Preventing a Single Vehicle Accident - Idealease Safety Bulletin

The latest safety bulletin - "Preventing a Single Vehicle Accident", courtesy of Idealease Truck Leasing and Rental has arrived! 

As a reminder, this FREE, weekly email bulletin delivers timely Safety and Compliance updates on a wide range of subjects that affect compliance, driver performance, safe driving and more. It also tracks key regulatory changes to provide you with essential safety tips that benefit drivers, fleet managers or anyone working in the transportation industry. Sign up to receive these bulletins directly each week. 

In this January 24th edition, find information on the following topics: 

Preventing a Single Vehicle Accident: whether it is veering off the road and hitting another object, a rollover crash, or damage caused by animals or road debris, now is a great time to remind your drivers of the following tips to keep them alert at the wheel. 

• Prepare - Many things can slow you down en route to your destination, so it pays to spend some thoughtful preparation time to help ensure safe travels.
• Check the weather report - Weather patterns can change over state lines. Be prepared to handle rain, snow or other conditions that may affect your ability to drive.
• Start safely - Familiarize yourself with vehicle controls and adjust any settings, as needed. These include seat position, mirrors and steering wheel. Always remember to keep your seat belt fastened while driving.
• Allow more time to travel - This will reduce your urge to speed up if you are slowed by unpredictable circumstances.
• Turn your headlights on - Not only does it enhance your vision, but it also helps others to see you.
• Stay focused to help avoid distractions - Distracted driving can rob your ability to react quickly. Stay focused on the road, including what you can see in front of you and in your mirrors.
• Prepare for anticipated distraction- Like money for a toll booth, mealtimes or the need to reach for sunglasses. Refrain from eating, drinking and smoking while driving whenever possible.
• Monitor your surroundings- As you drive, be mindful of lane changes, traffic signs and signals, curves, road work and pedestrians. Seeing a situation develop early will give you more time to react, if necessary.
• Turn off your cell phone- Operating a CMV with a non-hands free cell phone is a federal and in most states a violation. Even a phone that is on sitting on the passenger seat can be a distraction as it emits sounds and vibrations distracting the drivers attention. Approximately five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded
• Take a break - If you’re feeling drowsy or have a task that cannot wait, pull the vehicle over to a safe spot out of the way of traffic.
• Monitor conditions to reduce the risk of losing control- A safe driver monitors road conditions constantly and is ready to make adjustments. Knowing how to handle your vehicle in a variety of situations helps reduce the risk that you’ll be involved in an accident.
• Note how road materials affect traction- Asphalt can be more slippery than concrete or gravel due to its petroleum content, especially when covered with rain or snow.
• Be especially careful on sharp curves and steep inclines - These conditions make vehicle handling more difficult. Also, be wary of the dangers caused by soft shoulders and potholes.
• Slow down- Driving at speeds above the posted limits makes it easier to lose control of your vehicle, harder to recover and robs you of critical reaction time.
• Beware of standing water and wet leaves - Maintaining moderate speeds is especially important in these conditions, as it helps to avoid braking fast and skidding.
• Get plenty of sleep!

Preventing Driver Injuries in Winter: slip and trip or fall injuries are the most common for drivers and most occur during the winter months.  Remember, working on snow and ice requires full attention and awareness. 

The following tips help serve as great reminders:

• Always wear proper footwear. A full support leather shoe with a rugged non-slip sole. Use non-slip covers on shoe (Yak Trax, etc.)
• Slow down and never be in a hurry.
• Always watch where you walk. Snow can accumulate on top of ice in and around truck parking areas.
• Take small steps and check your footing with each step.
• Look for ice on all handrails and hand grabs before using them.
• Always use gloves for better grip.
• Always use three points of contacts when exiting/entering your tractor or trailer or getting on the cat walk behind the cab.
• Use your seat belt.

Have you ever attended our Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminar? Registration is now open! REGISTER TODAY! 

This year our event will be held on Thursday, May 7th at our Aurora, CO location.  Can't make it? Check out the other locations holding one of these exclusive seminars throughout the year!