Tag Archive for: Distracted Driving Awareness

October 2023 Catalog & Video Release
GEARING UP FOR SAFE DRIVER WEEK

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an international effort between industry participants, focused on improving roadway safety. They maintain efforts to educate all drivers in several categories, including International Roadchecks, Brake Safety, Hazardous Materials, etc.

The Operation Safe Driver Program was created by the CVSA to bring awareness to the significance of proper driver behaviors.

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver

Safe Driver Week takes place July 12-18 this year with speeding as the main target. Officers will especially be looking for drivers who are operating at excess speeds. Last year, over 17,500 speeding tickets were issued to commercial and passenger vehicles during the weeklong blitz.

Last year during the same week, CMV drivers received more speeding tickets than the following, combined:

  • – Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
  • – Using a Handheld Phone/Texting
  • – Improper Lane Change
  • – Possession/Influence of drugs or alcohol

Last year during the same week, CMV drivers received more speeding tickets

Why is it important?

Most accidents involving a CMV are caused by driver behavior, but most often, it wasn’t the trucker’s fault. With crowded highways, speeding four-wheelers, and governed big rigs, traffic accidents are inevitable. Proper training and awareness can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident involving you or your drivers.

Speed-related issues cause 9,378 crash fatalities in 2018.

Late won't kill you, Speeding will. Operation Safe Driver Week

9,378 people are dead because someone was driving too fast. Excessive speed is always avoidable and always unacceptable.

No load is worth your life or the lives of others around you.

What are we doing?

Infiniti Workforce Solutions is sponsoring an exclusive webinar for all safety personnel. We will be discussing CVSA’s Safe Driver Week focused on speeding. Three industry experts will be giving best practice advice to help you prepare your fleet.

Here’s the lineup of guests:

-Mark Rhea, Industry Consultant, Infinit-I Workforce Solutions

-Chris Turner, Director of Crash and Data Programs, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

-Major Chris Nordloh, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Coordinator, Texas Department of Public Safety

If you want to be proactive during the weeklong blitz, do not miss this webinar. Registration is free. Sign up here.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a 30-Day Complimentary Trial to new users.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is offering a 30-Day Complimentary Trial to new users.

Absolutely free, no-obligation. Because 30 days is more than enough to prove our value.

And if not, you’ve had access to transportation’s #1 learning management system for free. No cost, whatsoever!

Here’s what you’ll gain:

Automatic Documentation – A rock-solid LMS that captures training and tests your employees on what they learned

Content Library – More content than any other transportation LMS. 850 training videos.

Unmatched Service – Dedicated Client Success Rep who works for you.

Enhance your safety culture today, click here to learn how.

Additional Resources:

7 New Social Responsibilities of Truckers; COVID-19 + July 4th

Out-perform, Out-shine, and Out-grow your Current Safety Culture

Why A Positive Dispatcher & Driver Relationship is Key

Why You Should Be Focused on Your Employee’s Cultural Relationships Now More Than Ever

Remembering Those Who Are Gone And Dedicated To Keeping Others Safe

In honor of Memorial Day, the team at Infinit-I Workforce Solutions would like to thank all members of our armed services. We stand with you.

We express our sincere gratitude to the ones who are no longer with us; the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free.

Thank you for your service.

Remembering Those Who are Gone and Dedicated to Keeping Others Safe

Also, a huge thank you to all the truck drivers over the road who spend countless hours away from their family and friends to support their fellow Americans. You are the backbone of the supply chain.

Memorial Day weekend poses a higher risk for truckers because of road construction, the influx of traffic, and increased fatality rate.

Road Construction

Not only are traffic fines increased in construction zones, so is the risk of fatal accidents. In fact, a whole week in April is dedicated to raising awareness because construction zones are so dangerous.

State DOTs, road safety organizations, government agencies, and private companies come together every year to present National Work Zone Awareness Week. Their goal is to save lives, reminding all drivers to use caution, especially when encountering work zones.

