• S.M.A.R.T. - Winter Driving Hazards
• Slip and Fall Prevention
• A Guide to Preventable Accident Countermeasures 
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S.M.A.R.T. - Winter Driving Hazards
(Safety Management Accident Reduction Targeting)

Winter could be one of the most dangerous times to be driving. Mainly because of the unexpected; in the Midwest, blizzards; in the south, heavy rains; in the mountain states, snow in the morning, sun in the afternoon, and rain at night. This means every driver needs to be prepared for anything at anytime. Continued highway construction, such as I-80 and I-15 around Salt Lake City, can also create a unique problem for drivers. Now is the time to prepare your equipment  and drivers for the hazards of driving in adverse weather conditions. These weather conditions have never been a cause of a crash but failing to use common sense safety rules have caused many senseless losses. Here are some things you can do to prevent problems and reduce the risk of a crash: 
Winterize your equipment. Make sure air and fuel lines are working properly, add proper anti-freeze protection and check the brakes, tires, steering, lights, and all other systems. Always carry emergency items such as chains, sand or salt, a shovel, a flashlight and batteries, etc.

Use proper driving procedures when on the road. Adjust headlights, maintain speed, give the truck a six second cushion between other vehicles, and brake evenly. Also be aware that traveling too slowly on slick, banked curves may cause the truck to slide sideways into opposing traffic or off the road.

Plan your trip accordingly. Check weather forecasts and possible road construction areas along the route. Chart fuel and meal stop locations. Allow extra time for traffic delays in major metropolitan areas. If poor weather conditions continue to reduce visibility, pull over in a safe spot until visibility improves.

-Great West Casualty Company 
 
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Slip and Fall Prevention

There are several behavioral, physical and environmental aspects to preventing slips and falls. Here is a brief overview:
From a behavioral standpoint, employees should:

Use the three-point contact climbing method. Keep three limbs (one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot) in contact with the handholds or the steps. If a hand or foot slips, two other limbs will be in contact with the vehicle to catch the driver. Also, training in this method is required by U.S. Federal Motor Carrier regulations.

Always face the equipment. Drivers may be tempted to exit the cab facing forward, which makes the three-point climbing method awkward. Facing the truck increases the driver's control.

Avoid jumping. Some of the most frequent and serious injuries are the result of jumping from the cab, deck plate or steps.

Keep hands free. Drivers should avoid carrying items while entering or exiting the cab so their hands are free to use the grab rails.

Get a grip. The hookup area behind the cab is the scene of many slips and falls. Drivers should place their feet solidly on the surface of the catwalk and use a secure handhold, leaving one hand free to do the work.

From a physical perspective, the following will help prevent injuries:

Select or retrofit equipment. Newer trucks are incorporating better steps and ladders with non-slip surfaces that drain without retaining mud, ice and snow. Square edges and perforated surfaces on the steps reduce the chance of slips while entering or exiting the cab, especially during poor weather.

Keep equipment in good condition. Pre- and post-trip inspections should include steps, deck plates and grab rails. Repairs should be done immediately. Preventive maintenance for scheduled services should also include safety equipment inspection.

Select proper footwear. Drivers should be required to wear sturdy footwear with slip-resistant soles.

Clean the deck plate/catwalk area. When drivers need to connect, unhook or check brake and electrical connections, the work should be done from the ground, if possible. If not, the area should be equipped with as many footholds and grab rails as possible. Deck plates commonly become slippery from fuel and moisture, so it's critical that proper material be used.

Finally, environmental aspects can influence trucker safety:

Adverse conditions. Snow, ice, rain, mud, grease and even morning dew can increase slip-and-fall potential. Drivers should be instructed to clean handholds, steps and truck platforms before entering the cab. When exiting, they should use extra caution. Also, drivers should not install carpet on the steps to keep the inside of the tractor clean. Carpet can freeze in cold, icy conditions and be very slippery during wet weather.

Housekeeping. Although most truckers aren't going to win awards from Martha Stewart, a clean cab is essential for safety. Drivers must use trash bags to keep the floor clean. Loose wires from CB radios, cellular phones and other equipment can catch the driver's heel upon exit; drivers should keep these hazards off the floor.

-Risk Management / November 1997
 
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A Guide to Preventable Accident Countermeasures

Prevent Plus! is a software program that is a great tool for post-accident reviews, training for offending vehicle drivers, and outlining D.O.T. regulations. In this program, you select the accident situation and the program returns for you the accident countermeasures and/or the D.O.T. regulations that are effected by the particular situation. It is primarily a text-based program that is easy to install and use.

If interested in more information and pricing, please contact Mike O'Neil or Lucas MacDonald at Truck Writers, Inc. (763) 785-0500 or by email at info@truckwriters.com.