A single-vehicle accident is any driving mishap where only one vehicle is involved. This can include veering off the road and hitting a tree, a rollover crash, or damage caused by animals or debris on the road. Bad weather, poor visibility, and distracted driving can all be contributing factors, so drivers must be alert when they take the wheel. Advances in technology can be both a positive and a negative when discussing distracted driving.
Now is a good time to remind your drivers of the following tips:
Prepare for your trip before you turn the key.
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.
If you cross county or state lines, you may experience changes in weather patterns. Be prepared to handle rain, snow, or other conditions that may affect your ability to drive.
Start safely.
Get familiar with the vehicle controls and adjust any settings as needed. These include seat position, mirrors, and the steering wheel. Always keep your seat belt fastened while driving.
Allow more time to travel.
This will reduce your urge to speed if you are slowed by unpredictable circumstances.
Turn your headlights on.
Not only does this enhance your vision, but it also helps others see you.
Stay focused to help avoid distractions.
Distracted driving can reduce 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 distractions.
Examples include having money ready for toll booths, planning mealtimes, or reaching 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, roadwork, and pedestrians. Recognizing a situation early gives 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 violation. Even a phone sitting on the passenger seat can be a distraction due to sounds and vibrations that draw the driver’s attention away from the road.
Approximately five seconds is the average amount of time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Take a break.
If you feel drowsy or have a task that cannot wait, pull the vehicle over to a safe location away from traffic.
Monitor conditions to reduce the risk of losing control.
A safe driver constantly monitors road conditions and is prepared to adjust. Knowing how to handle your vehicle in various situations helps reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
Understand how road materials affect traction.
Asphalt can be more slippery than concrete or gravel due to its petroleum content, especially when wet or covered with snow.
Use extra caution on sharp curves and steep inclines.
These conditions make vehicle handling more difficult. Also, be alert to hazards such as soft shoulders and potholes.
Slow down.
Driving above posted speed limits increases the risk of losing control, makes recovery more difficult, and reduces critical reaction time.
Beware of standing water and wet leaves.
Maintaining moderate speeds in these conditions helps prevent sudden braking and skidding.
And… get plenty of sleep.
Are you driving with “Tunnel Vision” this winter?
Tunnel vision occurs when a driver clears only a small area of ice and/or snow from the windshield—just enough to see through a small opening. This practice significantly reduces a driver’s field of vision and greatly increases the risk of a collision.
The Kansas Highway Patrol estimates that drivers who do not fully clear ice, snow, and fog from their windshields limit their field of vision to only about 2–3 percent of what a driver with a clear windshield can see.
A recent survey conducted by the Center for Safe Driving found that more than 50 percent of drivers admitted they do not fully clear snow or ice from their vehicle windows. As a countermeasure, many states have enacted laws requiring drivers to make reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from their vehicles. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the country plan to target drivers who fail to clear their windshields this winter.
As part of your pre-trip inspection, ensure the windshield, side windows, and mirrors are completely clear of snow, ice, and fog before starting your route. Another dangerous situation occurs when chunks of snow or ice fly off the top of a vehicle and strike other vehicles behind it. These chunks can be heavy and become dangerous projectiles, causing crashes, injuries, or even death.
If heavy snow is forecasted, it is recommended that you pull your unit away from docks or terminal buildings to prevent snow from drifting from the roof onto the top of your trailer or truck. As a professional driver, it is important to recognize this unsafe behavior in other drivers and be prepared to avoid a collision by keeping your distance.
Who is responsible for compliance with Federal Motor Carrier regulations when using a driver leasing company?
Answer: Driver services and driver leasing companies are not motor carriers and are not responsible for compliance with federal regulations. While a driver service or leasing company may complete tasks such as maintaining driver qualification files, conducting annual reviews, or performing road tests at the direction of the motor carrier, the motor carrier remains fully responsible for compliance with all FMCSA regulations. Any non-compliance ultimately falls on the motor carrier.