In 2018, 34% of fatal work zone related crashes involved the death of a professional driver. Often, preventable actions cause these crashes such as improper following distance, distracted driving, excessive speeds, etc.

Road Construction

The confusion and frustration that exists in construction zones is normal for truck drivers. They encounter work zones frequently due to the nature of their job.

Keep in mind, four-wheelers are responsible for most CMV accidents. The truck driver and/or the company can still be taken to court, however, even though it’s not their fault.

Influx of traffic

As the summer begins, Memorial Day kicks off road trips, family vacations, and parties. We’ve all been stuck at home, slowly going stir crazy. Shelter in place recommendations have been relaxed as we enter a long-awaited 3-day weekend.

While the rest of the country practiced social distancing, truck drivers got used to less traffic  Drivers have been able to drive faster and deliver loads in a shorter amount of time.

Truckers need to be mindful that this weekend will bring people out of their homes. They will see a large increase in the amount of commuter traffic all over the country.

Influx of traffic

Increased Fatality Rate

Even though traffic has decreased over the past few months, motor vehicle fatality rates have gone up. The National Safety Council says the United States has seen a 14% increase in the number of fatal accidents since the quarantines started.

All drivers are taking advantage of the less congested roadways. Average speeds have increased, and as a result, this careless driving has caused more accidents.

Some states have seen massive increases in the number of driving fatalities. Arkansas’s number has increased by 16% compared to last year. Louisiana has experienced a 23% increase and Connecticut’s number skyrocketed by 42%.

“Disturbingly, we have open lanes of traffic and an apparent open season on reckless driving,”

Lorraine M. Martin, President and CEO of NSC encourages everyone to drive with caution, especially during the pandemic and crisis. She says driving safely is our civic duty.

“If we won’t do it for ourselves, we should do it for our first responders, our law enforcement and our healthcare workers, who are rightly focused on coronavirus patients and should not be overwhelmed by preventable car crashes.”

– Lorraine M. Martin, NSC president and CEO.

Increased Fatality Rate

Experts’ Advice

The expert advisory board of Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has advice for trucking companies who are concerned about the health of their company. They have recommended the following best practices to ensure the safety of highways, truck drivers, and the general public:

Create a ‘first-in-class’ safety culture.

The goal of every safety department is to reduce accidents, reduce CSA, and ensure safety is always ‘top-of-mind’ for all employees. The best way to achieve this goal is consistent communication and frequent training.

Offer your truck drivers continual safety training.

One of the main challenges in the trucking industry is routing drivers to the terminal to attend safety meetings. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has virtually solved that problem for good.

The learning management system allows companies to deliver personalized safety training to any employee, anytime, anywhere.

Test their retention.

You may be thinking, “How do I know if my employees will pay attention to these safety videos?”

Great question!

On the LMS, you have the option to make them take a test on the content. Users cannot skip the video or halfway pay attention because they will have to start over if they fail the test.

Document everything.

If you’re working in the logistics industry, you’ve heard it a million times: “If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.”

In most legal cases involving CMV accidents, the first thing a litigation attorney asks for is the safety training records of the driver involved.

Infinit-I Workforce Solutions offers automatic, electronic reporting and tracking. You never have to worry about sign-in sheets or completion record signatures ever again.

At Infinit-I Workforce Solutions, we are so grateful to all those who work hard to keep the American dream alive and well.

Please take extra caution this weekend so your family’s next Memorial Day won’t be in honor of you.

Document everything.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – 5 WAYS TO STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD

Truck drivers know the rules of the road and how to operate safely. One surprising fact: most CMV accidents are caused by the passenger vehicle and not the trucker.

What is Memorial Day?

For some, Memorial Day this long weekend calls for grilling and outside activities. For others, it meant everything.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that reminds us to remember those who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. Their dedication has secured our safety and freedom; and today we honor them.

To all veterans and active duty: Infinit-I Workforce Solutions thanks you for your service!

To the families and friends of those who died: We thank you for your support of our armed services and stand with you to honor their memory.

