Driving a Truck is a Dangerous Job

We have rolled out a new issue of the Idealease Safety Bulletin! Read the full bulletin here and subscribe to receive all future Idealease Safety Bulletins here.

In this issue:

• The Big 12: Red Flag Violations
• CVSA’s International Roadcheck Is Set for May 14-16
• Registration Now Open for the 2024 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars!

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that tractor-trailer truck drivers encounter unforeseen hazards while on the job. Although police officers, firefighters, and construction workers are frequently mentioned as having hazardous professions, the risks associated with truck driving are often disregarded. Consider the following statistics:

• Roughly one in every six American workers who meet a fatal end on the job is a tractor-trailer truck driver.
• In 2021 alone, over 1,000 truck drivers lost their lives while on duty, reflecting a distressing fatal injury rate of 29 per 100,000.
• The primary cause of these fatalities, accounting for 78 percent, stems from transportation incidents.

Truck drivers face a high risk of nonfatal injuries and illnesses that require time off work. They are three times more likely than the average American worker to suffer an injury or illness necessitating days off. Common injuries include slips, trips, falls, and overexertion, and musculoskeletal disorders are also a significant concern. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to reduce large truck and bus crashes, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guides the prevention of workplace musculoskeletal disorders. Employers should take proactive steps to enhance working conditions for truck drivers and empower them with knowledge about potential hazards.

The Big 12: Red Flag Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducts safety investigations to ensure drivers comply with FMCSA regulations. These investigations scrutinize driver histories and focus on the most severe violations, commonly known as "The Big 12." The FMCSA investigates these critical violations to ensure that corrective actions are taken. Although these violations can change, the current 12 Red Flag Violations, the relevant BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category), and the corresponding regulations they violate are detailed below.

BASICFMCSR PartViolation Description

Driver Fitness 383.21 Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with more than one driver's license.

Driver Fitness 383.23(a)(2) Operating a CMV without a valid commercial driver's license (CDL)

Driver Fitness 383.51(a) Driving a CMV (CDL) while disqualified

Driver Fitness 383.91(a) Operating a CMV with improper CDL group

Driver Fitness 391.11 Unqualified driver

Driver Fitness 391.11(b)(5) Driver lacks a valid license for the type of vehicle being operated.

Driver Fitness 391.11(b)(7) Driver disqualified from operating CMV.

Driver Fitness 391.15(a) Driving a CMV while disqualified

Controlled Substances/Alcohol 392.4(a) Driver uses or is in possession of drugs.

Controlled Substances/Alcohol 392.5(a) Possession/use/under the influence of alcohol less than 4 hours prior to duty

Fatigued Driving (HOS) 395.13(d) Driving after being declared out-of-service (OOS)

Vehicle Maintenance 396.9(c)(2) Operating an OOS vehicle.

Any unaddressed driver violations identified during carrier investigations may result in a driver Notice of Violation or Notice of Claim.

CVSA's International Roadcheck Is Set for May 14-16

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that it will conduct its annual International Roadcheck initiative from May 14-16. The event is a three-day effort to inspect commercial motor vehicles and ensure regulatory compliance across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Certified law enforcement personnel from CVSA will inspect commercial vehicles and drivers at various locations to ensure adherence to federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations.

The data collected during the 72 hours of International Roadcheck will be analyzed and released later this summer. This year, the initiative will focus on two main areas: tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession. Inspectors will conduct a comprehensive 37-step procedure examining vehicle components, driver documentation, and requirements during the routine North American Standard Level I Inspection. The issue of controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the public at large.

https://www.cvsa.org/news/2024-international-roadcheck/

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

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!

*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.