April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month
Stay informed and stay safe! Check out the latest issue of the Idealease Safety Bulletin and subscribe to receive all future bulletins. Knowledge is power, and together we can make a difference!
In this issue:
- National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15-19th
- CVSA Unveils Safety Inspection Events for 2024
- Senators Introduce Bill to Eliminate Redundant Background Checks for CMV Drivers
- Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!
Distracted driving is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. According to research, using a cell phone while driving can cause your brain to miss up to half of your surroundings. Shockingly, drivers engaged in phone conversations exhibit slower reaction times than those with a blood alcohol content of .08. Therefore, it is crucial for motor carriers to reinforce the hazards of distracted driving to their drivers and underscore the regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Under FMCSA regulations, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while driving. Violations can lead to fines, disqualifications, and adverse impacts on a motor carrier's or driver's Safety Management System (SMS) results. The rules explicitly prohibit activities such as texting, reaching for, or holding a mobile phone while driving, as well as dialing by pressing more than one button. CMV drivers can only use a hands-free phone within reach. Essentially, the rule prohibits unsafe interactions with devices while driving.
Sanctions for breaches of these rules include civil penalties of up to $2,750 for drivers and disqualification for repeat offenses. Motor carriers face penalties of up to $11,000 for violations and will see their SMS results affected. This month, it's crucial to remind drivers of the dangers of distracted driving.
To ensure safe practices, employers play a vital role. They can establish a clear policy stating that employees are not required to answer calls while driving, including calls initiated by the employer. Encouraging employees to plan trips with breaks to safely return calls and messages can also help. Implementing policies that eliminate the need for texting while driving for work purposes and removing any incentives that may encourage texting or talking while driving are other steps that can be taken. Educating employees about state regulations and associated fines, encouraging them to pledge against distracted driving, and designating company vehicles as distraction-free zones are also essential.
Access a complimentary cell phone policy kit from the National Safety Council by visiting:
For additional information on distracted driving visit the following websites:
National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15-19th
As we enter the season of work zones, it's important to keep in mind that each year, around 600 people lose their lives in roadway work zones. Sadly, about 90 workers also succumb to accidents, often involving vehicles entering marked-off construction areas. Therefore, staying focused and eliminating distractions is crucial for drivers as they approach and navigate through these work zones.
Fortunately, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign that urges safe driving through highway work zones and construction sites. The primary message is for drivers to exercise extra caution in these zones. So let's pledge to be more vigilant and take responsibility for our actions to keep ourselves and workers safe. For more information, please visit the links below:
Here are 10 tips for safely driving in work zones:
Remember these tips when driving through work zones:
1. Anticipate the unexpected (speed limit reductions, lane changes, etc.)
2. Reduce your speed to avoid accidents.
3. Maintain a safe distance to prevent rear-end collisions.
4. Keep a safe distance from workers and equipment.
5. Follow warning signs and obey road crew flaggers.
6. Minimize distractions and focus solely on the roadway.
7. Merge early to help maintain traffic flow.
8. Allow sufficient time and check traffic information.
9. Be patient and calm as work zones aim to improve roads.
10. Download the 511 Road condition app for real-time traffic updates.
CVSA Unveils Safety Inspection Events for 2024
CVSA has announced the schedules for its three major truck inspection events in 2024. The non-profit association comprises safety officials from the commercial motor vehicle sector in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
International Roadcheck – May 14-16, 2024
The CVSA-certified inspectors will be conducting a 72-hour inspection of around 650,000 trucks, motorcoaches, and their operators in the US. This year's inspection will focus on two specific areas – the usage of controlled substances and alcohol by drivers, and tractor protection and anti-bleed back systems for vehicle maintenance. All drivers and vehicles will undergo scrutiny, including those enrolled in a weigh station bypass program. Tractor protection systems will be tested during both driver trip inspections and roadside inspections.
Operation Safe Driver Week – July 7-13, 2024
Operation Safe Driver Week emphasizes that all drivers are responsible for the safety of others on the road. During this week, law enforcement targets high-risk driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt in drivers of all types of vehicles, not just truck and bus drivers.
Brake Safety Week – August 25-31, 2024
The CVSA's Operation Airbrake Program includes Brake Safety Week and an unannounced one-day brake safety enforcement event. These events involve inspectors evaluating the brake systems on large trucks and buses, as brake-related violations are commonly cited out-of-service violations during inspections for motor carriers.
Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!
Driving Safety in 2024
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) are excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2024 Safety Seminars. These one-day seminars will focus on crucial topics such as safety data analysis, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes, and CSA.
Who Can Attend: These seminars are open to all Idealease customers, potential customers, and NPTC members, and are provided at no charge.
Seminar Highlights:
- Gain insights into safety practices and compliance regulations.
- Learn about the latest advancements in safety technology.
- Understand CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) and its impact on your operations.
Why Attend: Whether you're a novice or experienced transportation professional, these seminars offer valuable information to enhance your safety practices.
Registration Details: Seminars are currently available for registration, with venues secured for the following locations:
Spring 2024
- 4/10/24: Sun Prairie, WI
- 4/18/24: Frankfort, KY
- 5/9/24: Tampa, FL
- 5/21/24: Portland, OR
- 5/23/24: Santa Rosa, CA
Fall 2024
- 10/1/24: Eugene, OR
- 10/3/24: San Leandro, CA
- 10/8/24: Baltimore, MD
Note: If you don't see a seminar in your area listed yet, don't worry. Registration availability will be updated weekly as venues are secured. Keep an eye on this bulletin for the latest updates.
To register for an upcoming seminar in 2024, click on the following link: Safety Seminar Registration. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your safety knowledge and practices in 2024. Register today!
Senators Introduce Bill to Eliminate Redundant Background Checks for CMV Drivers
A bipartisan coalition of Senators has put forward the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. This proposed legislation aims to remove redundant requirements for background checks and fees for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers seeking both a Transportation Worker Identification Credential and a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
A corresponding bill, H.R. 5840, has garnered support from 22 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Notably, it has received backing from the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) and numerous other organizations representing companies that employ CMV drivers.
For more details on these bills and how your company can support this initiative, visit the provided link.
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standard.