What is Memorial Day?

Accident history on Memorial Day

You may be wondering if it is more dangerous to travel on Memorial Day weekend. Of course, any increase in traffic will increase the likelihood of accidents. This year, there are some extra contributing factors to keep in mind:

Shelter-In-Place lifted + Holiday Weekend + Warm Weather = Recipe for Disaster

Shelter-In-Place lifted + Holiday Weekend + Warm Weather = Recipe for Disaster

In 2018, Memorial Day traffic fatalities accounted for 12% of all traffic fatalities in the month of May. Throughout the year, traffic fatalities average about 100 per day. It is estimated that up to 410 traffic deaths could occur this Memorial Day weekend.

Do your part to reduce that number.

This Memorial Day poses new threats because of the social distancing restrictions we have been facing. Some people may be willing to stay home longer, while others are craving social activities.

Here are some tips to follow so that next year, your family’s Memorial Day won’t be in honor of you.

1. Identify Impaired Drivers:

A minivan full of screaming toddlers. Mom and dad are stressed. Kids are stir-crazy. They haven’t left the house in two months. It is best to avoid driving alongside them.

Jacked up pickup truck with a bed full of coolers, canoes, and innertubes. His music is blaring, he’s throwing back a cold one. You don’t know if he is on his way to the river or if he’s already been drinking there all day. Let him pass.

Cars full of teenagers blaring graduation music because now that is their only option. Their lives have been turned upside down, just like the rest of us. And they are missing out on some key rites of passage like graduation and prom. Give them some space.

Identify Impaired Drivers

2. Look for potential road hazards:

That Jacked up Pickup truck is now throwing empty cans out of the window. His rebel without a cause attitude is dangerous for everyone around him. Do not engage. And maybe, call the police.

That car full of teenagers is about to miss an exit and cut you off. They always do.

Family of deer standing innocently by the road. They are not innocent. In 2019, West Virginians had a particularly hard time with deer. 1 in 38 drivers were involved in a collision caused by an animal.

Look for potential road hazards

3. Protect yourself

As much as you want to, do not text “Happy Memorial Day” while driving. Your friends and family will be just as happy to receive texts and calls from you during your break.

People forget how to merge during the holidays. They will be rushing to get home after a long day on the water or with their inlaws. Watch for that.

Constructions zones are everywhere and potentially dangerous, always slow down.

Get plenty of rest.

Constructions zones are everywhere and potentially dangerous, always slow down.

4. Do extra during your Pre-trip Inspection

The weather is getting warmer, check and double-check your tires and fluid levels. Heat from the weather and from the road can cause tires to expand. Too much pressure can cause poor handling or even blowouts.

If you can’t see, always get out and look when backing, parking, taking off, etc.

Clean your windshield. The glaring summer sun can significantly decrease visibility, especially if the window is smudged or dirty. Avoid truck stop squeegees if the fluid is dirty. Some professional drivers recommend alcohol as the best way to get a spot-free clean.

Do extra during your Pre-trip Inspection

5. Protect others

Always use blinkers, lights, and horn when necessary.

Use hazard lights to warn the people behind you that traffic is slowing ahead. Many rear-end collisions and pile-ups occur because drivers weren’t aware of slowing traffic ahead.

If you must stop on the shoulder, use your emergency kit to warn oncoming traffic.

Truckers know that missing holidays with friends and family is just part of the gig. Make sure you get back to them in one piece.

And to truck drivers: Thank you for everything you do over the road.

Share this article with the truckers in your life. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.

More Interesting Articles:

5 Bright Future Forecasts for Truckers and How the Industry is Adapting to Coronavirus Challenges

5 Bright Future Forecasts for Truckers and How the Industry is Adapting to Coronavirus Challenges

FMCSA is Changing HOS… Again! 4 New HOS Rules

FMCSA is Changing HOS... Again! 4 New HOS Rules

Uber Freight and CloudTrucks Give Truckers New Opportunities

Uber Freight and CloudTrucks Give Truckers New Opportunities

8 Ways Truckers Relieve Stress During the Pandemic

8 Ways Truckers Relieve Stress During the Pandemic

8 WAYS TRUCKERS RELIEVE STRESS DURING THE PANDEMIC

As the excitement from the relaxed HOS regulations is feigning, truck drivers are beginning to feel the reality of their new normal.

