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Avoiding Driver Injuries During Fall and Winter

Oct. 18 2024 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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As winter approaches, the challenges of driving in icy and snowy conditions become increasingly evident. For professional drivers, slip, trip, and fall injuries are among the most common hazards faced on the job. Each year, many endure serious injuries due to inattentiveness during harsh weather. Our top priority is for every driver to return home safely to their loved ones. In this blog post, we’ll share vital safety tips and strategies not only to protect drivers from winter-related injuries but also to ensure their vehicles are well-prepared to tackle the cold. From proper footwear to the use of fuel additives, let's dive into practical measures for a safer and smoother winter driving season.

In this issue:

  • Preparing for the Cold Weather Ahead!
  • Fuel Additive Use During Weather Conditions
  • Clearinghouse to Downgrade CDLs Beginning November 18
  • Florida Issues Emergency Declaration for Hurricane Milton
  • Registration Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!

Slip, trip, and fall injuries are among the most prevalent for drivers, especially during winter. Each year, numerous professional drivers sustain severe injuries due to lapses in attention in challenging winter conditions. Prioritizing full awareness and focus when working on ice and snow is essential.

Our primary aim is for everyone to return home to their loved ones safe and healthy, just as they arrived at work.

To maintain safety, always wear appropriate footwear. Opt for supportive leather shoes with rugged, non-slip soles, and consider using non-slip attachments, like Yak Trax, for added grip.

Here are some helpful tips to stay safe in winter conditions:

Take Your Time: There’s no need to rush.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Snow can cover hidden ice, especially in truck parking areas.

Take Small, Cautious Steps: Check your footing with each step.

Handrails: Always look for ice on handrails and grips before using them.

Use Gloves: Wearing gloves can improve your grip.

Maintain Three Points of Contact: When entering or exiting your tractor or trailer or navigating the catwalk behind the cab, ensure you have three points of contact for stability.

Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt for additional safety.

Slow Down: Adjust your speed according to winter conditions.

Following these guidelines can help ensure a safer working environment during the winter months.

Preparing for the Cold Weather Ahead!

As we embrace the fall season, it’s crucial to start gearing up your operations for the cold weather that lies ahead. This time of year brings the challenges of winter, making it essential for your drivers to be well-informed on how to keep their trucks in optimal running condition during these frigid months.

Utilizing Fuel Additives in Cold Weather

When temperatures dip below 32°F, fuel additives become vital in preventing fuel jelling, a common issue in cold conditions. It’s recommended that these additives be part of your routine whenever the mercury drops. Two reputable manufacturers, Power Service and Penray, offer effective fuel solutions that can be acquired from Navistar and Idealease locations.

Power Service Products:

  • Power Service 911 (The Red Bottle): This powerful solution is designed specifically to rescue units that have already experienced jelled fuel. It is important to remember that Power Service 911 should never be used as a preventative measure; it is only for emergency situations.
  • Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane (The White Bottle): This product is a proactive measure. It should be added with every fill-up whenever the ambient temperature falls below 30°F, ensuring your fuel remains fluid and effective.

Penray Products:

  • Winter Thaw Emergency Diesel Fuel Supplement: This supplement rapidly dissolves any jelled fuel and helps minimize the risk of clogged fuel filters. Dispersing moisture prevents ice crystal build-up in fuel lines and filters. This additive facilitates smoother starts and reduces engine pounding and excessive emissions, leading to improved combustion efficiency. It’s fully compatible with low-sulfur fuels and fuel blends, making it a versatile choice.
  • Winter Pow-R Plus Diesel Fuel Supplement: This ULSD-compliant supplement is specifically formulated to prevent diesel fuel from gelling and to inhibit ice crystal formation. Notably, it can lower the cold filter plugging point by as much as 30°F, enhancing cetane levels for better engine performance. This product improves fuel economy, leverages HAFI® technology, and aids in cold weather starting. Furthermore, it stabilizes the fuel, prevents corrosion, reduces emissions, and enhances lubricity, making it a robust choice for winter preparation.

Ensure your drivers have the proper knowledge and tools to safeguard your operations against the harsh realities of winter. Proper use of these additives will not only maintain your fleet’s performance but also contribute to the longevity and efficiency of your vehicles.

Time to Fall Back...Daylight Savings Time Change in Two Weeks!

On Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 a.m., we will “fall back” for daylight saving time. It’s important to remind everyone driving to keep this change in mind. Since the daylight hours will shift, drivers may face different challenges depending on their stops. How the sun is positioned can change how bright or dark it is at specific intersections or streets. This one-hour difference can affect a driver’s ability to see, so being cautious is key.

Got Chains? 

If you’re driving in a state where having chains in your vehicle is mandatory, make sure the chains are the right size for your vehicle, securely stored, clean, and in good condition. This way, you’ll be ready to use them if needed.

If you’re not sure about the chain regulations in your state, you can check out more information at:

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html

Clearinghouse to Downgrade CDLs Beginning November 18

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is set to implement a crucial change for CDL drivers with drug or alcohol violations beginning November 18, 2024. Under the Clearinghouse-II rule, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will be required to revoke the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status, resulting in an automatic downgrade of their CDL until they complete the return-to-duty process.

Additionally, Clearinghouse-II mandates the following actions:

1. SDLAs must conduct queries of the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring CDLs, as well as when handling Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs).

2. SDLAs must review a driver’s information upon notification from the FMCSA regarding any changes in the driver’s Clearinghouse status.

3. SDLAs with a legislative authority can proactively query the Clearinghouse and downgrade CDLs for prohibited drivers even before the compliance date of November 18, 2024.

At present, there are 177,000 CDL drivers with a prohibited driving status due to failed drug tests and who still need to complete the mandated federal return-to-work process. The forthcoming automatic downgrading of CDLs for violations will significantly impact companies’ ability to attract and retain qualified commercial drivers.

Registration is Open Online for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars! 

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in 2024. The one-day seminar this year will focus on data available from trucks today with regards to safety, basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals. Seminars currently available for registration have their venues secured. If you are not able to register for the seminar in your area, check back as registration availability will be added as the venues are secured. This information will be updated weekly in this bulletin. To register for an upcoming seminar in 2024 click on the following link:

http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration

  • 10/28/24: Stockton, CA


*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 standards.