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Idealease Safety Bulletin - Driving in Springtime Weather

May. 6 2022 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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DRIVING IN SPRINGTIME WEATHER: 

Read the latest Idealease Safety Bulletin online for the latest safety news and information, and be sure to sign up to have all future safety bulletins delivered straight to your inbox each week for access to the up-to-date fleet safety news, tips and information!  Need a PDF version to print, share or download?

Looking for past safety bulletins? Access them at: https://www.idealease.com/safety-compliance/safety-bulletins

In this issue:

  • Turn Around Don’t Drown!
  • Safe Driving Tips for Springtime Weather Conditions
  • Department of Homeland Security Retains Vaccination Requirements for Border Crossings
  • Click it or Ticket!
  • May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
  • International Roadcheck Set for May 17th-19th with Emphasis on Wheel Ends


TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! 

It is important to remember that road conditions can change rapidly with flash floods as we enter the spring season. Any vehicle is at risk, even large commercial motor vehicles can be swept away by the strong force of the water's current.  

Keep The National Weather Service's website www.srh.weather.gov in mind as it can be a great resource for current weather and flooding conditions.  

Whether you are driving OR walking, please remember to Turn Around if you come to a flooded road.  Without knowing the depth of the water, or the condition of the road underneath, it is a definite hazard. 

If flooding occurs:

  • Get to higher ground ASAP. Make sure you stay away from areas that are subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, washes, canyons, etc. 
  • Do not attempt to cross flowing streams
  • Never drive through flooded roadways. Leave your vehicle immediately if it is caught in rising water
  • Avoid parking along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions
  • Pay extra attention at night
  • Avoid low water crossings
  • Use alternate routes
  • Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls

Most cars and light trucks can begin to float in as little as 1-2 feet of water.


 SPRINGTIME SAFE DRIVING TIPS

TORNADO:

  • Do not drive! Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air
  • Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building
  • If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Overpasses also can be places of refuge, however, be aware of the potential for flooding


SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND LIGHTNING:

  • Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms

  • If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don’t try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips

  • Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain

  • Allow extra distance for braking

  • Do not drive unless necessary

  • Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle

  • Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside

  • An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open

  • Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside

  • Avoid flooded roadways

  • Avoid downed power lines

  • Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to ensure that they are ready for severe weather

  • Approach intersections with caution

  • Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs


DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY RETAINS VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BORDER CROSSINGS


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will extend temporary Title 19 requirements and continue to require non-U.S. travelers, including truck drivers, entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

These requirements will continue to apply to non-U.S. travelers who are traveling both for essential and non-essential reasons and do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

The Canadian Government has similar COVID vaccination requirements in place for U.S. travelers entering Canada, including truck drivers.  As of April 1, however, Canada no longer requires pre-entry negative COVID tests for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada by land, air, or water. You must still use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada, however.


Upcoming events and reminders:

CLICK IT OR TICKET https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/click-it-or-ticket

National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization 
May 23 - June 5, 2022

Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save your life in a crash. Yet many still do not buckle up. Worse still, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that will pass on to impressionable youth who, in turn, will think it is safe to not buckle up.

The Click It or Ticket campaign focuses on safety education, strong laws, and law enforcement support to save lives.

MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH - MAY

Motorist awareness is an important component of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's comprehensive motorcycle safety program. 

Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists. A motorist and a motorcyclist may take different actions in the same driving or highway situation. 

CVSA'S INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK (MAY 17-19) https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/


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If you have a question or a topic you would like covered in a future ELEVATE Question/Tip of the Week, email ELEVATE@Idealease.com. 


*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.