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July 4th Holiday Safety

Jul. 1 2022 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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Read the latest Idealease safety bulletin below or access the entire bulletin here. Remember to sign up for the weekly bulletin and receive it directly in your inbox! Stay informed on the latest safety news, tips, and information! Need a PDF version to download and share?

In This Issue:

  • 5 Rules of the Smith System
  • Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
  • Have Your Prepared Your Terminal Facility for the Holiday?
  • CVSA Places 1200 Vehicles "Out of Service" in Brake Check

5 Rules of the Smith System

The 4th of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks, celebrate our freedom, and spend time with family. Still, the fourth is one of the most dangerous times on the road. During the pandemic, many families stayed home for the holidays, with restrictions easing there will be more traveling. Many municipalities are already experiencing a higher percentage of fireworks violations before the holiday.  Your drivers need to be on high alert when operating their units and be practicing their Smith5keys of defensive driving. 



1. Aim High in Steering: Look 15 seconds into your future. (Do not just look at the vehicle in front of you)

2. Get the Big Picture: Look for Hazards. (Other Motorists, Pedestrians, Vehicle doors opening)

3. Keep Your Eyes Moving: Do not stare. (Use your peripheral vision) (Stop the fixed habit stare)

4. Leave Yourself an Out: Monitor the space cushion around you and your bike.

5. Make sure They See You: Use your signals- (Directionals, 4-Way Flashers, Head Lights, Brake Lights, Horn, Hand Signals) Make Eye Contact.


Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Independence day is one of the deadliest holidays. To keep the community safe, law enforcement has continued to promote safe driving and increase its presence during this weekend.


Drinking and driving is a bad combination, the consequences can be fatal. Please be smart and make this 4th of July holiday a fun and memorable one.


If you are headed to 4th of July parties, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night if a sober driver is not available to take them home. Driving with just a buzz does not cut it.  With the rise in ride-share options, there is no excuse for driving impaired.


The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Also, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and land you a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.


Have Your Prepared Your Terminal Facility for the Holiday?

Thieves take advantage of the holidays to target truck terminals and dealerships. They are aware that facilities are empty, making it easier to break in. Take the time and take extra precautions to secure the trucks and items of value at your facility.


  • If your units do not have anti-siphon devices or locking caps, instruct the drivers not to fill the units at the end of the day.
  • Make sure that all security alarms and cameras are in working order.
  • Walk the perimeter of the lot to make sure that security fencing is in good condition.
  • Move units and all other materials such as pallets, tires, etc. far enough away from the fence so they cannot be used to climb on to get over the fence. Review your security lighting to make sure it is operational and adequate.  Lighting can be obstructed by vehicles or trees allowing a thief a place to be unseen.
  • Consider blocking the entrance and exits to the lot so units cannot be stolen. Throughout the three-day weekend assign management personnel to check the terminal randomly.
  • Notify local law enforcement officials of your hours of operation over the holidays so they know when to expect activity at your location.

Using a little prevention and common sense can deter a thief from striking your facility and disrupting your business!





CVSA Places 1200 Vehicles "Out of Service" in Brake Check

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has reported that on April 27, 46 jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. removed 1,290 commercial motor vehicles with brake-related critical vehicle inspection item violations from Canadian and American roadways. That is 14.1% of the 9,132 commercial motor vehicles inspected that day.

The unannounced one-day inspection and enforcement initiative, conducted by State and Provincial motor carrier safety enforcement agencies, focused specifically on the brake systems and components of commercial motor vehicles.

In addition, inspectors reported 1,534 brake hose and tubing violations.

CVSA "Operation Safe Driver Week" 

July 10-16, 2022

Throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in risky driving. Identified unsafe drivers will be pulled over and issued a citation or warning. Data shows that traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement help reduce problematic driving behaviors. By contacting drivers during Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel aim to make our roadways safer by targeting high-risk driving behaviors.


https://www.cvsa.org/program/programs/operation-safe-driver/operation-safe-driver-week/


Brake Safety Week 

August 21-27, 2022


Brake Safety Week is held annually to ensure commercial motor vehicle brake safety inspection, enforcement, and education initiative. Brake Safety Week is conducted by law enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Inspectors will conduct their usual North American Standard Level I and V Inspections and capture and report brake-related data to CVSA. The results will be released in the fall.

View last year’s Brake Safety Week results.




*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.