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Entries related to: drivers

Know the defense against winter weather hazards

Winter can bring frigid temperatures and slippery conditions around the truck. The key to protecting yourself is to recognize the hazards that can lead to winter-related injuries and illnesses and take proper precautions. Read the information below and determine what you can do to better protect yourself in winter.
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Ensuring driver Safety around the vehicle

Working on and around a truck can expose a driver to potential injuries, which could be costly to one’s livelihood and lifestyle. Read the information below about preventing injuries around the truck, and then ask yourself how you can better protect yourself from harm.
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8 tips to help you pre-plan your next route

Planning your route in advance may seem burdensome at first, but in the long run may be worth it if it makes you safer, helps you avoid unnecessary delays, and cuts down on your stress. Below are eight trip-planning tips to help you be more efficient. Consider these ideas before your next dispatch and decide where you can make improvements.
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Road rage: How to protect yourself

Road rage is a criminal offense that can result in jail time. Road rage occurs when one driver commits an act of violence against another road user, such as a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. An act of violence can include using your vehicle as a weapon, dueling another vehicle in a reckless chase, or getting out of your vehicle and brandishing a weapon with the intent to injure another driver. Rarely is road rage triggered by a single incident. Rather, it is usually the last straw in a long series of stressors. Read the information below to learn how to protect yourself from others with road rage or identify when road rage is an issue for you. If it is, below are suggestions for helping you to control your behavior.
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Vehicle inspections: a 15-point list

49 CFR Part 396.13 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations specifies a driver’s responsibilities before operating a commercial motor vehicle. Below is an abbreviated list to remind you of the tasks to complete each day and the areas of the vehicle to inspect. For additional information, refer to 49 CFR Part 396 - Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance.
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To All the Truck Drivers, we Say Thank You!

    At Great West Casualty Company, we are committed to being a trusted and dependable partner to those who make their living transporting our nation’s goods. With more than 65 years of serving motor carriers, Great West takes pride in being there when you need us.
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Ask the safety rep: Regulatory updates

ARE DRIVERS STILL REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR ANNUAL LIST OF TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS? As of May 8, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) eliminated the annual requirement for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to submit a list of their convictions for traffic violations to their employers.
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Tips for evaluating driver applicants

It is no secret there is a driver shortage for motor carriers. Enticing candidates to enter this career field is challenging enough, but finding the quality candidates and keeping them is equally difficult. Be that as it may, it is important to properly screen driver applicants. It is not enough to accept an applicant based solely on word of mouth or referrals. Motor carriers should incorporate a practice of due diligence to assess a driver’s knowledge, skills, and attitude.
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7 Traits of a Professional, and How They Improve the Workplace

Professionalism in the workplace benefits you, your peers, and your employer. Exhibiting professionalism can bring you an inward sense of pride, self-respect, competence, and job satisfaction. Your peers will mirror your behavior in the way you treat others and approach your job, while your employer will view you as a reliable team player. Read the informaiton below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to present yourself in a more professional manner. 
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Monitoring Road Hazards as You Drive

Managing the space around the truck is challenging. From driving in congested traffic to navigating a crowded parking lot, truck drivers must constantly track the hazards around them to help prevent a collision. Read the information below and ask yourself how you can improve your driving style in any of the hazard categories.
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