|
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
The most important part of a moving truck or bus is the driver!
Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Eat well and
stay fit. Remember, hours of service violations are serious and
can threaten your livelihood or even your life. Stay healthy and
well rested, or don't drive!
ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE
Inspect your vehicle before each trip and check your brakes
regularly. Learn how to inspect your brakes, identify safety
defects, and get them repaired before risking your life and
others on the highway.
BE AWARE OF YOUR "NO-ZONE"
Other drivers may not be aware of the size of your truck's blind
spots. Be vigilant in watching out for vehicles in the No-Zone.
The No-Zone represents the danger areas, or blind spots, around
trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur.
One-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars take
place in the No-Zone.
SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES
Watch out for highway construction. Stay alert. Work zone
crashes are more likely to happen during the day. Almost
one-third of fatal crashes in work zones involved large trucks.
Take your time going through work zones and give yourself plenty
of room. Expect the unexpected!
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front
of you. If you hit someone from behind, you are typically
considered "at fault," regardless of the situation. Large trucks
require more stopping distances than other vehicles. Take
advantage of your driving height, and anticipate braking
situations.
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT
Buckle up for safety and control. If you are in a crash, a seat
belt can save your life and those around you. It will keep you
in your seat and allow you to maintain control of your truck or
bus. A major cause of truck and bus driver fatalities involves
being ejected from the vehicle. Wearing seat belts, is still the
single most effective thing all drivers can do to save lives and
reduce injures on our roadways.
ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Avoid aggressive drivers! It's estimated that each year
two-thirds of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive
driving behaviors. Keep your distance and maintain a safe speed.
The only thing speed will increase is your chance for a crash.
WORK TO HELP YOURSELVES
Be the professional on the highway and at safety events! Help
stranded motorists; notify traffic safety agencies of crashes,
unsafe drivers, unsafe roadway conditions, and other situations
that can lead to crashes. Join a "Highway Watch" program, if
available in your state. Your participation in public safety
events and your performance on the highway can change public
perception!
TELL US WHAT IS WRONG
If you know of unsafe situations, tell us about it. This
includes unsafe companies, unsafe drivers, unsafe roadways, and
unsafe vehicles. The following "hotlines" are maintained for
your protection. Please call us to help make the roads safer and
your job easier.
FMCSA Driver Hotline: 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238)
NHTSA Vehicle Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
TRUCKING ACCIDENTS | TRUCK
ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
|