Oil prices are tanking, good miles are rare, and brokers are paying less for the few available loads. Truck drivers are the backbone of the supply chain. Why are they taking the biggest hit?

Throughout the pandemic, some drivers have taken extreme measures to fight for justice. Several have joined forces to protest, asking the government to step in and further regulate the industry.

In April and May, truckers have been seen slowing down highway traffic in California, circling the capitol building in Phoenix, and lining Constitution Ave. in Washington D.C. The blaring of air horns even got the attention of President Trump who tweeted:

President Trump who tweeted:

But regulation is a double-edged sword. You may feel regulation will help; you may not always agree with the outcome.

This type of protesting can be dangerous. Slowing down traffic on the highway puts truck drivers and the public in danger. Truckers have options, though. Driving is one of the many professions that offer the freedom to explore new things.

Here are 7 things truck drivers are doing to maintain their mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic.

1. Video chat with family and friends

One of the most difficult parts of the job for most truck drivers is being away from friends and family. Sure, you can call and text (while parked) throughout the day. But texting lacks emotional connection. While talking on the phone is a great means of communication, there is a better way.

Drivers are using video chats to connect with friends and family. What once was only displayed in science fiction television shows, like Star Trek or the Jetsons, is now available at your fingertips.

iPhone users can connect through the Facetime feature. If you don’t have an iPhone, don’t worry. Many social media platforms offer video chat capabilities through their messaging service. (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)

Video chat with family and friends

2. Explore Podcasts

Remember the old days, when you heard people talking on the radio instead of hundreds of commercials?

Good news! There are still countless radio talk shows available online, they have just been rebranded. Now we call them podcasts.

There are hundreds of thousands of podcasts you can access through free music apps like Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, etc. And the range of categories is never-ending.

There are radio shows for car junkies, true crime fans, finance experts, video game reviews, politics, news, and mystery series to name a few. The list goes on and on!

3. Create your own playlist

If you listen to the FM radio today, you already know that in-between commercials, they replay the same 5 songs all day.  Get creative, make your own playlist.

A playlist is a modern-day mixtape that you can customize in most music apps. So now, when you had your fill of those podcasts, queue up all your favorite songs and jam on!

4. Go for a walk

It has been repeatedly proven that walking is extremely beneficial to your overall health and wellness. Truck drivers are lucky because they get to explore new areas daily.

After sitting in the truck all day, it will feel great to get your blood flowing. You’ll be able to get thousands of steps in now that you have your playlist ready to go.

Go for a walk

5. Try Geocaching

Have you ever heard of a geocache (Geo-CASH)? It’s basically a worldwide scavenger hunt that uses GPS to lead you to a treasure. While you are out walking, give it a try.

Those who participate leave a container (called a cache) at a hidden location. The container could be anything from a giant ammo box to a camouflaged pill bottle.

Inside, players will leave a small treasure like a rare coin, small trinkets, or a clue to a larger cache. While preplanning your next load, do an internet search for geocaches in that area. You never know what you might find.

6. Learn a new skill

There are countless tutorials online where one can learn any new skill, from knitting to painting to learning to play a musical instrument.

It might be difficult to carry a guitar with you everywhere you go. Grab a harmonica instead. Its small, versatile, and can fit in your shirt pocket.

Then head over to the internet and find a harmonica tutorial. You’ll be playing like Neil Young and Bob Dylan in no time.

Learn a new skill

7. Journaling

Try expressing yourself through a creative outlet like journaling. A search for “trucker journal” returned some journals specifically for truckers.

Fill the empty pages with all the thoughts running through your mind. Most people find that journaling helps them work through personal issues and makes difficult decisions easier.

