By appropriately using communication, you make it easier for other drivers to see you—and easier for you to see them. Ensuring that you can see other drivers, and that they can see you, will drastically reduce the chance of an accident. The following communication devices are part of your “execution arsenal”:
• Turn signals can be used to let other drivers know that you are turning,
changing lanes, pulling out of a parking space, or pulling out from the curb. Youshould signal at least four seconds before you plan to take action.
• Emergency signals should be used to warn other drivers that you are experiencing vehicle trouble or when you must park on the shoulder of the roadway for an emergency. This serves as a warning to other drivers to give you more space.
• The horn should be tapped lightly when trying to gain the attention of another driver or pedestrian. It should not be used to vent frustration at other drivers’ actions.
• Headlights: Many new trucks have daytime running lights that turn on automatically. These help other drivers see you. You can also flash your lights to oncoming traffic to warn them of dangers ahead, such as accidents or obstructions in the roadway.
Turn Signals
Use turn signals first to indicate your intent to change lanes, then visually scan for adjacent traffic and road hazards, and finally execute a safe lane change. By signaling your intentions well in advance, you put yourself in a safer position to communicate with surrounding drivers and safely execute the desired driving maneuver.
A good safety practice is to signal at least four seconds prior to making a turning maneuver.
Did You Know?
A recent study reported that there are approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes annually (including both large trucks and passenger vehicles).
While you certainly wouldn’t know it from watching the majority of drivers on the road, using a turn signal to indicate a lane change is generally required by law.
Emergency Signals (4-Ways)
FMCSA 392.22 – Emergency Signals; Stopped Commercial Motor Vehicles
Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion or shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and continue flashing until the warning devices required by CFR 395.22 have been placed.
The flashing signals shall also be used while the warning devices are being retrieved for storage before movement of the commercial motor vehicle. Flashing lights may be used at other times while a commercial motor vehicle is stopped, in addition to—but not in lieu of—the required warning devices.
Horn
The horn on a commercial motor vehicle is a safety device that can be the single action that prevents an accident by sounding an alarm and communicating your presence to another vehicle.
However, misuse of the horn can cause issues. There have been documented instances of road rage that began with improper horn use. The sounding of a horn is one of the few actions a driver can take that intrudes into another vehicle’s driving environment.
Horns on commercial vehicles vary in size, from small electric “city horns” to large, exterior-mounted, chrome-trumpeted air horns. Novelty horns that play familiar tunes are also popular.
So what does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration say about horns?
The answer is found in CFR §393.81:
Every bus, truck, truck-tractor, and every driven motor vehicle in driveaway-towaway operations shall be equipped with a horn and actuating elements that are in such condition as to give an adequate and reliable warning signal.
§393.81 DOT Interpretations
Question 1: Do the FMCSRs specify what type of horn must be used on a CMV?
Guidance: No.
Question 2: Are there established criteria in the FMCSRs to determine the minimum sound level of horns on CMVs?
Guidance: No.
Can I drive my commercial motor vehicle if the horn is not operational?
Answer: NO.
CFR §392.7 – Equipment, Inspection, and Use
No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the following parts and accessories are in good working order, nor shall any driver fail to use such parts and accessories when and as needed:
Service brakes (including trailer brake control), parking (hand) brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear-vision mirrors, and coupling devices.
Headlights
Many companies now program their trucks to have low-beam headlights onanytime the engine is running. Many states also require headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use. Both are good safety practices.
Are your truck’s headlights fogged or dirty?
Do you ensure that headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean during pre- and post-trip inspections?
According to the National Institute for Traffic and Highway Safety, the number one reason for severe nighttime accidents and reduced driving safety is dim, cloudy, or improperly lit headlights. If a headlight has ineffective or diminished light output, nighttime driving safety is greatly compromised.
A study by the University of Iowa found that a 20–50% reduction in headlight output leads to a 90% increase in the likelihood of an accident. This is an unnecessary risk, as headlights can be easily cleaned, replaced, or repaired.
Dim It!
Is flashing high beams at other cars illegal?
Some believe that flashing headlights at a vehicle—especially one traveling slowly in the fast lane—is a citable offense. In some states, this is true.
The primary concern is that flashing headlights may temporarily blind oncoming motorists or create blind spots, resulting in a hazardous situation.
Parking Lot Accident Exposure Increases During the Holidays!
As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to remind drivers of the increased exposures in parking lots during deliveries and pickups. Parking lots
can be especially dangerous during this time of year—not only for vehicle accidents, but also pedestrian incidents.
This holiday season, pay special attention when operating in parking lots and follow these safety tips:
• Wear your seatbelt—even low-speed collisions can throw you around the cab.
• Obey all traffic signs, including Stop and Yield signs.
• Drive slowly and use turn signals and headlights to ensure your vehicle is seen. Watch for distracted motorists.
• Obey traffic lanes and do not drive diagonally across lots.
• Slow down for speed bumps to avoid injury or cargo damage.
• Use delivery driveway entrances that regular auto traffic is unlikely to use.
• Beware of motorists who are lost or distracted while searching for specialty stores.
• Be extra careful at entrances and exits—motorists often stop suddenly, tailgaters cause rear-end collisions, and rushed turns can lead to accidents.
• Use caution in lots with Post Offices, package stores, and similar locations where pedestrians may dart in and out.
• Be especially cautious during peak times when drivers may speed through lanes searching for closer parking.
• Some drivers focus more on finding parking spots than watching the road—parking farther away may reduce collision risk.
• Lock your truck at all times when unattended. Parking lots are busy and frequently targeted by thieves.
Fun Fact:
The first parking lot in the world was created in Fort Wayne, Indiana—no doubt just in time for holiday shopping.
Have You Prepared Your Terminal Facility for the Upcoming Holidays?
Truck terminals are often targeted by thieves during the holidays, as activity may be reduced. Take extra precautions to secure trucks and valuable items.
• Ensure all security alarms are operational.
• Walk the perimeter of the lot to inspect fencing.
• Move pallets, tires, and materials away from fencing so they cannot be used to climb over.
• Consider blocking entrances and exits to prevent vehicle theft.
• If units lack anti-siphon devices or locking caps, instruct drivers not to fuel units at the end of the day.
• Assign management personnel to conduct random terminal checks during the holidays.
A little prevention and common sense can go a long way in deterring theft at your facility.
Idealease would like to wish all of you a Safe and Joy filled Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year! You will receive your next Idealease Safety Bulletin on January 9, 2026.
