 second. At 55 mph, the vehicle would travel 142 feet while the driver perceives the hazard and an additional 61 feet while the driver moves to apply the brakes. Once the brakes are applied, it will take about 216 feet to stop the vehicle if the brakes are in good condition and the vehicle is traveling on dry pavement. The total stopping distance at 55 mph, under ideal conditions, adds up to a minimum of 419 feet. This distance can be drastically increased by conditions
that affect the performance of the driver and/or the vehicle, such as distractions, adverse weather or road conditions, worn brakes or tires and other factors.
Under good conditions, the time it takes for an alert driver to perceive a hazard and apply the brakes will be a constant. As such, speed has a large impact on stopping distance. Increased speed not only increases the distance traveled before the brakes are applied, but also increases the amount of energy required to stop the vehicle. A vehicle traveling at double the speed will require four times the braking distance, because it has four times the energy. The same vehicle traveling at three times the speed will require nine times the braking distance.
Vehicle weight is another important consideration for stopping distance. A heavy vehicle requires more energy to stop; however, a properly loaded vehicle can stop faster than an empty vehicle due to increased traction.
Speed should always be reduced and following distance increased whenever the stopping distance of the vehicle is increased. Drivers should plan ahead for conditions that may require increased stopping distances, including wet, icy or snow-covered roads and areas that have a higher potential for road hazards such as work zones and mountain roads. When faced with poor visibility at night or during adverse weather, drivers should reduce their speed to a point that will allow them to make a safe stop in the distance that they are able to see ahead. Drivers should also use caution and slow down when approaching highway or railroad crossings, especially while following school buses, hazmat trucks or other vehicles that are required to stop at rail crossings.
Maintaining a proper following distance is just as important as properly controlling speed and will ensure the driver has enough time to slow down or stop the vehicle as necessary. To maintain a safe following distance, drivers need a way to easily measure this distance. The best way to do this is by using time. Drivers should look for an easily visible, stationary object that is in front of the vehicle they are following. Reflective road signs and lit overpasses are good objects to use for this procedure because they are easily seen during the day and at night. Once the vehicle the driver is following passes the selected object, the driver should begin counting in “Mississippi seconds” until his or her vehicle passes the same object. This amount of time is the driver’s current following distance. The driver should then calculate the proper following distance by adding the following: one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length (rounding up to the next 10 feet) and one additional second each for traveling over 40 mph, driving at night, poor visibility and poor road conditions. The minimum total following distance under ideal conditions should never be less than six seconds.
For example, if a driver is operating a tractor-trailer that is 64 feet long and is traveling at 55 mph at night, the driver should allow seven seconds of following distance for the length of the vehicle, one additional second for speed over 40 mph and one more second for traveling at night. If the driver’s current following distance is less than the calculated following distance, the driver should adjust his or her following distance accordingly.
The longer following distances required for tractor trailers at highway speeds often provide enough distance for other vehicles to move between tractor-trailers and the vehicles in front of them. Drivers should slow down to constantly maintain their following distance when this occurs. They should be mindful to turn off cruise control if they find themselves following other vehicles too closely. It should be noted that drivers with five years of safe driving experience are more likely to be involved in collisions than less experienced drivers due to gradually reducing their following distance over time.
Properly maintain speed and create safe following distances, along with reducing speed and increasing following distance when in doubt,will go a long way toward preventing collisions and will lessen the severity of collisions that do occur.
Source: Provided by Protective Insurance
Properly maintaining speed and following distance are crucial to safely operating a commercial motor vehicle, but even the most experienced drivers commonly follow too closely or do not properly control their speed. These behaviors could lead to a serious collision and should be avoided. All drivers should always obey posted speed limits. This is especially true for drivers of commercial vehicles due to the increased stopping distance required by the vehicles’ larger size and weight. Many different factors must be considered to determine a safe speed. Posted speed limits only apply when conditions are favorable. Visibility, road conditions, traffic, work zones and the vehicle’s length, condition and weight all factor into determining a safe speed.