Trucker Journal  Pink Trucker Journal

Trucker Journal    Pink Trucker Journal

 

8. Catch up on Safety Training

If you work for a reputable trucking company, you probably have a backlog of safety videos to catch up on.

Even if you have been driving for years and years, it never hurts to refresh your mind on safe habits. Catch up on your training and as always, stay safe out there.

Take Care of Yourself

Maintaining your mental health is just as important as your physical health during the Coronavirus pandemic. Use this time to reflect, be productive, and improve.

 

 

Here’s some articles you might have missed:

CSA Score Reduction, How to Challenge FMCSA Crash Rulings

Safety Managers’ Relief; The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Speeding Tickets Jump Drastically during COVID-19

Trump Ensures Safety of Truck Drivers with PPE donation

LOGISTICS – LEGAL TROUBLE AFTER COVID-19

The dawn of the Coronavirus pandemic brought about a shift in behaviors like the country has never seen. The variance from normal created nationwide shutdowns, self-isolating citizens, and a dramatic spike in unemployment rates.

As fear of the unknown spreads across the country, one thing remains the same;

Trucking companies must keep rolling.

Truck drivers hold the responsibility of supplying the world with all its luxuries and, more importantly, basic needs. Most everything we use daily was made available to the consumer because of a truck driver. But now, grocery stores are struggling to keep products on the shelf. Consumers are buying more groceries and household items to comply with quarantine mandates.

Truck drivers are overwhelmed with the task of keeping the supply lines moving despite the ongoing pandemic. In normal operating circumstances, they haul consumer goods from the shipper to the receiver as efficiently as possible.

The COVID-19 National Emergency has created setbacks the country could have never anticipated. The panic buying trend cause truck drivers to work overtime. They have had to figure out how to cover more miles and deliver more product than they could before the pandemic.

The Department of Transportation anticipated the struggle and stepped in to offer relief from a few strict regulations. Drivers are now allowed to operate longer hours, drive with expired licenses, and operate without a valid physical.

Impact of Social Distancing

In addition to the relaxed regulations, drivers have also been enjoying the perks of empty highways and low traffic density. Work Zone activity increased because construction crews can work more efficiently without traffic congestion.

A decrease in the number of accidents/incidents can cause truck drivers to feel a false sense of security. As the public begins to reenter the community from quarantine, traffic volume will begin increasing at a significant pace.

“Don’t let your success of today lay you into complacency for tomorrow. For that is the worst form of failure.” -Og Mandino

More frequent work zone activity, increased traffic, and complacent truck drivers are a recipe for disaster. Even though the regulations are relaxed, trucking companies can still be sued for accidents and incidents. You may have a driver who is legally allowed to operate over hours, but when an incident occurs, your company and your driver will still be held liable.

Defensive strategy

The best thing any trucking company can do for their drivers is to continue their training from rookie to retiree. Most importantly, enrich your safety culture by creating awareness within your workforce. Trucking companies experience a unique challenge in continual education, however, because their fleets are rarely available to gather for safety meetings.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute conducted a study on whether truck drivers at fault in accidents than passenger cars. Their research concluded that out of 8,309 accidents, the passenger vehicle was at fault 71% of the time.

The study showed that, professional drivers were only at fault in 16% of fatal car/truck crashes. It is evident that trucking companies are defensible in court, even in fatal crashes, because the fault usually lies with the passenger vehicle.

Today’s technology allows you to tackle this problem by delivering training courses online. Drivers can still participate no matter where they are located. In the unfortunate event you end up in court, a plaintiff might ask you about your digital training class. Their stance will be that there is no way to prove participation since the training courses were not administered by an actual person.

Protect your company and your drivers by providing training and assessments that secure their acknowledgement. Test them on their retention whenever possible and always get their signature.

If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen.

 

Be proactive

Take an assessment of your company and look at areas that need to be strengthened. If you find yourself in court, an attorney will do the same. They will attempt to destroy your company’s credibility by exposing potentials for weakness.

