Sept 18, 2020: Idealease Safety Bulletin - Winter is Coming. Are you prepared?

The September 18th Edition of the weekly Idealease safety bulletin has arrived with content and information surrounding the upcoming fall and winter seasons.  Read the entire bulletin online today.  Don't forget to sign up to have them delivered straight to your inbox each week.  

1. Winter is Coming. Are You Prepared?

• The first day of fall is Tuesday, September 22nd, and it is the perfect time to start preparing drivers for the upcoming colder seasons. 
• PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO HANDLING WINTER WEATHER: 
  1.  Ensure trucks are up to date on regularly scheduled maintenance
  2.  Keep trucks prepped for cold conditions - treated/blended fuel for low temperatures
  3.  Have a process for trucks not in operation too, so they are ready to go when needed
  4.  Keep drivers up to speed on winter driving training
• USE FUEL ADDITIVES DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS:
  1.  These help prevent jelling and should be used any time the temperature is below freezing
  2. Power Service Products - Click here for special offers available in our parts department now through December 31st! 
     1. Power Service 911 (Red bottle) is to be used ONLY when the fuel in a unit has been jelled. It is NOT to be used as a fuel additive that you would regularly put in the fuel tank to keep the fuel from jelling.
     2. Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement Cetane (White Bottle) is to be added to the fuel at each fill when the ambient temperature is < 30 degrees F. This is the additive you should use on a regular basis during the winter months.

2. Ten Inclement Weather Driving Tips:

1. Bad weather can be a daily hazard for any commercial driver. Take advantage of the following tips to help avoid running into serious issues:
   1. Be Aware of the Weather Forecast: Before starting ANY trip, regardless of length, checking the forecast is extremely important so you not only know what to expect, but it can help ensure that you don’t run into any serious problems on the road.
   2. Pre-inspection of Truck and Trailer: Take time to pre-inspect your truck for anything that might be hazardous when on the road. This includes inspecting your tires, wiper blades, engine coolant level, washer solvent, and lights.
   3. Don’t Speed: It is incredibly risky and unsafe to rush through bad weather, and as a driver of a commercial motor vehicle, you must always remain cautious.
   4. If Weather is too Harsh, Stay in the Truck: Whether it’s a harsh blizzard, strong winds, or other inclement weather, pull over to a safe location and remain inside your truck.
   5. Brake and Accelerate Lightly: If you are stuck in a storm or other harsh weather, remember not slam on your brakes or accelerator, which may risk your tires locking up and spinning out of control ultimately leading to a wreck.
   6. Turn Slowly: Wheels lose traction easily in inclement weather conditions.
   7. Use Extra Care on Inclines: Take your time when going uphill, especially if your view is obscured by snow or other weather. Always be cautious and prepared before going to higher elevations so that you do not run into any serious issues.
   8. Empty Trailers Are More Dangerous: Make sure that you always have at least some weight in your trailer to prevent possible tip-overs. Trailers that aren’t loaded, risk the chance of being blown over much easier than a trailer that has supplies. Even if the truck does not tip over from the winds, it still can shake from side to side causing issues for other drivers on the road.
   9. Add Extra Space on the Road: Always make sure there is enough room between you and other vehicles in case you have an emergency and need to pull over.
   10. Always Pack Emergency Supplies: Make sure you have emergency supplies packed and always prepare for the different weather conditions you will face before you start your journey. 

3. Idealease Safety Webinar Series Registration is OPEN

Although our on-site safety seminars have been cancelled in 2020,  you can still remain up to date on changing regulations and informed on existing regulations through our safety webinars. 

Remaining dates and webinar topics:

Sept 23 New hours of service regulation changes and the ELD

Oct 7 How the Drug and Alcohol Testing regulations apply to you a motor carrier

Oct 21 Developing a proactive safety and loss control program

Register here

4. Supply Your Driver With a Cold Weather Kit:

• A shovel
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio
• Water
• Snack food including energy bars
• Matches and small candles
• Disposable Hand/Foot warmers
• Extra hats, socks, and mittens
• First aid kit with pocketknife
• Necessary medications
• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
• Booster cables
• Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter and extra battery supply

*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.