Motor carriers and owner operators have until December 16 of this year to ensure their logging devices are FMSCA-compliant ELDs. Though the technology and the regulations have been years in the making, many are still somewhat unclear on the numerous differences between FMCSA-compliant ELDs and their AOBRD predecessors. Several critical shortcomings of older devices that [...]
As current law stands, truck drivers possessing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) under the age of 21 are only allowed to transport cargo within their state. This hinders the likelihood of young drivers joining the industry, as more money is available to interstate truck drivers. Now, the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE-Safe) [...]
Truck drivers from mountainous states often have more experience navigating steep grades. Drivers from California, Colorado, Montana, and West Virginia have a significant edge over those from flat states. Unfortunately for Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, a Texas-based truck driver, his experience navigating the steep grade on the stretch of highway between the Eisenhower Tunnel and Lakewood, Colorado [...]
Fleets invest a lot of time and energy into ensuring their drivers’ safety. While this often means adhering to safety regulations, following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) rulings is just the tip of the safety iceberg. Truck drivers themselves are a great source for revealing safety issues that affect them on a regular [...]
Distracted driving makes headlines for obvious safety reasons. Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers that eat, text, or place calls while behind the wheel have their attention pulled in several directions. Their focus is split between the road and what’s in their hands, both of which make them less able to react to what’s going on [...]
Truck drivers have a lot to juggle when it comes to roadway safety. With numerous regulations, changing laws, fatigue, and more, it’s easy to overlook external threats. People outside of the truck cab can incapacitate the vehicle with disturbing ease—intentional or not. The following are three of the biggest external threats that can compromise truck [...]
Driving a commercial vehicle has more safety challenges than a typical desk job. Fleet managers need to familiarize themselves with common safety concerns affecting their drivers. This allows them to implement solutions and strategies to improve safety for drivers and other motorists. The following are the most typical safety issues fleets can expect to encounter: [...]
Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road, putting a significant degree of stress on their lower back. However, there are many hidden risks that cause debilitating back pain that fleets need to address. Back pain, even slight, affects employee productivity and morale. Drivers that are in pain will need to make more [...]
The trucking stats for 2017 are in and the numbers are grim. Fatalities related to large trucks rose by 9% while fatalities since 2009 are up by a whopping 41%. When a crash involves a large truck and a passenger vehicle, occupants in the passenger vehicle account for 97% of the fatalities. Clearly, highway safety [...]
Every year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) releases their highest priority safety improvements for all modes of transportation. They develop the list by examining accidents, injuries, and lives saved. The following are the biggest changes they hope to see going forward for the trucking industry. Eliminate distracted driving. Many drivers operate under the false [...]