• Lane Change Crashes
• Congratulations
• Striving for Quality
• Suggested Items for a Company Policy/Procedure Guide 
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Lane Change Crashes

Lane change crashes/losses are among the more serious loss types a truck fleet can experience. A single lane change crash can easily cost over $100,000. The typical lane change crash usually involves a truck changing into the right lane and hitting a small car in the front or rear side. The driver of the car loses control and spins, often hitting other vehicles. These collisions result in serious injuries and extensive property damage.

It is very important to remind your drivers at safety meetings and during safety discussions to follow the professional, safe driving rules on preventing lane change crashes.

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. These mirrors have proven to be highly effective in improving visibility to the forward sides of the tractor, especially on the right.

Slow down and always maintain a minimum of six seconds following distance. Lane change and sideswipe collisions often occur when the driver is forced to quickly change lanes to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead. Speeding in traffic generally results in an unnecessary number of lane changes.

Stay in the right lane as much as possible. Professional drivers always avoid lane change situations by keeping a safe, steady speed and by staying in the right lane as much as possible. They are always on the lookout for merging situations at exit and entrance ramps. Professional drivers always make appropriate lane changes well ahead of time to avoid "last minute" or "panic" lane changes.

Signal lane change intentions well ahead of time. The professional driver always communicates with other motorists by using the turn signal well ahead of time (at least eight to ten seconds) before changing lanes.

Check mirrors frequently before changing lanes. There are a number of blind spots to the side and rear of a truck and trailer. Small vehicles can easily and quickly get into these blind spots. Professional drivers always double and triple check mirrors before making a move to another lane. They always lean and look over the dashboard to make sure there is no car in the front blind spot area. 
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Congratulations

Our very own, Mike O’Neil, has received the "Delivering the Goods" award from Great West Casualty Company. Mike has worked very hard conducting safety meetings and issuing "Safe Driving" awards to well-deserving drivers. On behalf of Truck Writers, Inc., we wish Mike continued success! 
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Striving for Quality

Ideally, employees push themselves to do the best they can. But they often don’t. Why? Many people don’t see the value of striving harder for quality when fellow workers receive the same rewards for sloppy work. But keep these things in mind if you feel yourself slipping into the slacker mode:

You’ll feel better about yourself and your skills if you are working as hard and as well as you can. This can also bring you that sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well done.

You will reap the rewards of working hard. Raises and promotions will come your way if you regularly demonstrate your abilities.

You will be a pleasure to work with. Consider your own personal experience with people you’ve worked with closely. Didn’t you enjoy working with hard-workers more than lackluster co-workers?

You will inspire those around you to work hard. Motivated workers often have the ability to motivate others who work with them.

You will remain employable regardless of your company’s success. Company environments aren’t as stable as they were in the past. If the quality of your work isn’t consistently excellent, you may be one of the first to go. 
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Suggested Items for a Company Policy/Procedure Guide

Having a company policy/procedure guide provides a basis for everyone in the organization to operate from. It helps to provide guidance and lets everyone know what is expected when working for your company. If well written, in simple language and tailored to your particular operation, it can be the foundation for a successful operation.


Table of Contents

Management Safety Policy Statement

Operations - Dispatch Procedures (whom to call, etc.)

Customer Relations

Defensive Driving/Accident Prevention

Loading and Unloading Procedures

Load Securement and Equipment Safety

Equipment Inspections (pre-trip/post-trip)

Accident Reporting and at-scene procedures

Maintenance Procedures - Equipment Failures

Daily Log/Hours of Service

Company Speed Policy

Discipline and Termination Procedures

Incentive and Recognition Programs

Passenger/No Passenger Policy

Pay and Benefits Provided (vacations, insurance, etc.)

New Driver Hiring Standards and Qualification Process

On-Job Injuries or Illness Reporting Procedures

These are only suggested items. There may be others that are more suited to your individual company operation.

-Great West Casualty Company