Some states have also raised speed limits to 75 mph or higher. These speeds are excessive for a tractor-trailer and most truck tires are not rated for sustained speeds above 75 mph. Ultimately, a safe speed is one that's below the posted limit, allows the driver to easily control and stop the vehicle under current conditions, and does not exceed the limits of the equipment.
Stopping distance is one of the most important factors in determining a safe speed and following distance. It is calculated by adding the distances traveled while perceiving a hazard, applying the brakes and braking. For example, an average, alert driver under ideal conditions can perceive a hazard in 1.75 seconds and apply the brakes in 0.75 to 1 second. At 55 mph, the vehicle would travel 142 feet while the driver perceives the hazard and an additional 61 feet while the driver moves to apply the brakes. Once the brakes are applied, it will take about 216 feet to stop the vehicle if the brakes are in good condition and the vehicle is traveling on dry pavement. The total stopping distance at 55 mph, under ideal conditions, adds up to a minimum of 419 feet. This distance can be drastically increased by conditions
that affect the performance of the driver and/or the vehicle, such as distractions, adverse weather or road conditions, worn brakes or tires and other factors.
Under good conditions, the time it takes for an alert driver to perceive a hazard and apply the brakes will be a constant. As such, speed has a large impact on stopping distance. Increased speed not only increases the distance traveled before the brakes are applied, but also increases the amount of energy required to stop the vehicle. A vehicle traveling at double the speed will require four times the braking distance, because it has four times the energy. The same vehicle traveling at three times the speed will require nine times the braking distance.
Vehicle weight is another important consideration for stopping distance. A heavy vehicle requires more energy to stop; however, a properly loaded vehicle can stop faster than an empty vehicle due to increased traction.
Speed should always be reduced and following distance increased whenever the stopping distance of the vehicle is increased. Drivers should plan ahead for conditions that may require increased stopping distances, including wet, icy or snow-covered roads and areas that have a higher potential for road hazards such as work zones and mountain roads. When faced with poor visibility at night or during adverse weather, drivers should reduce their speed to a point that will allow them to make a safe stop in the distance that they are able to see ahead. Drivers should also use caution and slow down when approaching highway or railroad crossings, especially while following school buses, hazmat trucks or other vehicles that are required to stop at rail crossings.
Maintaining a proper following distance is just as important as properly controlling speed and will ensure the driver has enough time to slow down or stop the vehicle as necessary. To maintain a safe following distance, drivers need a way to easily measure this distance. The best way to do this is by using time. Drivers should look for an easily visible, stationary object that is in front of the vehicle they are following. Reflective road signs and lit overpasses are good objects to use for this procedure because they are easily seen during the day and at night. Once the vehicle the driver is following passes the selected object, the driver should begin counting in “Mississippi seconds” until his or her vehicle passes the same object. This amount of time is the driver’s current following distance. The driver should then calculate the proper following distance by adding the following: one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length (rounding up to the next 10 feet) and one additional second each for traveling over 40 mph, driving at night, poor visibility and poor road conditions. The minimum total following distance under ideal conditions should never be less than six seconds.
For example, if a driver is operating a tractor-trailer that is 64 feet long and is traveling at 55 mph at night, the driver should allow seven seconds of following distance for the length of the vehicle, one additional second for speed over 40 mph and one more second for traveling at night. If the driver’s current following distance is less than the calculated following distance, the driver should adjust his or her following distance accordingly.
The longer following distances required for tractor trailers at highway speeds often provide enough distance for other vehicles to move between tractor-trailers and the vehicles in front of them. Drivers should slow down to constantly maintain their following distance when this occurs. They should be mindful to turn off cruise control if they find themselves following other vehicles too closely. It should be noted that drivers with five years of safe driving experience are more likely to be involved in collisions than less experienced drivers due to gradually reducing their following distance over time.
