“Safety First-No Excuses”    

In this Issue:                                                                                                                                                        

 Construction Zones, Cell Phones, Summer Hazards, Sleep Apnea, Intersections, Quotable Quotes                                                                                                                                                                        

The warmer weather means more orange barrels.  It’s hard to make a trip now without going through at least one construction zone.   While some construction projects may be ongoing and last for years, other short term projects may pop up unexpectedly.  These projects often have fewer warning signs.  Regardless, all construction zones have hazards that may contribute to accidents.  Congestion, restricted lanes, merging traffic, frequent stops and workers in close proximity to your lane of travel require you to be alert and drive defensively.  

If you are aware of a construction zone ahead of time, you may save time by avoiding the area if possible and practical.  While there may not be a “good time” to go through a construction zone, the worst time is during rush hour.  Pace yourself to avoid construction zones during rush hour.  A strategic nap during this time may be a good alternative. 

Pay attention to signs when approaching a construction zone.  They will provide information to help you get into the proper lane or otherwise make your passing through easier.  Be patient with other drivers who ignore signs and make frequent, unnecessary lane changes.  Keep your cool and don’t challenge them by blocking traffic. 

Rear-end collisions often occur in or near construction zones.  The closure of a lane or a flag man directing traffic could result in a sudden stop in traffic.   Maintain a safe following distance and keep your eyes moving.  Do not allow anything to cause you to stare. 

Watch out for construction workers they may be inattentive or misjudge your distance or speed.  We all complain about congested or rough roads.  Construction is the only means to remedy these problems, so be patient when encountering the temporary inconvenience of construction zones and give the workers a BRAKE!

     The communication gadget that revolutionized how the world interacts socially and in the business world.  As the communications industry improved the technology and lowered the cost, everybody had to get one.  While the overall advantage of wireless interactions improved the quality of life and enhanced the abilities to complete our busy work and social schedules, what wasn’t anticipated was the hazards that would be created by the people that misuse them?  The main hazard factor with cell phones is distraction!  We see if every day.  People heavily engaged

in conversation while sitting in restaurants, shopping and the worst of all, while driving.  The human brain is a complex information processor but does have its limits.  Information overload leads to breakdown.   Driving on today’s busy highways requires a great amount of focus and hazard awareness.  With all the inbound information the brain has to process every second we drive, when the cell phone is introduced into the picture, the phone conversation becomes the primary focus and leaves the driving picture less monitored.  This is evidenced by the drivers that are driving slower than the flow traffic, lane wandering, making unsafe lane changes, merges and abrupt exits because they were not paying attention.

     Using a hand’s free headset or “Bluetooth” while driving does not  eliminate the risk by freeing up your hands.  Your hands are not making the driving decisions.  They are responding to commands from the brain which is still distracted by the conversation.  Numerous studies have confirmed that driving while on the cell phone is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or fatigue. 

    Driving a car while distracted is dangerous enough but driving a 70 ft 80,000 lb. CMV while distracted is a case of negligence.  Many states, cities and local municipalities have or are adopting laws that prohibit the use of cell phones while driving.  Always remember, you are a paid professional driver and are held to a higher standard.  Any distraction that takes your mind off driving is dangerous and should be avoided. 

     Winter is over in most of the country so the hazards of snow and ice are behind us.  According to statistics over 90% of large truck crashes occur when there is no adverse weather.   When the weather is adverse a driver is more likely to be focused and alert.  On the contrary when the weather is good any driver may become complacent.    Bad driving habits such as tailgating, speeding, escessive lane changes, and failure to “back off” create an environment for a tragic crash.  The following is a list of a few of the hazards associated with the summer season:

    Construction Workers – See related article in this issue.

    Teenage Drivers– They tend to take chances most adults would not. 

    Joggers – They never seem to be tuned in to anything but the music playing on their headphones. 

    Vacationers – Typically these people do not possess the same amount of knowledge and experience around large trucks.  Their “rig” consists of a RV, camper or a boat that is only used a few times throughout the year. 

    Student Drivers – Be aware that these drivers usually travel more slowly than surrounding traffic and have a tendency to make very erratic maneuvers. 

    Teenage Drivers – It’s amazing how quickly a student driver becomes a daredevil teenage expert driver.  While there is no such thing as an experienced teenage driver, we all know a few months behind the wheel and they know it all.  A truck is a slow moving obstacle in their way and they will do almost anything to get around it. 

    As a professional driver, look at the vehicle ahead, behind, and on both sides as your family.  Ask yourself, “How would I want my family members to be treated by other motorist?”  The answer is…WITH RESPECT. 

    Sleep Apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.   Sleep Apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.  The medical review board of the FMCSA is considering requiring testing for Sleep Apnea for all professional drivers.  To learn more about Sleep Apnea visit the following website:

                                       sleepsafedrivers.com 

   For a limited time they will be offering free testing in Knoxville, TN as part of a clinical study. 

    Intersections are the most dangerous part of the nations roads, accounting for over 40% of all crashes.  Too many drivers are running red lights, some intentionally and others due to being preoccupied.  Operating a cell phone is just one good example (see related article in this issue).  A green light means you have the right of way but it doesn’t mean it is safe.  A defensive driver makes it a habit to always scan the intersection before proceeding and never assumes the other driver will see them in time to react.  Keep in mind that it takes a tractor trailer approximately 17 seconds to clear an intersection from a complete stop.  At 55 mph the vehicle approaching will travel over 240’ in just 3 seconds. 

   Never time a green light to save fuel or time.  You never know when another vehicle is going to try to beat a yellow light. 

    By makng it a habit to approach every intersection like it’s a railroad crossing, you will prevent a crash and save lives. 

The best wireless connection is prayer.

                                Unknown

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

                                 Colossians 3:17

Freedom is the right to be wrong: not the right to do wrong.

        John Diefenbaker