Did you know 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger cars? While actions like distracted driving certainly play a role in some of these cases, there are likely multiple occasions that happen simply because drivers don’t understand how to safely maneuver around large vehicles.
Professional truck drivers Joe and Susan each receive a new assignment from their carriers and log their activity as they travel to the next location. Based on the descriptions below, which driver is in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) driving regulations?
Joe: San Diego, California, to Portland, Oregon (1,083 miles, approximately 20 hours)
Your next loading dock is 45 minutes away. With a quick glance at the dashboard, you notice the fuel level is low, and the tire inflation light is on. Should you pull over to fuel up and check out the problem or is it safe to continue driving? While some dashboard lights and instruments indicate emergency situations, others notify the driver of issues that could be concerning if they aren’t serviced soon.
When you think of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, what comes to mind? While some may think solely of equipment like tractor trailers, flatbeds and refrigerated units, there are actually a wide range of vehicle types in these categories — from boom trucks and dump trucks to semis and garbage trucks. We’ll cover details on how these big trucks are classified and why it’s important to know the correct classification.
While some breakdowns may be unavoidable, you might be surprised at the number of equipment issues that could be prevented with the right information about your fleet. But how do you get that info?
Spending most of your time in a truck cab has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you probably visit many unique locations and meet a lot of people. On the downside, there are times you may have to sacrifice convenience and comfort to get the job done. Fortunately, a variety of trucking accessories are available to help improve the safety and efficiency of the truck driver lifestyle. Create a more secure and relaxing environment using the semi-truck accessories below.
Since 1998, more than 3.4 million truck brakes have been inspected as a result of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Airbrake Program. Each year, this program hosts Brake Safety Days across the United States, Canada and Mexico to ensure commercial vehicle brake systems are in proper working condition. The next event is coming up on September 7.
Fifty feet ahead there’s a pothole in the road. Do you continue going straight or change lanes to avoid it? While dodging it may not always be possible, it is best practice to try. As a truck driver, you’re in control of how your vehicle is operated and how well it sustains everyday driving conditions. Poor driving habits such as fast acceleration, hard braking, speeding and driving over potholes can greatly affect the performance, reliability and fuel efficiency of the truck.
Over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers know how difficult it is to exercise, eat healthy and get enough sleep while they’re on the job. This situation is so common that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study and found that 69 percent of long-haul drivers are considered obese, compared to 31 percent of the national working population. By practicing better daily habits, the risk of common health issues can be avoided. Start a healthier lifestyle behind the wheel by using the tips below.
When was the last time you drove on a highway or an interstate without passing a semi-truck along the way? With more than 15.5 million big rigs currently operating in the United States, probably never. But, even though you’re constantly sharing the road with semis, do you really know much about them? Take a look at the list below for some interesting facts about 18-wheelers — some of them may surprise you.