Properly maintain speed and create safe following distances, along with reducing speed and increasing following distance when in doubt,will go a long way toward preventing collisions and will lessen the severity of collisions that do occur.
Source: Provided by Protective Insurance
As winter approaches it is important to review winter weather driving safety tips
KEEP AHEAD OF AND BE PREPARED BEFORE WINTER STORMS STRIKE
DRIVE WISELY AND CAUTIOUSLY
Source: Provided by the Loss Prevention Department of: Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. 1099 N. Meridian St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 636-9800
KEEP AHEAD OF AND BE PREPARED BEFORE WINTER STORMS STRIKE
- Listen to weather reports for the latest storm watches, warnings and advisories.
- Get proper rest before and during every trip.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Winterize your vehicle before the winter season.
- Perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before starting your trip and make all necessary repairs.
- Make sure your load is distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability.
- Plan your primary and alternate travel route and advise dispatch.
- Inspect, repair, and clean windows, windshield wipers, mirrors, lights, reflective tape and any hazmat placards.
- Road salt residue greatly reduces headlight brightness. Clean them and all windows and mirrors regularly.
- Keep the fuel tank as full as possible, using blended fuel and fuel additives to prevent gelling.
- Protect air brake air supply from freezing. Bleed them often.
- Check automatic bleeders frequently to verify they have not frozen.
- Pack a snow scraper, sturdy shovel, extra fuel filter and abrasive material (like sand).
- Carry a cell phone fully charged in case you need to call for help.
DRIVE WISELY AND CAUTIOUSLY
- Stay alert. Slightly open a window to provide fresh air.
- Slow down and never drive faster than a speed at which your vehicle has the ability to stop in a controlled manner.
- Be aware anti lock brakes when activated often take longer to stop.
- Turn OFF the cruise control so YOU are in control of your vehicle.
- Increase your following distance and never tailgate.
- Keep at least a seven-second following distance.
- Never expect your vehicle to perform beyond its safety limitations or traction capability
- Never overestimate your equipment and driving ability. l
- Stay constantly alert for changing weather and road conditions, especially from county to county.
- Drive defensively and look further ahead down the road to anticipate emergencies.
- Avoid sudden turns, stops or accelerations. l Be prepared for other motorists’ erratic and uncontrolled driving.
- Give snowplows and other road equipment plenty of room. l Watch for ice and “black ice,” especially on bridges, overpasses and parking lots.
- Do NOT pass on or near a bridge or overpass.
- Use extra caution on hills. Be prepared to stop. Traffic may be backed up on the other side, and the road may be slick.
- Do NOT attempt to drive around or through a section of roadway where other vehicles have stalled or collided.
- Do NOT take any unnecessary chances. If conditions are too dangerous to drive, pull off the road at the first SAFE location.
Source: Provided by the Loss Prevention Department of: Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. 1099 N. Meridian St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 636-9800
Stay up to date with safety information by frequently visiting FMCSA website!
Speeding & Time Management: Change the behavior to change the result
The dangers of speeding while driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are well recognized. Motor carrier management, safety professionals, and law enforcement officials often warn about the devastating outcomes that can occur as the result of speeding.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Traffic Enforcement Violation Detail found CMV driver speeding violations during 2008 and 2009 constituted 73 percent of the total CMV driver moving violations. Motor carriers, federal and state agencies, and others have developed many approaches to attempt to reduce CMV speeding, including posting reduced speed limits for large vehicles and installing and regulating speed governors on vehicles. These attempts address speeding as a behavior. However, the root behavior may be something entirely different.
