Great West Casualty Company Blog

Preventing large truck crashes has been and always will be a topic of discussion motor carriers have with their drivers. Large truck crashes cost the transportation industry approximately $135 billion annually, according to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Rear-end crashes, in particular, have a high risk of causing catastrophic losses. The FMCSA’s study identified four driver-related factors associated with large truck crashes; these can also be factors in rear-end crashes. Read about each factor below and discuss them with your drivers to help re-emphasize your commitment to preventing rear-end crashes.

Many “Share the Road” initiatives speak to the drivers of passenger vehicles and focus on how to drive around large trucks, motorcyclists, etc. This approach is good to learn from, but truck drivers must also look at how they drive around others and practice similar techniques. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to Share The Road.

Cold weather can increase a person’s risk of contracting a virus, such as influenza, which can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off germs. This weakened state can lead to a cold, the flu, sore throat, etc. Read the information below and determine what you can do to better protect yourself from common wintertime ailments.

Cargo theft and hijackings are a real danger to drivers. When out on the road, there are safety and security techniques that can help deter would-be hijackers and protect you from harm. Remember, if you see something, say something. Notify your employer, the shipper/receiver, or local authorities if anything looks out of the ordinary. Read the information below, and determine how you can help prevent cargo theft and protect yourself from would-be thieves.

Flatbed trailers pose a significant number of hazards to drivers, and those hazards can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Read the information below about flatbed trailer safety and the recommended injury prevention techniques, and then ask yourself how you can better protect yourself from harm.

Falling from an elevated position, such as the truck, a ladder, or even an open service pit, can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Read the information below about fall hazards and the recommended defense techniques, and then ask yourself how you can change your work habits to protect yourself from harm.

Aggressive driving puts you and others at risk of serious injury or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving occurs when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses that endangers other persons or property. Speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, and failing to obey traffic signs are just a few unsafe driving behaviors that can escalate to road rage or cause a crash. Read the information below, and ask yourself how you can improve your driving style.

Tractor-trailer fires can result in devastating losses destroying trucks, trailers, and cargo. Fires can be the result of tires/brakes heating up, loss of axle lubricant, electrical problems, cigarette smoking, and other causes. Whatever the cause, fast action is required should a fire ever occur.

Properly managing the truck’s speed requires skill and good judgment. Failure to do so could have tragic consequences. To avoid this, drivers must recognize the hazards that can lead to a crash, know the defense, and react properly. Read the information below and ask yourself how you can improve your driving style in any of the hazard categories.

Truck stops, rest areas, and parking lots are used by criminals to prey on drivers and other employees. Protecting yourself from physical harm is your primary concern over the security of your vehicle and cargo. The key to your safety is to be able to recognize the hazards that can put you in harm’s way and know how to defend against these dangers.