Latest News
-
Every eight hours, somebody dies in a work zone related accident - three people every day. Every nine minutes, someone is injured in a highway work zone. This translates into 160 people a day.
The reality is many of these accidents, injuries and deaths can be avoided if we keep the following safe driving tips in mind:
Expect the unexpected
Slow down
Pay attention to the signs
Obey road crew flaggers
Stay alert and minimize distractions
Keep up with the traffic flow
Do an adequate pre-trip
Stay patient and remain calm
-
Seatbelt Enforcement Zones
As the holiday weekend approaches there will be nationwide seatbelt enforcement zones. If you are not in the habit of wearing your seatbelt now is a great time to start. You can avoid a citation with heavy fines, high CSA points and potentially save your life!
-
Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. It is important for drivers to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists.
Respect the motorcyclist:
Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver: Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions. Leave enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.
-
Why should you take Roadcheck 2013 seriously?
Consider this… during Roadcheck 2012:
74,072 inspections were conducted (over 4,000 more than 2011)
Of the vehicles inspected, 20.9% were placed out of service for mechanical problems
The driver out-of-service rate was 4.6%
Both the vehicle and the driver OOS rate reflect an increase from 2011
1 in 5 vehicles selected for inspection was found with a violation serious enough to be considered an imminent safety hazard.
That means, nearly 15,400 vehicles and 3,400 drivers were placed out of service
If you have any question regarding how to prepare for Roadcheck, please see the Safety Department.
-
What to do after you have been involved in an accident:
Stop!
Secure the scene and remain calm.
Do not claim fault; do not apologize.
Check for injuries.
Call the police – this must be done after every accident, regardless of the severity and type.
Call safety or your driver manager. You must speak with someone before you leave the scene.
Exchange information with the other party.
Take pictures.
-
Hazmat Loads
When you are transporting a load that requires placards emergency response information is also required. At minimum the following information must be provided for each hazardous material being transported.
The basic description and technical name of the hazmat
Immediate hazards to health
Risks of fire or explosion
Immediate precautions to take in event of an accident or spill
Immediate methods of handling fires
Initial methods for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire
Preliminary first aid measures
You will find much of this information on the shipping papers. You must also have an Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) with you. The shipping papers and the ERG must be accessible from the driver’s seat while you are driving. If you leave your truck, the best practice is to move this information to the driver’s seat.
-
Spotlight on CSA
Hours of Service Compliance BASIC: The most commonly written violations in the HOS BASIC for Super Service drivers1. Driver's Record of Duty Status not current - 40% of the violations
2. Form & Manner violations- 20% of the violations
3. 14hr violations - 12% of the violations
4. 11hr violations - 8% of the violations.
5. Driver failing to retain previous 7 days of logs - 6% of the violations
Electronic Logs do not give you a free pass. You are still required to accurately record your duty status (if you are in sleeper, log sleeper, not just off duty etc). You must have a spare log book in case of an E-log malfunction. You must have an instruction card to give to an officer upon request.
-
G.O.A.L.– Get Out And Look isn’t just for backing.
You can’t pre-trip the truck from the driver’s seat!
If you have any questions on a proper pre-trip see the safety department.
-
We are currently seeking an experienced Safety Coordinator to assist the Safety Department in our Grand Rapids, MI terminal. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years safety experience in the transportation industry and knowledge of FMCSR and CSA. Interested candidates, send your resume with salary history to: smaat@superservicellc.com
-
Tips for Backing
G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look before beginning any backing maneuver.
If you’re backing in a straight line, be sure you can see your target in both mirrors before you begin to back.
If your target is on the driver’s side, be sure you can track your progress in your left hand mirror.
If your target is on your blind side, be extra careful. Be sure you can track your progress in your right hand mirror.