Speeding is a result of another behavior
When a collision occurs, a safety professional will conduct a root cause analysis to determine why the collision happened. For instance, a tractor-trailer may roll over or be involved in a rear-end collision. While there are always several factors to consider, speeding is often determined to be a primary cause. Although speeding may, in fact, be a primary factor, a root cause analysis may reveal that identifying speeding as a collision cause may be a step short of determining the real cause. Often speeding is not the behavior but a result of another behavior – poor time management. Poor time management could be the behavior of the driver and/or dispatcher. If one or both of these individuals engage in poor time management, a situation can be created where the driver feels as though he/she needs to speed to meet the delivery and/or pick-up deadlines before exhausting their allowable hours of service. If you change the behavior ( from poor to good time management), you can change the result ( from speeding to not speeding). Poor time management can also lead to other violations, such as driving while fatigued, reckless driving, hours-of-service violations, etc., which are frequently cited as causes of or aggravating circumstances in traffic accidents.
What makes good time management?
Much of good time management comes down to planning a trip before leaving. Obviously, one cannot plan for all unexpected events that might delay a trip, but proper planning reduces the adverse effects when something unexpected does occur. One method for planning a trip is “backward planning.” Backward planning is a process through which every task required to complete a trip has a plan of action and a corresponding time allotment. The completion of each task results in completion of the trip. In order for this method to be successful, the amount of time available, start time, and finish time of the trip must be determined.collision cause Identifying speeding as a may be a step short of determining the real cause.
Example: Mr. Smith needs to drive from home to work. He must be at work by 8:00 am and knows that he must drive 60 miles to get to work. He also knows that after waking up, he has to shave, shower, iron his clothes, get dressed, and feed the dog. In order for him to arrive at work on time, he must develop a plan. Mr. Smith knows that he can drive an average of 60 mph, which will make his drive time one hour. This brings his time line back from 8:00 am to 7:00 am. Mr. Smith estimates that he can iron his clothes, get dressed, and feed the dog in 30 minutes. This brings his time line back to 6:30 am. He then decides he can shave and shower in approximately 30 minutes as well. This moves his time line back to 6:00 am. This means that the latest time, and possibly the optimal time, for Mr. Smith to wake up and begin his first task (shave and shower) needs to be 6:00 am in order to be at work by 8:00 am without speeding.
Since speeding is the most common CMV driver moving violation, it is important to identify the behavior that produces it. When poor time management proves to
be the root cause of speeding, training on time management techniques may be a useful tool to reduce speeding, fatigued and reckless driving, and hours-of-service violations, as well as preventing collisions and other unto safe acts. Addressing the issue of time management requires educating drivers about these techniques and recognizing the processes specific to motor carrier operations. Not all motor carriers’ operations are the same, and there are a variety of tasks that must be completed by a driver based on their motor carrier’s procedures and type of operation. Drivers need to be aware of the amount of time they will need to spend accomplishing the various tasks during their trip, such as inspecting the vehicle, fueling, driving, taking breaks, completing paperwork, accounting for weather and traffic delays, etc. process and plans can be improved.
Use these concepts to develop methods to measure drivers’ trip-planning performance, which will include on-time pick-ups and deliveries.
Identify the end result
Identify the tasks involved and time required
Lists tasks the furthest away to closest on the timeline
Drivers need to be aware of the amount of time they will need to spend accomplishing the various tasks during their trip.
DRIVER FITNESS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
What does driver fitness involve?
Driver fitness involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by drivers who are unfit to operate a CMV due to lack of training, experience, or medical qualification.
