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October 2nd, 2020 - Idealease Safety Bulletin "Fall Is Here"

Oct. 2 2020 Miscellaneous By McCandless Idealease

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The October 2nd edition of the weekly Idealsafe Bulletin, courtesy of Idealease Truck Leasing and Rental is here! View highlights below and download to review the bulletin in its entirety. 

Don't forget to SIGN UP to get these weekly safety and compliance information delivered straight to your inbox, or click the image below to read the entire bulletin. In this edition:

1. FALL IS HERE: Time to talk to your drivers about winter driving conditions!

  • Winter Driving Tips for the Driver and the Vehicle - Proper steps to take in preparation for winter driving conditions:

    Step 1: Ensure your truck is prepared for winter driving. Tires are the most important aspect of keeping your vehicle under control in snow and ice condition. Traction tires on the drive axle(s) of the truck with ample tread depth provides the best control in snow and ice conditions. The tread depth and condition of the steer axle tires is also vital in keeping the control of the steering. Mirrors and all glass in the truck should be clean for maximum visibility. If you are operating in areas with chain laws make sure the chains are in good condition and ready to be installed if needed. View state chain laws: https://www.tirechainsrequired.com/pages/tire-chain-laws 

    Step 2: Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

    Step 3: No Cruise Control. Do not use cruise control on snowy or icy roads.

    Step 4: Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

    Step 5: Do not “pump” the brakes. If your truck is equipped with ABS brakes do not “pump” the brakes.

    Step 6: Drive slowly. Driving too quickly is the main cause of winter accidents. Just because you are a large truck with a heavy load does not mean that you are invincible, be sure to drive slowly and carefully on snow- and ice-covered roads.

    Step 7: Pay attention. Maneuvers are more difficult to make in the snow. Be sure to anticipate what your next move is going to be to give yourself lots of room for turns and stopping.

    Step 8: Don't tailgate. While tailgating is a bad idea under normal driving conditions, it is much, much worse in winter weather. Stopping takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than on dry pavement. Be sure to leave a lot of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to leave four vehicle lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 mph you are driving.

    Step 9: Brake before making turns. It is difficult to steer vehicles while applying the brakes in snowy conditions. So make sure to smoothly step on your truck's brakes to reduce speed before entering turns. Once you have rounded the corner you can accelerate again.

    Step 10: Drive smoothly. Snowy and icy roads are much less forgiving than dry pavement. Make sure not to make any abrupt turns or stops when driving. Doing so will often cause your vehicle to lose control and skid out.

    Step 11: Be familiar with your vehicle. This is especially true when driving on snow or ice. Also, be aware of the weight condition of your truck. As your load and weight diminish the handling of the truck in snow and ice will change.

    Step 12: Learn how to control skids. While it is best practiced in a driving school or on a closed course, it is not a bad idea to practice controlling skids in your vehicle so that you know how to react if it ever happens under real world driving conditions. When skidding, you need to go against your natural instincts and turn into the skid and accelerate. Taking your foot off the brakes and accelerating gently during skids transfers your vehicle's weight from the front to the rear and often helps vehicles to regain control.

  • Winter tips to follow concerning the vehicle:
    1. Purchase blended fuel or a diesel supplement to add to the fuel tanks as temperatures creep below 32*.
    2. Make sure the unit block heaters are plugged in when unit is not in use during the winter months.
    3. Initial startup each day should follow this order – unplug block heater before start up, ignition in “on” position, if equipped with “wait for glow plugs” light, wait for light to go out, start unit, once running, unit should be brought up to temperature before operating.
    4. If equipped with air brakes and air tank pull cords and/or drain orifices, you should purge tanks daily, make sure the air system airs to 120psi, and listen for the air drier to purge the system clean of moisture.
    5. Make sure all fluids are up, including window wash. Now is the time to check additional fluids, such as DEF, “Wet Kits” etc.
    6. Make sure wiper blades are functional, all glass/mirrors cleaned, if equipped, heated mirrors functional, make sure headlights tail/turn lights are cleaned off of snow/ice/salt and operational
    7. If you have driven in snow, ice, slosh, before stopping the vehicle at the end of their shift, lightly have the brakes applied to clean off and dry the shoes, drums, rotors and pads to prevent brakes pads freezing to drum/rotors while the unit is parked.
    8. Make sure any steps and grab handles are clean, secure, and dry to avoid slipping.
    9. If you are operating in state that require chains to be on board, make sure the chains are the correct size,
    10. properly secured, clean, and not broken as to be easily applied when necessary.
    11. Most important dress warm with self-wicking clothing and have extra clothing in the event the unit may break/shut down to avoid hypothermia
  • Resources:

2. National Fire Prevention Week - October 4 – 10, 2020

Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

This year’s FPW campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen. Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

3. Sign up for Idealease Safety Webinars to keep you informed! 2 webinars left for 2020! 

*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.