“Collision” and “accident” sound like interchangeable terms; however, there is a significant difference in meaning when it comes to commercial driving safety and legal liability. To better understand the nuances at play here, let’s start with some definitions. Simply stated, “accident” denotes a non-preventable incident for which the driver has no responsibility. “Collision” refers to an [...]
Traffic fatalities are up 14 percent this year, according to a study just out from the National Safety Council (NSC). From a high of 43,510 fatalities in 2005, traffic deaths had declined by 25 percent, to 32,719, in 2013. In the first six months of 2015, however, approximately 19,000 people have lost their lives in [...]
We’re all familiar with the concept of defensive driving. But let’s stop a moment and identify the attributes of an ideal defensive driver. Here is a list of ten of them. Defensive drivers: Are always ready with preventative measures, in advance of when they are needed. Carefully monitor the actions of other drivers, adjusting for [...]
A recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study cited the top causes of large truck collisions in 967 crashes involving at least one truck. The study included 1,127 large trucks and 959 other types of motor vehicles. These crashes resulted in 251 deaths and 1,408 injuries. Let’s look at some of the most common causes [...]
The House passed a bill allowing the use of longer tandem trailers, which could be up to five feet longer than the prior 28-foot limit. Industry experts were divided on the issue, some citing significant improvements in economy and efficiency, with others emphasizing the potentially dramatic safety impact of these behemoth tandem trailers. Both the [...]
If you ever wondered if you should take the time to report unsafe truck driving behavior, consider the following report on a devastating crash involving nine-vehicles in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On July 21st, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) declared a Kentucky-licensed truck driver to be an imminent hazard to public [...]
Spring forward and fall back. Autumn is around the corner, ushering in a season of beauty, from fall foliage, to Halloween and pumpkin pies. For drivers however, autumn is also accompanied by a unique set of driving challenges. Whether you are driving a small sedan or an 18 wheeler, here are some important driving safety [...]
It can happen at any time, and if you’ve experienced a breakdown, you know that it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. It can happen in private and commercial vehicles, to experienced or inexperienced drivers. You're driving along at 65 miles per hour and suddenly hear a strange noise, your tire runs [...]
Video footage of jack-knifed 18-wheelers often lead the local evening news. It’s easy for viewers to understand the dangers that out-of-control tractor-trailers can present to the motoring public. Collisions of smaller commercial vehicles are not so newsworthy; however, they can be just as dangerous to the public and to their companies’ financial well being. Over-the-road [...]
Companies exploring the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) to provide training for their drivers have many options. So how does a busy manager determine which LMS system would work best for his or her company and situation? Here are 10 important questions to ask about the LMS you are considering using for your [...]