Data includes:
1. Inspection violations for failure to have a valid and appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) or medical or training documentation
2. Crash reports citing a lack of experience or medical reason as a cause or contributory factor
3. Violation from an off-site or an on-site investigation for failure to maintain proper driver qualification files or use of unqualified drivers (49 CFR, Parts 383 and 391)
The FMCSA reports this category has led to some confusion. “Driver fitness” has nothing to do with “new” medical requirements, body mass index, or drivers exercising more. Rather, driver fitness tracks, measures, and evaluates a carrier’s and driver’s compliance with driver qualification regulations in 49 CFR, Part 391. The driver fitness BASIC uses violations related to driver training, licensing, and qualifications (as found in 49 CFR, Parts 172, 177, 383, 386, and 398) noted on roadside inspection reports to calculate driver and carrier performance. Some examples of driver fitness violations include:
• Operating a CMV without a CDL
• Driving a CMV while disqualified
• Operating a CMV with improper CDL group
• Failure to notify licensing jurisdiction of traffic law conviction
• Failing to notify carrier of conviction within 30 days
• Operating a CMV without the proper CDL required endorsement
• Failing to train hazardous materials employees as required
• Allowing a driver to operate with a suspended/revoked CDL
• Using a driver not medically re-examined after medical certificate has expired or who is medically unqualified
• False entry on a medical examiner’s certificate Each driver fitness violation is assigned a severity rating from 1 to 10 based on the likelihood the violation will result in a crash. The lowest crash risk has a severity rating of 1 and the highest has a severity rating of 10. Driver fitness violations with the highest
severity rating of 10 include the following:
• Operating a CMV with more than one driver’s license
• Allowing a driver with more than one CDL to drive a CMV
• Failing to comply with an operations out-of-service (OOS) order
• Allowing a driver to operate during a driver, vehicle, or motor carrier OOS order
• Failing to comply with an Imminent Hazard OOS order For a complete listing of the driver fitness violations, refer to page seven on the CSA 2010 Train and qualify drivers NOW Compliance with all federal regulations is essential in order for Protective Insurance Company’s insureds to meet our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards. Among the many important driver qualification factors and eligibility requirements,Protective Insurance Company has identified several that are critical to our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards, including:
• Evidence of a valid Commercial Driver’s License
• Completion of a physical examination confirming physical fitness to operate a CMV. The physical examination must be completed by a licensed health care professional, as defined by the FMCSR, as follows:
a) Within three months prior to the date of employment
b) Following any physical or mental impairment from injury or disease
c) At least every two years
• A minimum of one year of experience as a driver of CMVs similar to the type of equipment utilized by the insured carrier Go to the FMCSA website to view a sample Medical Examination Report. Additional crucial driver qualification and eligibility requirements are explained in our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards Manual. To avoid receiving a poor performance score for driver fitness, Protective Insurance Company recommends reviewing all paperwork with your drivers to ensure all drivers have a current and valid CDL with the proper endorsements and current medical certificate and that they carry these documents with them at all times. Also consider reviewing your training programs for required training, such as for hazmat employees, and update the training to coincide with current requirements. (Refer to 49 CFR,172.704) Review the Carrier Safety Profile for the company to which you are leased. Place a large focus on retraining and awareness for drivers who affect compliance. Understand how to recognize and correct violations, especially before they have a chance to occur. Helping drivers understand how CSA 2010 will affect them as individuals will have a direct effect on helping to improve your company’s performance rating as well.
For further information regarding the CSA 2010 BASICs and/or the Safety Measurement System, visit the FMCSA’s CSA 2010 website.
Ensure all drivers have a current and valid CDL with the proper endorsements and a current medical certificate.
© Protective Insurance Company
IC Safety
Don’t Out-Drive Your Headlights
Most headlights only illuminate up to 450 feet when using high beams and no more than 350 feet when using low beams (when lights are properly maintained and clean). When driving a Class 8 tractor with a trailer at a speed of 55 mph, you will need 141.2 feet of perception distance plus 60.5 feet of reaction distance plus 275 feet of braking distance to come to a complete stop. That means you need a combined total stopping distance of 476.7 feet from the instant you see a hazard. If you are using properly maintained low beam lights, then you will only have 350 feet of visibility in front of you. The likelihood of avoiding a collision with a hazard in your path is very low since you will have out-driven your headlights by approximately 127 feet. Even if you are using properly maintained high beam lights, you will have out-driven your lights by 27 feet. If the driver is not alert, the distance is even greater.
Do your part to share the road SAFELY.
