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Entries related to: drivers

Crashes Do Happen: Tips on Driver Conduct at a Crash Scene

At some time in the future, you may be involved in a vehicle crash. These situations can be stressful and confusing. Before these situations occur, it is important that you understand driver conduct at a crash scene. Remember to be polite and courteous at the scene of a crash. Admit nothing, promise nothing, and do not argue. Do not discuss the crash with anyone except the police and representatives from your own company. Any statements you make may later be used against you; so do not offer any theories, reasons, or excuses to explain why the crash happened.
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Thou Shall Not Commit Tailgating

It's one of the deadliest sins out there on the road. Most drivers are irritated by someone driving closely behind them. If the tailgater is pulling a fully loaded 18-wheeler, it not only causes anger, but also can be downright terrifying. Many motorists who have been tailgated by a truck driver spend the next several days cursing the whole industry to anyone that will listen.  
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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of major depression that is typically associated with the change of seasons. SAD can occur in the winter or summer months but is most common during periods of reduced daylight hours and colder temperatures. This psychological condition can seriously affect a person’s health and wellness. SAD can also act as a distraction and lead to a vehicle crash or workplace injury. Here are some warning signs of SAD and some suggestions on how to address the issue either for you or someone you know:
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Winter Safety

For most of the country, winter brings frigid temperatures, slippery road conditions, and treacherous walking surfaces. In the event of a possible roadside emergency, you do not want to risk frostbite or hypothermia. The key to protecting yourself is to be able to recognize the hazards that can lead to winter-related injuries and illnesses and know how to protect yourself.
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Jackknifes

Due to winter roadways, there is an increased risk of jackknifes, but this type of loss of control crash can occur any time of the year. To avoid a jackknife - or to recover from one, drivers must be able to recognize the hazards that contribute to a jackknife. They must also know how to defend against it. 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.
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Time to Discuss Winter Driving Conditions

Winter is back, and truck drivers must deal with extreme weather and winter driving conditions. Ice, snow, high winds, poor visibility, frigid temperatures, and other hazards greatly impact driver safety. These factors can also lead to a critical crash, such as a rollover, jackknife, or lane departure. Critical crashes can have negative repercussions throughout the organization and severely disrupt operations. That is why the time is now for operations staff to remind drivers of winter driving hazards and protective driving techniques needed to prevent a serious loss. Here are some key points operations staff should cover with drivers.
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Avoiding Right Turn Squeeze Crashes

A right-turn squeeze crash can occur when a truck driver makes a wide right turn and leaves too much space between the truck and the curb. A vehicle behind may mistake this maneuver as the truck simply changing lanes or as soon as the right lane opens up the driver ignores the truck’s turn signal and accelerates alongside the truck. Either way, as soon as the truck makes its right-hand turn, the other vehicle gets caught under the trailer or impacts the side of the truck. This type of run under crash can be prevented if truck drivers are able to recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a crash and take defensive measures to prevent a loss. 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.
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Preventing Run Under Crashes

Side-impact crashes involving vehicles running under the trailer are one of the four critical crashes because they typically result in severe losses. These types of crashes can be prevented if drivers recognize the hazards that increase the likelihood of a run under crash and take defensive measures to avoid it. 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 run under crash.
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Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food

This article has been updated with new information. It was originally posted on October 25th, 2016. The final rule for the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food (STHAF or Sanitary Transportation Rule) was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2016.  On June 6, 2016, the STHAF rule became effective and part of the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 C.F.R. Sections 1.900-1.934. Motor carriers and brokers engaged in the transportation of food should read the STHAF regulations and carefully review their shipping contracts with respect to provisions addressing food shipments and the STHAF.  
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Driver Safety: Proper Lifting

Improper lifting is a common cause of serious back injuries and could potentially lead to a lifetime of discomfort. Also, injuries caused by improper lifting could cost you in terms of lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and your ability to enjoy the people and activities you love. The key to protecting yourself is to be able to recognize the hazards associated with improper lifting and know how to reduce your risk of injury.
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