Great West Casualty Company Blog

May 21, 2020 3:14:17 PM

Railroad Crossings

By Great West Casualty Company

Side-impact collisions between a semi-truck and train can result in devastating losses. The key to preventing a crash is to be able to recognize the hazards that can lead to a collision and take appropriate defensive measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a crash at a railroad crossing.

Apr 8, 2020 2:00:00 PM

Preventing CRASHES with Stationary Objects

By Great West Casualty Company

Hitting stationary objects are preventable crashes. The key to preventing such accidents is to recognize the hazards that can lead to a collision with a stationary object and take appropriate defensive measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of hitting a stationary object.

Apr 3, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Combatting Substance Abuse

By Great West Casualty Company

Substance abuse involves more than taking illegal drugs. It also includes misusing alcohol, prescription medications, and other legal substances if too much is taken or in the wrong way. Unlike an addiction – which is a disease – individuals can stop abusing substances if they choose to before their unhealthy behavior becomes an addiction or causes serious health problems. Read the information below about commonly abused substances and the health risks each pose. If you feel you might have a substance abuse problem, seek assistance immediately.

Mar 26, 2020 1:15:00 PM

Focus on Mindfulness to Improve Driving

By Great West Casualty Company

With the advent of more and more technologies competing for our attention, it is becoming more difficult for humans to sift through a swarm of distractions and focus on those items that are worth paying attention to. For motor carriers, whose survival hinges on preventing crashes, driver distractions and inattention are not new. They are old enemies. Preaching to drivers to pay attention and focus on the road ahead is nothing new, yet preventable crashes still occur, leaving a motor carrier’s management team members scratching their heads in frustration. One solution, and arguably the solution to the distracted driving problem, is simple mindfulness.

Mar 19, 2020 3:10:00 PM

Congestion, Construction among Spring Driving Hazards

By Great West Casualty Company

Spring has returned for most of the country, which means operations staff should take time to remind drivers of the seasonal risks that come with this time of year. Read about the spring-related driving hazards below and commit to completing the “Call to Action” items at the bottom of the page.

Mar 4, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Know the Hazards of Rollovers

By Great West Casualty Company

Tractor-trailers typically have a high center of gravity, which makes them susceptible to rollover crashes. The key to preventing a rollover is for drivers to be able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a crash and apply the appropriate defense measures. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and reduce the risk of a rollover crash.

Feb 25, 2020 2:45:00 PM

Employee Fatigue is a Risk That Can be Managed

By Great West Casualty Company

Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia are just a few sleep disorders that affect all employees, not only truck drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatigue is a factor in 13 percent of workplace injuries, and “43 percent of Americans admit they may be too tired to function safely at work.” For motor carriers, a great deal of emphasis is placed on driver fatigue – and rightly so – but fatigue-related crashes and injuries are just part of the risk. Fatigue affects cognitive performance (i.e., short-term memory loss, concentration, etc.), work performance (i.e. decreased productivity, errors, etc.), personal health (i.e., depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.), and carries financial consequences such as increased health care costs.

Feb 11, 2020 3:10:00 PM

Cold Weather Ailments

By Great West Casualty Company

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.

Dec 10, 2019 11:00:00 AM

The Difference between Fault and Preventability in a Crash

By Great West Casualty Company

Fault and preventability are two terms motor carriers often confuse. The process of determining who was at fault in a collision is typically based on applicable motor vehicle laws and the actions of both drivers. Evidence will be collected and witness statements are taken so that fault can be determined, either by law enforcement or in a legal proceeding. Preventability, on the other hand, has a completely different meaning. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “a preventable collision is a collision in which the driver failed to do everything reasonable to avoid it.” So, even if a truck driver is not cited for being at fault for an accident, the motor carrier could still deem the collision preventable.

Nov 25, 2019 10:03:45 AM

Protect Yourself from Thefts and Hijackings

By Great West Casualty Company

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.

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