Yours in Safety,
Dennis L. Shinault, CDS
Director of Loss Prevention
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/
Source: Quill Safety
Vehicle Pre-trip inspection.pdf click here !
*Before you start the truck, open the hood. Check all the liquid tanks such as oil, water, windshield water, power steering fluid, and coolant levels. Check the hoses and fan belts for looseness, cracks, fraying or slackness. Check for any loose wires, loose mounts, cracked or bent component plus check all the items listed in the pre-trip check list.
Start the engine and look for leaks, and sparkles.
*Stand in front of the truck and check the lights, bumper, hood/grids, plates, mudguards, windshield, wipers, air shield, mirrors, mirror brackets, etc. Inspect doors, door handlers, foot steps, fuel tanks, muffler, mounts and brackets.
*Inspect the tires firmly. Hammer and the tires to check the tire pressure. Inspect the rims, nuts, hubs, and tire thread. Look for leaks, bleeds, and cracks when inspecting nuts. Make sure all nuts are tight and not damaged.
*Make sure the fifth-wheel jaws are open. The fifth-wheel should not play excessively and should have enough grease/lubrication. Check the fifth-wheel for damages. Inspect the air bags for leaks and deflation. Inspect the frames, mud flap holders, mud flap chain, mud flaps, air lines, air tanks, muffler, backup lights and bac
The dangers of speeding while driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) are well recognized. Motor carrier management, safety professionals, and law enforcement officials often warn about the devastating outcomes that can occur as the result of speeding.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Traffic Enforcement Violation Detail found CMV driver speeding violations during 2008 and 2009 constituted 73 percent of the total CMV driver moving violations. Motor carriers, federal and state agencies, and others have developed many approaches to attempt to reduce CMV speeding, including posting reduced speed limits for large vehicles and installing and regulating speed governors on vehicles. These attempts address speeding as a behavior. However, the root behavior may be something entirely different.
Speeding is a result of another behavior
When a collision occurs, a safety professional will conduct a root cause analysis to determine why the collision happened. For instance, a tractor-trailer may roll over or be involved in a rear-end collision. While there are always several factors to consider, speeding is often determined to be a primary cause. Although speeding may, in fact, be a primary factor, a root cause analysis may reveal that identifying speeding as a collision cause may be a step short of determining the real cause. Often speeding is not the behavior but a result of another behavior – poor time management. Poor time management could be the behavior of the driver and/or dispatcher. If one or both of these individuals engage in poor time management, a situation can be created where the driver feels as though he/she needs to speed to meet the delivery and/or pick-up deadlines before exhausting their allowable hours of service. If you change the behavior ( from poor to good time management), you can change the result ( from speeding to not speeding). Poor time management can also lead to other violations, such as driving while fatigued, reckless driving, hours-of-service violations, etc., which are frequently cited as causes of or aggravating circumstances in traffic accidents.
What makes good time management?
Much of good time management comes down to planning a trip before leaving. Obviously, one cannot plan for all unexpected events that might delay a trip, but proper planning reduces the adverse effects when something unexpected does occur. One method for planning a trip is “backward planning.” Backward planning is a process through which every task required to complete a trip has a plan of action and a corresponding time allotment. The completion of each task results in completion of the trip. In order for this method to be successful, the amount of time available, start time, and finish time of the trip must be determined.collision cause Identifying speeding as a may be a step short of determining the real cause.
Example: Mr. Smith needs to drive from home to work. He must be at work by 8:00 am and knows that he must drive 60 miles to get to work. He also knows that after waking up, he has to shave, shower, iron his clothes, get dressed, and feed the dog. In order for him to arrive at work on time, he must develop a plan. Mr. Smith knows that he can drive an average of 60 mph, which will make his drive time one hour. This brings his time line back from 8:00 am to 7:00 am. Mr. Smith estimates that he can iron his clothes, get dressed, and feed the dog in 30 minutes. This brings his time line back to 6:30 am. He then decides he can shave and shower in approximately 30 minutes as well. This moves his time line back to 6:00 am. This means that the latest time, and possibly the optimal time, for Mr. Smith to wake up and begin his first task (shave and shower) needs to be 6:00 am in order to be at work by 8:00 am without speeding.
