Final Rule Posted Banning Handheld Cell Phone Use by Truck Drivers
November 28, 2011 by Amber · Leave a Comment
November 23, 2011
Interstate truck and bus drivers will soon be prohibited from using handheld cell phones while operating their vehicles, under a final joint rule announced 11/23/11 from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Using a hand-held mobile telephone is defined as “using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication.” The rule also bans the use of push-to-talk technology.
Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. States will suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Approximately 4 million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule, according to the agencies. It will go into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
While driver distraction studies have produced mixed results, FMCSA says research shows that using a handheld cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps beyond what is required for using a hands-free mobile phone, including searching and reaching for the phone. Commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Dialing a handheld cell phone makes it six times more likely that commercial drivers will be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event.
In September 2010, FMCSA issued a regulation banning text messaging while operating a commercial truck or bus and PHMSA followed with a companion regulation in February 2011, banning texting by intrastate hazardous materials drivers.
Fatigue is more than just being tired…
November 21, 2011 by Amber · Leave a Comment
For Truck Drivers, Fatigue Is More Than Just Being Tired
Fatigue is a state of mind as well as a condition of the body. It is our unconscious response to physical or mental activity. It’s more than just being tired or sleepy, and it can kill you.
Being tired or sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but additional symptoms include loss of attention, slower reactions, poor judgment and deterioration of vigilance, alertness and response.
Some of the causes of fatigue are obvious, others are not. Fatigue may result from inadequate rest, sleep apnea, disrupted sleep, stress, excessive physical activity or excessive mental or cognitive work including thinking, reasoning and decision-making. In short, everything you do as a truck driver contributes to fatigue.
Fortunately for you and the motoring public, fatigue can be prevented. The number one preventive measure is proper rest. Follow all current hours-of-service regulations which are meant to ensure proper rest. This includes not only the quantity or amount of sleep that you get, but also the quality of the sleep or rest. Everyone is different so it is important for you to know your limits and to rest before you reach those limits. You also should not make the mistake of thinking that rest and sleep are the same thing. In the battle with fatigue, there is no substitute for sleep. Like food and water, the body requires it.
Driving a truck requires a constant alertness and ability to size up and react to an ever-changing pattern of traffic. How can you keep that edge? It helps to have a comfortable environment, but not too comfortable. A cool, air-conditioned cab will help. Even in the winter, keep it cool. Stop every couple of hours for a brief walk. Circulation is important to keep the blood oxygenated. A few deep breaths also will help. Many drivers rely on coffee and other caffeine sources including cola drinks or caffeine pills to stay awake. Caffeine can produce a relatively quick improvement in alertness but its effects are not a cure for fatigue. Once again, there is no substitute for sleep. How then do you get quality sleep as well as an adequate quantity of sleep? Surprisingly, you start with proper diet and nutrition. Next, get some exercise. When it is time to sleep, don’t rely on alcohol or other system depressants. Establish a routine or rhythm for sleep time. Have a good sleeping surface, one that is supportive and comfortable. Keep your bedroom or sleeper berth at a comfortable temperature. Minimize disruptive factors including light and noise. Use heavy curtains if necessary.
Fatigue is one of the most preventable accident factors, so get proper sleep.
WINTER DRIVING – PREPARE NOW!
November 14, 2011 by Amber · Leave a Comment
Winter Driving – Prepare Now For Cold Weather
It’s time to prepare your equipment for the upcoming harsh conditions before winter arrives. Don’t wait for the first cold snap. Start putting your survival gear together now. You may need: sleeping bag, gloves, candles, matches, water, protein bars, ski mask, flashlight, extra batteries, cellphone, auxiliary in-cab heater and a multi-use tool (all-in-one knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc.).
For your vehicle, consider: fuel additives, air-drying system, tire chains, lock lubricant, deicer, battery charger and starting fluid. One of the most important things to check is your antifreeze. Make sure the antifreeze you use meets your manufacturer’s recommendations and is mixed at the correct concentration.
Some things to check that you may not normally look at or even think about include:
- Fan blades
- Radiator shutter or winterfront
- Fan combination settings (the shutter setting should be about 10° under the fan clutch setting)
- Radiator coolant levels
- Thermostat calibration set to open at about 180° F
- Water pump – leak and flow rate
- Hoses, clamps and belts
- Fuel system
- Engine oil heaters and oil grade specifications
- Electrical systems and battery terminals
- Air systems – drain any water in the lines and check often to prevent brake freeze up.
- Tires – each 10° drop in temperature lowers air pressure by one pound.
- Locks and hinges adequately lubricated
Your battery is especially important. If you need to add fluid, use distilled water to fill the cells. Check a conventional lead acid battery with a hydrometer. A reading of 1.26 is fully charged. For a maintenancefree battery, use a voltmeter and look for a reading of 12.7 volts. If your battery freezes, warm it up to about 60° before charging. Overcharging will damage the battery.
Fuel problems start when the temperature gets down to around 2°. Drain your water separator each night to prevent freezing and fill your tanks at day’s end.