Relaxed DOT regulations mixed with an under-trained workforce could mean the end of your company. A quick internet search returned several articles touting exactly how to sue a trucking company. The information is readily available, trucking companies are an easy target, and the “billboard attorneys” are hungry.

Mark Rhea, a trucking industry expert, describes his experience being involved in defensive litigation for a previous employer.

“Our truck was entering a construction zone. He was following the proper procedures per his training. He checked his mirrors as he was merging to make sure he could safely get in the lane. He looked back to the front and all the cars in front had halted to a stop. We rear ended someone.

In court, the deposition plaintiff’s attorney was loaded with facts and figures. He asked if I knew how many fatalities are caused by trucks ever year. If I knew how many injuries occurred because of big trucks.

Of course, I knew the numbers were up there, but I didn’t know the exact percentages like he had researched. He was trying to diminish my credibility.

Then he began asking about our training program. He was trying to prove we didn’t properly train our drivers. It was very uncomfortable for everyone involved. Fortunately, I was able to provide documentation that our driver had received specific training courses. The wreck was not for oversight or lack of preparation; it was simply an accident.” – Mark Rhea (April 17, 2020)

Trucking Companies – To Do List

As the economy reopens, traffic will resume. Accidents will become more frequent as more drivers are utilizing the roadways. Litigation will resume, if not explode. Do not get a false sense of security while the traffic is low. Prepare your company for legal defense in the following ways:

  • – Encourage open communication
  • – Educate drivers on exemption qualifications
  • – Continue to provide proper training
  • – Document everything
  • – DO NOT SACRIFICE SAFETY

Document everything a driver is provided from the very first day of orientation. Your defense attorney will want to see proof of the driver’s qualifications, CSA scores, training record, etc. Having these documents readily available in court will make you more defensible and solidify your credibility.

The logistics industry is susceptible to court action because of the danger involved in operating tractor trailers. Accidents and incidents are inevitable; relaxed regulations make them more likely. Remember, your company is not released from liability just because a driver qualifies for an emergency declaration waiver.

Even though we are adapting to a national emergency, attorneys will not cut any slack. You can, however, take the necessary steps to make your company more defensible in court.

 

WORK ZONE AHEAD – WE’RE IN IT TOGETHER
HOW OUR SYSTEM MITIGATES LEGAL TRUCKING LIABILITY

If you’re in the trucking business, you definitely want to stay out of the courtroom. But with millions of tons of truck on the road every day, that’s hard to guarantee. Driver training, maintenance, and good management help you mitigate that risk as much as possible. But what are you to do when one of your drivers fails to live up to regulations, and the worst occurs? This is where the Infinit-I Workforce Solutions steps in to protect you and help mitigate legal trucking liability.

Read more

Distracted Driver Safety Month

New data on driver distraction amounts to what could be called an epidemic of unsafe, even deadly, driving behavior. Are you doing your due diligence in training drivers? Are you willing to even go above and beyond? Your business may depend on it. Lives may depend on it. Read more

Safe Driving Week 2016The CVSA has announced Operation Safe Driver Week will be held October 16-22 across North America.  The event is designed to bring awareness to unsafe driving behaviors. Last year, 19,480 roadside inspections were conducted.

The top five warnings and citations issued to drivers included:
(1) Size and Weight,
(2) Speeding,
(3) Failure to Use a Seatbelt,
(4) Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device, and
(5) Using a Handheld Phone.

To help educate your drivers on this important topic, Vertical Alliance Group has put together a flyer and list of our top training videos you can assign out to your drivers:

  • Revisions to Size/Weight Violations
    Length: 01:27
    Module: CSA Reminders
  • Speeding
    Length: 03:34
    Module: CSA Minutes
  • Seatbelts
    Length: 4:43
    Module: Trucking Industry
  • Traffic Signs
    Length: 12:36
    Module: Trucking Industry
  • No Device Allowed
    Length: 05:08
    Module: Distracted Driving Awareness