Since speeding is the most common CMV driver moving violation, it is important to identify the behavior that produces it. When poor time management proves to
be the root cause of speeding, training on time management techniques may be a useful tool to reduce speeding, fatigued and reckless driving, and hours-of-service violations, as well as preventing collisions and other unto safe acts. Addressing the issue of time management requires educating drivers about these techniques and recognizing the processes specific to motor carrier operations. Not all motor carriers’ operations are the same, and there are a variety of tasks that must be completed by a driver based on their motor carrier’s procedures and type of operation. Drivers need to be aware of the amount of time they will need to spend accomplishing the various tasks during their trip, such as inspecting the vehicle, fueling, driving, taking breaks, completing paperwork, accounting for weather and traffic delays, etc. process and plans can be improved.
Use these concepts to develop methods to measure drivers’ trip-planning performance, which will include on-time pick-ups and deliveries.
Identify the end result
- Be at work by 8:00 a.m
Identify the tasks involved and time required
- Iron clothes, get dressed, and feed dog (30 minutes)
- Shave and shower (30 minutes) Arrive at work 8:00 am
Lists tasks the furthest away to closest on the timeline
- Drive to work (8:00 am - 60 minutes = 7:00 am)
- Iron clothes, get dressed, feed dog (7:00 am - 30 minutes = 6:30 am)
- Shave and shower (6:30 am - 30 minutes = 6:00 am)
- Start time: 6:00 am
Drivers need to be aware of the amount of time they will need to spend accomplishing the various tasks during their trip.
DRIVER FITNESS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
What does driver fitness involve?
Driver fitness involves the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by drivers who are unfit to operate a CMV due to lack of training, experience, or medical qualification.
Data includes:
1. Inspection violations for failure to have a valid and appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) or medical or training documentation
2. Crash reports citing a lack of experience or medical reason as a cause or contributory factor
3. Violation from an off-site or an on-site investigation for failure to maintain proper driver qualification files or use of unqualified drivers (49 CFR, Parts 383 and 391)
The FMCSA reports this category has led to some confusion. “Driver fitness” has nothing to do with “new” medical requirements, body mass index, or drivers exercising more. Rather, driver fitness tracks, measures, and evaluates a carrier’s and driver’s compliance with driver qualification regulations in 49 CFR, Part 391. The driver fitness BASIC uses violations related to driver training, licensing, and qualifications (as found in 49 CFR, Parts 172, 177, 383, 386, and 398) noted on roadside inspection reports to calculate driver and carrier performance. Some examples of driver fitness violations include:
• Operating a CMV without a CDL
• Driving a CMV while disqualified
• Operating a CMV with improper CDL group
• Failure to notify licensing jurisdiction of traffic law conviction
• Failing to notify carrier of conviction within 30 days
• Operating a CMV without the proper CDL required endorsement
• Failing to train hazardous materials employees as required
• Allowing a driver to operate with a suspended/revoked CDL
• Using a driver not medically re-examined after medical certificate has expired or who is medically unqualified
• False entry on a medical examiner’s certificate Each driver fitness violation is assigned a severity rating from 1 to 10 based on the likelihood the violation will result in a crash. The lowest crash risk has a severity rating of 1 and the highest has a severity rating of 10. Driver fitness violations with the highest
severity rating of 10 include the following:
• Operating a CMV with more than one driver’s license
• Allowing a driver with more than one CDL to drive a CMV
• Failing to comply with an operations out-of-service (OOS) order
• Allowing a driver to operate during a driver, vehicle, or motor carrier OOS order
• Failing to comply with an Imminent Hazard OOS order For a complete listing of the driver fitness violations, refer to page seven on the CSA 2010 Train and qualify drivers NOW Compliance with all federal regulations is essential in order for Protective Insurance Company’s insureds to meet our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards. Among the many important driver qualification factors and eligibility requirements,Protective Insurance Company has identified several that are critical to our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards, including:
