The state of Oregon recently increased their fines for truckers who violate the Chain Law during the snow season. This rule went into effect September 25, 2021, and truckers who violate the law will have to pay $880. In this article we will discuss who will be exempted and why the fines have increased.
Safety
We don’t have to tell you that trucking businesses face a lot of risks. The roads aren’t always the safest place, and that’s why it’s so important to take steps to emphasize and improve safety at your truck business. While this is beneficial because it will lessen the chance of your drivers and employees getting hurt, safety can also help you avoid truck insurance claims. In turn, that can help your truck insurance rates.
The following articles give suggestions and tips for improving different areas of safety at your business. Take some time to check out the various topics that we explore in the articles. We’ll explain the dangers of distracted driving, the importance of pre-trip vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance, why you should always wear a seatbelt, and more. Safety is an ongoing process, so it’s important to always be looking for ways to make your business a little safer. The following articles might help you think of ways to do that.
How to Lower Your Truck Insurance Rates with Technology
Did you know that unwarranted lawsuits, damage from crashes, and costs that come with transporting goods has spiked significantly?
This has caused commercial transportation insurance to rise, making this subject the biggest concern for fleet leaders. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, increasing insurance costs is the fifth largest issue truckers face.
Due to an increase in claims being filed, most insurance carriers have increased their premium rates. Increasing insurance premiums has gradually turned into a trend over the years.
The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Linked to Driver Shortage
The driver shortage in different parts of the US has become a persistent problem. This complicated issue ultimately ties into multiple lifestyle choices according to Bob Costello, Chief Economist of American Trucking Associations.
The trucking industry is experiencing a significant shortage of truck drivers and needs an additional 60,800 truckers to progress. The booming industry will need more than 105,000 truckers by 2023 if hiring efforts do not improve.
Costello identified many factors worsening the shortage of drivers, including the pandemic’s effects on vehicle and driver schools. Many fleet companies are also not willing to pay drivers their desired amount. Also, some will often cancel the contract if drivers visit their homes frequently.
Another major factor that Costello associated with the driver shortage is Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse from the FMCSA. It’s the database that contains information regarding drug and alcohol violations of commercial drivers. Though ATA considers FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse a beneficial step, it has impacted the driver pool.
If you run a truck fleet, learning how FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse contributes to the issue of driver shortage is beneficial.
Brake Safety Week is August 22nd-28th
The US’s commercial motor vehicle authorities placed more than 1,151 vehicles out of service due to rule violations. During a one-day inspection in May, 8,658 trucks were evaluated according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. They had a similar inspection in Mexico and Canada. The authorities inspected more than 10,091 vehicles and found 1,273 out of service; particularly for brake-related breaches.
The safety alliance announces the dates for brake safety week each year publicly in advance. This year’s break safety week will take place August 22nd to the 28th.
5 Safety Tips for Commercial Drivers
With the number of cars on highways increasing, the Federal Motor Safety Administration stresses using safe driving tips and techniques. According to Meera Joshi- Deputy Commissioner FMCSA, trucks and heavy vehicles are essential. They play an important role in keeping stores supplied with food and medicines and transporting people safely to their destinations.
However, driving a big rig on the highway can be dangerous in many ways. Therefore, you have to be skilled to ensure that you are properly aware of all the tips and tricks of driving large trucks. You have to be vigilant while you are on the road. As a commercial driver, you’re responsible to operate courteously and safely while obeying traffic signage and speed.
Hence, you should drive with full attention and be fully compliant with state and federal rules. Mentioned below are some of the ways you can keep yourself safe if you’re a commercial driver.
According the FMCSA, New Safety Devices for Windshields May be Underway
The FMCSA’s new proposal is looking to change the rules and allow for increased windshield area to apply safety technology devices. According to the proposal, devices can be mounted or placed on the interior windshield in commercial motor vehicles.
If accepted, the proposal will make temporary exemptions (fixed number) for motor carriers, technology companies (established before 2017), and truck manufacturers. In addition to that, the proposal will incorporate items to broaden the horizon of vehicle safety technology. These items are typically a response to a rulemaking petition that Daimler Trucking North America issued.
CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 22-28, 2021
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 22-28, 2021. This annual event emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient brake systems in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Specifically, the event highlights the role that brake maintenance and efficiency play in reducing brake-related CMV accidents on the road.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Introduces a New Alert System
The hi-tech in-cab trucking alert system piloted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation is gaining traction among truckers. The new technology plays an important role in reducing the risk of car accidents and crashes.
With a collaboration with the Intelligent Imaging System, the innovative pilot program offers a highly advanced truck messaging system that gives drivers real-time alerts about road conditions. The alerts aim to help truckers prepare for the events like slowdowns or stopped traffic.
The technology is Canada-based and plays an important role in maintaining road safety, and can become a great tool for law enforcement and transportation agencies. Moreover, as the crash rate of commercial vehicles is on the rise, new technologies may help truckers obtain quicker settlements on insurance claims.
Let’s delve into the details and find out how the new alert system could benefit trucking companies and truckers.
What is the CSA’s Point Breakdown for Violations
CSA scores are an important and critical aspect of a successful carrier. If a driver manages them well, the scores help them get access to not only preferred loads but also reduced insurance rates. However, if a driver fails to manage them well, the carrier’s CSA scores could hit them with things like an out of service order.
Keep reading if you’re new to commercial driving and interested in learning the CSA’s point breakdown for violations.
Can Technology Help You Lower Your Trucking Insurance Cost?
Did you know that litigation of truck accidents has increased significantly?
Whether you have a transportation company or a trucking fleet, managing insurance may be a daunting task. We say this because legal settlements are on the rise and premiums are increasing. Plus, the equipment has become more costly. The new legislation has drastically changed the way people measure and understand safety.
With the insurance landscape shifting, drivers are opting for new technologies to keep themselves safe and lower their insurance. Technology plays a key role in enabling technology adapters to decrease risks in the driver’s seat. Also, many auto insurance companies offer discounts to their policyholders for installing vehicle safety devices or demonstrating safe driving.