By using communication appropriately, you make it easier for other drivers to see you—and for you to see them. Ensuring mutual visibility will drastically reduce the chances 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 away from the curb. You should signal at least four seconds before taking 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 in an emergency. This alerts other drivers to give you additional 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 may also flash your lights to oncoming traffic to warn them of dangers ahead, such as accidents or roadway obstructions.
Turn Signals
Use turn signals first to indicate your intent to change lanes. Next, visually scan for adjacent traffic and road hazards, then execute a safe lane change. By signaling your intentions well in advance, you improve communication with surrounding drivers and increase overall safety.
A good safety practice is to signal at least four seconds before making a turning maneuver.
Did You Know? A recent study reported approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes annually (including both large trucks and passenger vehicles).
While it may not seem like it based on everyday driving behavior, 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 on the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder (for any reason other than necessary traffic stops), the driver must immediately activate the hazard warning flashers. These must remain on until proper warning devices are placed, as required by regulation.
Flashers should also remain on while warning devices are being picked up before the vehicle resumes movement. They may be used in addition to—but not in place of—required warning devices.
Horn
The horn on a commercial motor vehicle is a critical safety device and, in some cases, may be the only tool available to prevent an accident by alerting others to your presence.
However, misuse of the horn can startle other drivers and potentially cause accidents. There have also been instances of road rage that began with improper horn use. Sounding the horn is one of the few actions that directly intrudes into another driver’s space.
Horns on commercial vehicles vary in size—from small electric (city horns) to large, externally mounted chrome air horns. Novelty horns that play familiar tunes are also sometimes used.
What does the FMCSA say about horns?
Per CFR §393.81, every commercial motor vehicle must be equipped with a horn capable of providing an adequate and reliable warning signal.
DOT Interpretations:
- The FMCSRs do not specify a required type of horn.
- There are no minimum sound level requirements.
Can you drive a CMV if the horn is not working?
Answer: No.
Per CFR §392.7, a driver must ensure all required equipment is in proper working condition before operating a vehicle. This includes brakes, steering, lights, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, and coupling devices.
Headlights
Many companies now program trucks so that low-beam headlights remain on whenever the engine is running. Additionally, many states require headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use. Both are strong safety practices.
Ask yourself:
- Are your headlights fogged or dirty?
- Do you check that your 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 leading cause of severe nighttime accidents is dim, cloudy, or improperly functioning headlights. Reduced headlight output significantly impacts visibility and safety.
A study by the University of Iowa found that a 20–50% reduction in headlight output can increase the likelihood of an accident by up to 90%. This is an unnecessary risk, as headlights can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced.
Dim It!
Is flashing high beams illegal?
In some states, yes. Flashing headlights at another vehicle—especially one traveling slowly in the passing lane—can be considered a citable offense.
The primary concern is that flashing high beams may temporarily blind other drivers, creating dangerous visibility issues and increasing the risk of an accident.
For additional information on distracted driving visit the following websites:
Our highways can be very dangerous, and all of us must do our part to keep them as safe as possible.
All 50 states have “Move Over” laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on our nation’s roadways. However, many drivers remain unaware of these laws, and traffic-related incidents continue to be the leading cause of death among on-duty law enforcement officers.
To address this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with law enforcement partners and state highway safety offices, is working to increase awareness of these lifesaving “Move Over” laws and highlight the importance of protecting public safety professionals who put themselves at risk to protect motorists.
By working with local organizations and raising awareness through earned and social media, you can help make a difference and save lives.
Learn more here:
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/first-responder-safety/move-over
2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24)
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones and construction sites. The key message is simple: drivers should use extra caution in work zones.
For more information, visit:
NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK – Home
International Roadcheck 2026 (May 12–14)
International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives focused on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.
It is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected every minute across North America during the 72-hour period.
Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. The event also serves as an opportunity to educate the industry and the public on the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.
International Roadcheck is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), with participation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.
