Trucking safety is a major public concern for people in Oklahoma and across the country. It's important to note that tractor-trailer accidents are far more likely to injure or even kill the occupants of passenger cars than truckers. Therefore, it's vital that the government maintains clear and accurate information about trucking safety records in order to reduce the likelihood of these types of crashes.
FMCSA introduces new trucking safety assessments
Brake Safety Week coming in September
Commercial truck drivers in Oklahoma might want to check their brakes. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week is scheduled to take place Sept. 16-22. During the event, CVSA inspectors will conduct roadside checks on commercial trucks and pull from service those with critical brake issues.
How tech and data analysis can combat trucker distraction
Trucking companies in Oklahoma will want to learn about the various tech companies and data analysis firms that could help them reduce distracted driving among employees. The fact is that smartphones, infotainment systems and other technologies are creating an addiction in drivers, but there is new technology that can counteract this trend.
Road to Zero Coalition aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2050
The National Safety Council has announced a goal to reduce traffic fatalities in Oklahoma and across the U.S. to zero by 2050. The organization's CEO said the ambitious objective is comparable to the goal of sending an astronaut to the moon 50 years ago.
CVSA to conduct annual roadcheck in June
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts a commercial truck and bus inspection spree once a year as a way to enforce compliance with driver and vehicle safety regulations. This 72-hour event is called the International Roadcheck. Truck and bus drivers in Oklahoma should know that the 2018 roadcheck will occur from June 5 to 7, and they should especially keep in mind the current hours-of-service regulations as these are a major focus.
Trade group wants hours of service rules revised
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration strictly enforces rules that limit how long semi-tractor trailer drives can spend behind the wheel, but trade groups such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association believe that hours of service regulations could actually be making the roads in Oklahoma and around the country more dangerous. The OOIDA has petitioned the FMCSA to revise these rules by allowing drivers to split their 14-hour shifts into segments.
Preventing impaired driving on December 2017
President Trump signed a proclamation on November 30, 2017, that has officially deemed December 2017 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The purpose is clear, as the people of Oklahoma probably know how driving under the influence can impact the lives of drivers, passengers and bystanders.
Avoiding 18-wheeler accidents in Oklahoma
An important part of truck accident prevention is knowing what trucks are physically capable of. Trucks are the largest vehicles on the road and put cars in more danger than themselves. Truck accidents frequently involve overrides or underrides. The first occurs when a truck collides into the back of a car and rides over it, and the second when a car collides into the back of a truck and is forced under it. Rear underride guards are mandated for all trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more, but they are of somewhat limited utility.
Truck driver training rule goes into effect
Oklahoma truck drivers may be interested to learn that a rule that sets national standards for CDL applicant training became law on June 5. However, the rule provides a lengthy window before trainers, carriers and other stakeholders must comply.
Inspectors will focus on cargo safety in International Roadcheck
Road users in Oklahoma and around the country could be more likely to see semi-tractor trailers being pulled over for safety inspections in early June. This is when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's International Roadcheck safety initiative will take place in 2017. The 72-hour-long campaign is scheduled to get underway on June 6, and the CVSA revealed on March 13 that inspectors will be focusing much of their efforts on cargo safety and securement.