• Evidence of a valid Commercial Driver’s License
• Completion of a physical examination confirming physical fitness to operate a CMV. The physical examination must be completed by a licensed health care professional, as defined by the FMCSR, as follows:
a) Within three months prior to the date of employment
b) Following any physical or mental impairment from injury or disease
c) At least every two years
• A minimum of one year of experience as a driver of CMVs similar to the type of equipment utilized by the insured carrier Go to the FMCSA website to view a sample Medical Examination Report. Additional crucial driver qualification and eligibility requirements are explained in our Minimum Loss Prevention Standards Manual. To avoid receiving a poor performance score for driver fitness, Protective Insurance Company recommends reviewing all paperwork with your drivers to ensure all drivers have a current and valid CDL with the proper endorsements and current medical certificate and that they carry these documents with them at all times. Also consider reviewing your training programs for required training, such as for hazmat employees, and update the training to coincide with current requirements. (Refer to 49 CFR,172.704) Review the Carrier Safety Profile for the company to which you are leased. Place a large focus on retraining and awareness for drivers who affect compliance. Understand how to recognize and correct violations, especially before they have a chance to occur. Helping drivers understand how CSA 2010 will affect them as individuals will have a direct effect on helping to improve your company’s performance rating as well.
For further information regarding the CSA 2010 BASICs and/or the Safety Measurement System, visit the FMCSA’s CSA 2010 website.
Ensure all drivers have a current and valid CDL with the proper endorsements and a current medical certificate.
© Protective Insurance Company
IC Safety
Don’t Out-Drive Your Headlights
Most headlights only illuminate up to 450 feet when using high beams and no more than 350 feet when using low beams (when lights are properly maintained and clean). When driving a Class 8 tractor with a trailer at a speed of 55 mph, you will need 141.2 feet of perception distance plus 60.5 feet of reaction distance plus 275 feet of braking distance to come to a complete stop. That means you need a combined total stopping distance of 476.7 feet from the instant you see a hazard. If you are using properly maintained low beam lights, then you will only have 350 feet of visibility in front of you. The likelihood of avoiding a collision with a hazard in your path is very low since you will have out-driven your headlights by approximately 127 feet. Even if you are using properly maintained high beam lights, you will have out-driven your lights by 27 feet. If the driver is not alert, the distance is even greater.
Do your part to share the road SAFELY.
Yours in Safety,
Dennis L. Shinault, CDS
Director of Loss Prevention
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/
Source: Quill Safety
Vehicle Pre-trip inspection.pdf click here !
*Before you start the truck, open the hood. Check all the liquid tanks such as oil, water, windshield water, power steering fluid, and coolant levels. Check the hoses and fan belts for looseness, cracks, fraying or slackness. Check for any loose wires, loose mounts, cracked or bent component plus check all the items listed in the pre-trip check list.
Start the engine and look for leaks, and sparkles.
*Stand in front of the truck and check the lights, bumper, hood/grids, plates, mudguards, windshield, wipers, air shield, mirrors, mirror brackets, etc. Inspect doors, door handlers, foot steps, fuel tanks, muffler, mounts and brackets.
*Inspect the tires firmly. Hammer and the tires to check the tire pressure. Inspect the rims, nuts, hubs, and tire thread. Look for leaks, bleeds, and cracks when inspecting nuts. Make sure all nuts are tight and not damaged.
*Make sure the fifth-wheel jaws are open. The fifth-wheel should not play excessively and should have enough grease/lubrication. Check the fifth-wheel for damages. Inspect the air bags for leaks and deflation. Inspect the frames, mud flap holders, mud flap chain, mud flaps, air lines, air tanks, muffler, backup lights and bac