• S.M.A.R.T. - Backing Collisions
• New Civil Penalties Really Add Up
• Teaching the Motoring Public the Language of trucking 
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S.M.A.R.T. - Backing Collisions
(Safety Management Accident Reduction Targeting)

Backing collisions are among the more frequent loss types a truck fleet will experience. These collisions usually occur at low speeds and result in relatively minor damage to the trailer/truck (Broken mirrors, broken marker lights, crease in the trailer, or bent ICC bar). These accidents often occur in truck stop parking lots or while at the shippers/receivers docking areas.

Because of the minor damage, often times these types of collisions are not treated as serious accidents. However, these accidents can be an early warning sign of bigger, more serious collisions to come. Each crash/collision, regardless of cost, should be thoroughly reviewed to determine if the driver could have prevented the collision. If you would like to receive a guide to determine accident preventability or information on our free Fleet Safety Awards program or Safe Driver Awards program, please contact your regional Safety Services Department (for Great West Casualty Company customers only).

It is very important to remind your drivers at safety meetings or during individual safety discussions to follow the safe and proper techniques to prevent backing collisions.

Make it a habit to GET OUT AND LOOK. Before maneuvering your truck into a tight space - get out and look around the area you are backing or maneuvering into. Walk around your vehicle, especially to the rear, to get a complete picture. Check the road surface, note depressions, fixed objects, and possibility for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Check your overhead and side clearance. Proceed immediately before the picture changes.

Make certain that mirrors are clean and properly adjusted. Too often drivers forget to properly adjust and clean mirrors to gain maximum visibility. It is highly recommended that fender-mounted or extension-mounted convex type mirrors be installed on the tractor. These mirrors have proven to be highly effective in improving the visibility to the forward sides of the tractor, especially on the right.

Use a reliable spotter or guide if at all possible. Agree on the hand signals you will be using. Have him/her watch blind spot areas and stop pedestrians and/or vehicles. The spotter should stand in a safe area that gives you and the spotter clear visibility to the area you are maneuvering.

Avoid parking too close to other trucks and/or cars at truck stops. Many backing accidents happen when parked at the truck stops or rest areas. Try to avoid parking too close to other trucks or other vehicles at truck stops and rest areas. If you must park close to other trucks, it is always a good idea to write down the company name and unit number of the truck parked next to you. This will help in collecting damages should you discover your unit damaged after returning to your parked truck. Collecting damages may be difficult, but having a company name and unit number helps tremendously.
-Great West Casualty Company 
 
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New Civil Penalties Really Add Up
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued new civil penalties for violations of FHWA regulations. The new penalties reflect mandatory adjustments for inflation and took effect immediately. The violations and their penalties include:
Record Keeping: Failing to prepare or maintain a record, or preparing or maintaining a required record that is incomplete, inaccurate, or false is subject to a maximum civil penalty of $550 for each day the violation continues, up to $2,750.

Serious pattern of safety violations: Serious patterns of safety violations are subject to a maximum civil penalty of $1,100 for each violation in a pattern, up to a maximum of $11,000 for each pattern.

Non Record Keeping violations by drivers: Drivers making non-record keeping violations are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,100 provided the driver's actions constituted gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.

Violation of Alcohol Provisions: Drivers placed out of service for 24 hours for violating the alcohol prohibitions of 49 CFR 392.5(a) or (b) and who drive during that period are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,750 for each violation.

A CDL holder who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order: Shall be subject to a civil penalty of between $1,100 and $2,750. An employer of a CDL holder who knowingly allows, requires, permits, or authorizes that employee to operate a CMV during any period in which the CDL holder is subject to an out-of-service order is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $2,750 or more than $11,000.

Operating with an unsatisfactory safety rating: A motor carrier knowingly transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding on the 46th day after receiving an unsatisfactory safety rating is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $250 and not more than $27,500. Each day of continuing violations constitutes a separate offense.

-Great West Casualty Company
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Teaching the Motoring Public the Language of Trucking
No, not how to converse on a CB radio, but teaching motorists about "stopping distance", "blind spots", etc. This is what the Professional Drivers of America organization is all about.
"Being a trucker and driving on America's highways is like competitive sports when only one team on the field knows the rules", states founder Linda Householder (in Owner Operators, May 1998). After driving many miles with her husband, a former owner operator, she decided to devote her life to training the public on how to drive safely with big rigs. The organization worked with the U.S. Department of Transportation and several similar organizations to develop a program and materials to train anyone from elementary school students to senior citizens.

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.highwaysafety.com/ or call (801) 255-4717.