Safety on the Road: Communicating with Drivers & Pedestrians
Safety on the road should always be your top priority. Effective communication with other road users is one of the most critical components of safe driving. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a passenger car or navigating a large commercial vehicle, ensuring that your intentions are clear can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential communication tools drivers should incorporate into their routines. From using turn signals to activating emergency lights, these practices enhance your visibility and promote a safer driving environment for everyone on the road. Join us as we delve into the nuances of road communication and discover how minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements in road safety.
In this issue:
- Vehicle Communication Tools
- Parking Lot Accident Exposure Increases during the Holidays
- Have you Prepared your Terminal Facility for the Upcoming Holidays?
- Safety Bulletin Registration
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Effective communication on the road enhances visibility for both you and other drivers, significantly lowering the risk of accidents. To improve safety, incorporate the following communication tools in your driving routine:
Turn Signals: Use turn signals to inform other drivers when turning, changing lanes, or exiting a parking space. Signal at least four seconds before making your intended move to give others ample time to react.
Emergency Signals: Activate emergency lights to alert other drivers that you are experiencing vehicle difficulties or if you need to stop on the roadside due to an emergency. This signals to others to provide you with extra space.
Horn: A gentle tap on the horn can help attract the attention of another driver or pedestrian. It should not be used out of frustration towards the actions of others.
Headlights: Many modern trucks have daytime running lights that turn on automatically, increasing visibility. You can also flash your headlights at approaching traffic to warn them of potential dangers ahead, such as accidents or obstacles in the road.
Turn Signals
Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to make a safe lane change. Then, take a moment to visually check for nearby traffic and any potential hazards before proceeding with the lane change. Signaling well in advance allows you to effectively communicate with other drivers, which helps ensure your safety while performing the maneuver.
Signaling at least four seconds before turning is recommended as part of good safety practice.
Did you know there are around 630,000 lane-change crashes yearly involving large trucks and passenger vehicles? Despite what you might see on the road, using turn signals for lane changes is generally required by law.
Emergency Signals (4 Ways)
According to FMCSA 392.22 regarding emergency signals for stopped commercial motor vehicles, When a commercial vehicle is halted on the highway or its shoulder for reasons other than routine traffic stops, the driver must immediately turn on the hazard warning lights and keep them activated until the proper warning devices, as detailed in CFR 395.22, are set up. These flashing lights should remain active while the warning devices are collected for storage before moving the vehicle. Additionally, these lights can be used at other times when the vehicle is stationary, but they should not replace the required warning devices.
Horn
The horn on a commercial motor vehicle is a crucial safety feature, often the key element in preventing accidents by alerting others to its presence. Unfortunately, some drivers misuse their horns, which can startle other motorists and potentially lead to accidents. There are documented cases of road rage incidents triggered by inappropriate horn usage. The horn represents a few ways a driver can intrude into another vehicle’s driving environment. Commercial vehicle horns come in various sizes, ranging from small electric city horns to larger, exterior-mounted air horns featuring chrome trumpets. Novelty horns that play recognizable tunes, like college fight songs, have also become quite popular.
What does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have to say about horns? The regulations can be found in CFR §393.81, which states that every bus, truck, truck-tractor, and any motor vehicle involved in driveaway-towaway operations must be equipped with a horn and functioning controls, ensuring that they can provide an adequate and reliable warning signal.
§393.81 DOT Interpretations
Question 1: Do the FMCSRs specify what type of horn is to be used on a CMV?
Guidance: No.
Question 2: Are there established criteria in the FMCSRs to determine the minimum sound level of horns on CMVs?
Guidance: No.
Can I drive my commercial motor vehicle if the horn is not operational?
Answer: No.
Answer: CFR §392.7
Equipment, Inspection, and Use
No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the following parts and accessories are in good working order, nor shall any driver fail to use or make use of such parts and accessories when and as needed:
- Service brakes, including trailer brake control
- Parking (hand) brake
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wiper or wipers
- Rear-vision mirror or mirrors
- Coupling devices
Headlights
Many companies have equipped their trucks with systems that activate the low-beam headlights while the engine runs. Similarly, numerous states mandate that headlights must be on when using windshield wipers. Both practices enhance safety on the road.
