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Entries related to: drivers

How to Calculate Proper Following Distance Part 1

Recognize the Hazards A key factor in rear-end crashes is improper following distance. In order to determine how much following distance is required to bring a tractor-trailer to a complete stop, drivers first need to know how much stopping distance their vehicle requires.
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Be Proactive by Targeting Critical Crashes

When it comes to losses, a motor carrier that operates in a reactive mode is putting itself in a bad position. It is like closing the barn door after the horses get out. The damage is done, and the only hope is to minimize the loss. A better approach is to get ahead of a loss by taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. For this reason, successful motor carriers invest the time to evaluate their operations and identify the risks that could potentially force them to close their doors. 
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Keep Focused On Winter Weather Hazards

There are four types of loss exposures that every motor carrier must address, especially in winter when the risk of vehicle crashes and workplace injuries increases. Loss exposures involving personnel (employees), equipment (tractors, trailers, facilities, etc.), net income (revenue), and liability (third party) can all be affected by a single incident, such as a truck crash. That is why management should lead the effort to communicate the dangers winter weather can present. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help workers avoid injuries and crashes when severe weather is present.
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Nine Ways to Fight Fatigue out on the Open Road

Are you ready to avoid fatigue-related crashes? Fatigue behind the wheel is a real danger. It can be a killer and happen any time, any where. But, guess what? You can control it. You are the key factor in determining whether or not a fatigue-related crash will happen to you. At Great West Casualty Company, we say to look for warning signs including inattentiveness, erratic driving, tailgating, drifting, or failure to obey traffic signals. Most modern tractors have comfortable seats, relatively quiet cabs, and are temperature controlled. But, while these designs are convenient and comfortable, they can contribute to falling asleep at the wheel. We're all for driving in a fine ride, but we don't want these things to get the best of you when it comes to fatigue while driving.
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Check Tire Pressure

One of the most neglected aspects of a pre-trip inspection is the air pressure in the tires of commercial vehicles. It is not enough to scan tires for noticeably-low pressures or “thumping” the tires to gauge its pressure. Cutting corners in this area of the pre-trip inspection can be costly regarding dollars, times, and possibly lives.
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Visually Clearing Intersections

  Intersections can pose a serious risk to professional truck drivers. Besides the movement of vehicle traffic in every direction, drivers must contend with the unpredictable, like jaywalkers, bike riders, and countless other hazards. For these reasons, drivers must be extra vigilant when approaching an intersection. 
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Winter is Coming, Are You Ready?

Fall is here, and winter is not far behind. For most of the country, as road conditions and visibility worsen, parking lots and walkways become ice rinks, and the air fills with cold and flu viruses, the risk of vehicle crashes, work-related injuries, and lost work time due to illness increases with each. Now is the time to start preparing for these hazards to avoid business interruptions and keep your employees safe and healthy through the winter months.
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Confined Spaces are Dangerous Places

Mechanics can put themselves in serious peril if they enter an empty cargo tank trailer without following OSHA’s confined space entry procedures. One cause of injury, and possibly death, is the assumption that it is safe to enter the trailer because it has never previously contained a hazardous material or substance. According to 29 CFR 1910.146, a confined space must meet ALL THREE of the following conditions:
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Fire Safety for Commercial Motor Vehicles

A fire can be a devastating financial event for a trucking company or a driver. Modern trucks and trailers are manufactured to be as light as possible, which means they are constructed using a variety of potentially dangerous materials which can become extremely hazardous should a fire occur. The dangers of today’s truck fires include extreme heat, very rapid spreading of flames, and potentially toxic fumes.
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Margin of Safety

In financial markets, Margin of Safety is a principle in which an investor purchases securities when the market price is significantly below the estimated intrinsic value. The difference between the market price and the estimated intrinsic value is the margin of safety. To ensure a proper margin of safety is maintained, market activity must be monitored closely.
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