JUNE 2021 DRIVER SAFETY
driving awareness

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We've changed up the safety meeting this quarter!  We will have both online and an in person training.

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  1.   Schedule your driving training with Lucas Morrow during a time that you are on the yard before July 31st. Those with a score of 100% will be entered into a drawing!  

  2. Read and watch the content below and complete the quiz below for the online portion. Those with a score of 100% will be entered into a drawing!

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If you have any questions contact safety at 704-873-6901

CMV Driving TIPS: INADEQUATE SURVELLANCE

FROM the FMCSA Driver Safety page: 

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Inadequate surveillance occurs when the driver is in a situation where he/she is required to look to safely complete a maneuver and either fails to look in the appropriate place or looks, but does not see. This may include lane changes or turns at intersections where the driver looks in the required direction, but fails to see the approaching traffic. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 14 % of large-truck crashes occurred due to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers' inadequate surveillance.

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BELOW ARE 5 TIPS to help you stay aware of the vehicles and traffic around you

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TIP #1: Be Aware of Your "No-Zone"

Be vigilant in watching for vehicles in the "No-Zone." Drivers around you may not be aware of the size of your truck's blind spots. As a CMV driver, you are aware that some of your blind spots are large enough that a passenger vehicle can virtually disappear from your view. Remember that other drivers unfamiliar with commercial driving probably don't realize this.

Did You Know? The "No-Zone" represents the areas around your truck where crashes are more likely to occur. One-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars takes place in the "No-Zone." 

An example of inadequate surveillance is shown in the video clip below.

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TIP #2: Always Drive Defensively

Defensive driving is a way of operating your vehicle to avoid accidents due to the actions of others. To drive defensively you should: keep your distance, maintain a safe speed and stay alert. Recognizing potentially dangerous situations well in advance can allow you to safely maneuver past these situations.

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Did You Know? A recent study on the interaction between light vehicles and heavy vehicles revealed that light-vehicle drivers initiated almost 83 percent of safety-related traffic events. Therefore it is important to be aware of surrounding traffic and be ready to react to other drivers’ mistakes.

Did You Know? Seventy-five percent of lane change/merge crashes involve a recognition failure by the lane-changing/merging driver. The vast majority of these drivers (over 90 percent) are drivers of passenger vehicles.

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An example of inadequate surveillance is shown in the video clip below.

TIP #3: Look Far Enough Ahead

Look at least 15 seconds in front of you (approximately1/4 of a mile on the interstate and 1 1/2 blocks in the city). Looking far ahead will allow you to respond early and smoothly to changing conditions ahead and to avoid dangerous, abrupt braking situations.

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Did You Know? The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) states that "the speed of rotation and angle of the front wheels give you clues to whether the driver is slowing to stop or planning to turn in a certain direction. If the rotation does not appear to be slowing as the driver approaches a required stop, you should pad your brake and prepare to stop, and lightly tap your horn to get the other driver's attention." 

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Did You Know? It takes 3/4 of a second from the moment your brain sends the signal to your foot to move from the accelerator to when your foot actually applies the brake. In this short period of time, you may have already traveled up to 60 feet. Focusing on the vehicles ahead of you will help you react in a safe and timely manner.

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TIP #4: Check Your Mirrors Often

Check your mirrors regularly (at least every 5 to 8 seconds) and before you change lanes, turn, or merge. Check your mirrors quickly and return your attention to the road ahead. Frequent scanning will allow you to be aware of changing traffic conditions around your truck.

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Did You Know? If you check your mirrors regularly, they can help you spot overtaking vehicles. Mirrors will also help you monitor your surrounding environment and may help you identify if a vehicle has moved into your blind spot.

Did You Know? You can also use your mirrors to check your tires as you are driving down the road which may help you spot a tire fire. In addition, you can use the mirrors to check for loose straps, ropes, or chains when you are carrying open cargo.

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TIP #5: Approach and Enter Intersections with Caution

Check left, right, and left again before entering an intersection. Being able to quickly glance in each direction (of the crossing traffic) will provide you sufficient time to recognize oncoming vehicles.

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Did You Know? A report on "Rear-End Large Truck Crashes" stated that 14.6 percent of truck-striking crashes are intersection-related.

Take the Quiz
1. What is Inadequate Surveillance?
2. The ‘No-Zone’ are the areas around your truck where crashes are more likely to occur (i.e., your blind spots).
3. At least how many seconds in front of you should you be looking to allow yourself time to respond early and smoothly to situations ahead of you?
4. Defensive Driving is important because it gives you the time and space you need to react and maneuver through dangerous or unsafe situations.
5. How often should you be checking your mirrors while driving?

Your quiz has been submitted to Safety!