Are your truck’s headlights cloudy or dirty?
Do you check that your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean during pre- and post-trip inspections?
As the National Institute for Traffic and Highway Safety reports, dim, foggy, or poorly illuminated headlights are the primary cause of severe accidents and reduced safety during nighttime driving. When headlights lose their brightness or effectiveness, it significantly compromises driving safety. A study from the University of Iowa indicated that a 20-50% reduction in headlight output results in a 90% increase in the likelihood of accidents. Regularly cleaning, replacing, or repairing headlights can mitigate this unnecessary risk.
Dim it!
Is it illegal to flash high beams at other cars?
I heard that flashing your headlights at a slower vehicle in the fast lane could lead to a ticket. Is this accurate?
Yes, it can be true in certain states.
The primary issue with flashing your headlights at oncoming drivers is that it might temporarily blind them, which can create dangerous blind spots for other motorists and lead to hazardous driving conditions.
Parking Lot Accident Exposure Increases during the Holidays!
As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to remind drivers of the hazards present in parking lots during deliveries and pickups. This time of year can be particularly risky, with an increased likelihood of vehicle accidents and pedestrian incidents. To ensure safety while navigating parking lots this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind:
Buckle Up: Even at low speeds, collisions can cause significant movement within the vehicle.
Follow Traffic Signs: Always adhere to Stop and Yield signs.
Drive Carefully: Maintain a slow speed while using turn signals and headlights to enhance visibility. Be vigilant of distracted drivers who may not see you.
Stay in Your Lane: Do not drive diagonally across parking lots; be aware of other cars making such maneuvers.
Approach Speed Bumps Cautiously: Slow down to protect both yourself and your cargo from damage.
Use Designated Driveways: Use designated delivery driveways, especially in low-traffic areas, to ensure safety.
Watch for Distracted Drivers: Be mindful of motorists who may be lost or distracted while searching for less-frequented stores.
Exercise Caution at Entrances and Exits: Be alert for sudden stops by other vehicles. Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions, and quick turns into access roads can cause accidents.
Be Careful Near Busy Locations: Areas with post offices and package stores often see hurried movements from people darting in and out.
Take Extra Care During Peak Times: Reckless drivers may speed through the lanes searching for the closest parking spots.
Avoid Dangerous Parking Habits: Some drivers may become overly focused on finding the perfect parking space, leading them to drive erratically. Opting for a parking spot further from the store may be safer.
Lock Your Vehicle: Always secure your truck when left unattended, as busy parking lots are common targets for thieves.
Fun Fact: The first-ever parking lot was established in Fort Wayne, Indiana, just in time for the holiday shopping rush.
CVSA Announces Results of Hazmat Inspections
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has revealed the findings from a five-day inspection blitz conducted last summer on commercial motor vehicles that transport hazardous materials (known as dangerous goods in Canada). From June 10 to 14, 2024, inspectors across 45 jurisdictions carried out 3,929 unannounced inspections of these vehicles.
During the inspections, 576 vehicles were found to violate hazardous materials regulations, including 116 deemed out of service due to issues related to loading and securement. The most prevalent violation in the U.S. was improper shipping papers, followed by issues with load securement, incorrect marking or placarding, and the absence of a copy of the carrier’s hazmat registration on board.
Additionally, inspectors cited 19 packages for violations regarding HM/DG package integrity due to leaks, and they identified 93 undeclared packages containing hazardous materials within the U.S.
Have you Prepared your Terminal Facility for the upcoming Holidays?
During the holiday season, it’s not unusual for thieves to focus on truck terminals, knowing that it’s a time when fewer people are around. Take extra precautions to enhance security for your trucks and valuable items. If your units lack anti-siphon devices or locking caps, advise drivers not to fill the tanks at the end of the day. Ensure that all security alarms are functioning properly. Conduct a walk around the perimeter of the lot to check that the fencing is in good shape. Keep units and other materials like pallets and tires at a safe distance from the fence to prevent them from being used for climbing over. Consider blocking the entrances and exits to further prevent theft. It would be beneficial to have management staff perform random checks at the terminal throughout the holidays. By applying a bit of preventive measures and common sense, you can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves.
McCandless Idealease would like to wish you a safe and joy-filled holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
*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.