We have all heard Safety First, Safety is our Top Priority and other similar declarations. At Priminvest we take safety seriously. Our experience shows that mantra-style repetition of “Safety First” usually disperses focus on safety. We are taking a step forward and we will share some key moments and practical observations which shall improve safety on our roads. Whether you are part of our team or just considering to apply or simply browsing feel free to familiarize yourself with our safety findings - no step is too small when we talk safe roads.
Key point number 1:
If someone told you that driving CMV is no more difficult than zooming on Hyundai Sonata on a sunny day - that is a lie. It is simply a wrong comparison like apples and oranges. Any CMV means profession and responsibility. CMV with two trailers requires focus, attention and dignity. Hyundai Sonata might forgive you a text or drowsy driving, 80,000 lbs on the wheels forgive nothing.
Key point number 2:
You might be a good driver, but you don’t know who is texting, eating, drinking and nail clipping in the vehicles around you. Be prepared! Monitor your surroundings! Have a plan B!
Key point number 3:
God forbid you skip a pre-trip! Checking your equipment is not a formality. We all know how boring all those oil checks, vizors, king-pins and steering rods might sound. Yet it saves lives. CMV hauls more weight than Hyundai Sonata (surprise surprise!), vibrates more than a jack-hammer and has more moving parts than an aircraft. Don’t risk, don’t rely on yesterday’s smooth ride on the same truck — give it a thorough look!
Key point number 4:
A tractor-trailer combination has 5 times more tires than Hyundai Sonata. Tire pressure can change as often as weather in Boston. We all have seen rubber debris on our highways, and that is not the worst outcome. There can be a school bus next to a blown-up tire. Don’t play chances with tires - check the pressure regularly, report the wear.
Key point number 5:
You don’t ride in the trailer — nobody should! Check for humans inside the trailers before hooking up. Some terminals have no effective protocols to prevent team members from being left in the trailer when they let you hook and go! It is a fatal risk! Save lives - check inside the trailer!
Key point number 6:
Windshield, side windows, and mirrors are your points of contact with the outside world. You want them to be clean! A smudge on the mirror can be that family van, a bug smoothie on a windshield can cover a motorcycle, and few rain streaks on a side window can constantly distract you appearing like a car which is taking over.
Key point number 7:
You might enjoy a designated run and memorize every curve, every bump and every road sign on your way, but what will you do when they decide to repave the exit you take? What if there is a fallen tree or an accident and the road is blocked? Do you have a plan B or you simply rely on Detour signs? Having plan B is a healthy practice. Google Street View helps a lot. “Ride” with Street View from the highway exit up to your destination point. Look for restriction signs: bridge heights and weight limits, residential areas with limited CMV access, difficult turns, “GPS lies” warnings etc. Look for other CMVs caught on camera - sound proof the road is okay for you. Put your findings in a written note, and memorize major alternative turns and street names. Being forced to stop on a shoulder right after your now-closed exit hassling through possible options is not safe neither for you, nor for other motorists.
Key point number 8:
Handheld devices have no room in your cab while you are driving. This is the law. There is a minimum $2500 fine for this. It puts you in danger and it puts motorists around you in danger. Yet it is tempting to scroll through the playlists, read a text and even check updates on social networks, or listen to the video on YouTube. It is unprofessional if you do so. You are a bad driver if you cannot withstand the smartphone temptation. Please surrender your CDL endorsement and do not drive CMVs any more. There are very few safe alternatives: learn how to voice command your phone; prepare your playlists and podcasts in advance so there will be no need for you to interfere until you reach the destination point; don’t engage in texting even through dictation - it is awfully distracting; remember that even a hands-free phone call distracts 40% of your cognitive abilities; videos (even for the sake of audio) and social networks must wait. Always think of your family and your beloved ones - do you want them to be near a truck where a driver is busy with fast forwarding a commercial on his phone?