Latest News
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Avoiding a rear end collision
Increase your response time by watching for brake lights several vehicles ahead. Shift your foot over the brake pedal as soon as you see brake lights ahead. Lightly tap your brakes to alert vehicles traveling behind you. Be prepared to stop.
On clear dry roads, your following distance should be at least 7 seconds. Increase this on wet, snow or ice covered roads.
Be certain all your turn indicators and brake lights are functioning properly.
Scan you mirrors often.
Don’t drive while fatigued.
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Roadcheck 2013 June 4 – June 6
Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during a 72-hour period in early June.
If you have any question regarding how to prepare for Roadcheck, please see the Safety Department.
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Myth Busting – Seat Belts
What are some of the most common reasons drivers choose not to wear seat belts?
Myth:I’m a safe driver!
Truth: That’s great! Unfortunately many people on the road are not – You know this since you see them cut you off every day on the road.
Myth: I will be safer if I am thrown for the vehicle.
Truth: You are 25 times more likely to be killed in an accident if you are thrown from the vehicle (either from the landing or from other vehicles).
Myth: I don’t want to be trapped in the vehicle if there is a fire or if I am submerged in water.
Truth: Only .5% of accidents involve water or fire in any form - In comparison 80% of accidents result in the death of the driver if they are not wearing a seat belt.
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Eye Contact
The number one reason drivers pull out in front of you, or even a pedestrian steps out in front of you, is they simply don’t know you are there. The art of defensive driving is watching others and being prepared if they rush out in front of you. That art can be made easier through the practice of eye contact.
What is eye contact? Simply put – Look at other drivers and pedestrians within your field of vision to try and make eye contact with them. If you don’t make eye contact then the safe bet is on the fact they don’t know you are there and may act on that misinformation. Be prepared if you can’t make eye contact.
Defensive driving is always critical to safely driving on the road but looking ahead and making eye contact with others can be that extra warning you need to stay safe.
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Spotlight on CSA
Unsafe Driving BASIC:
The most commonly written violations in the Unsafe Driving BASIC for Super Service drivers
- Speeding – over 55% of the violations
- Failure to obey traffic control device – 12% of the violations
- Improper lane change or lane restriction violation – 12% of the violations
- Failure to use seatbelt – 8% of the violations
- Following too close – 6% of the violations
What do all of these violations have in common? They are behaviors that an officer can observe while you are driving down the road. These “observable defects” cause a driver to be pulled over, often resulting in other violations being found during the inspection. Following all state traffic laws and always wearing your seatbelt are the first steps in having a violation free record.
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Parking
We are getting multiple incidents weekly where our equipment is getting backed into by other drivers at truck stops. Try to park where other drivers can do a straight in backing on each side of you. Avoid parking on end of rows, where other trucks will be making turns across the front of your tractor.
Try to park in the row facing the fuel pumps; these are usually pull thru lanes. You do not have to settle for the first space you find. If you do not feel safe where you are keep watching for a better space to open up and move to it. Avoid rest stops, as the large majorities are poorly planned for semi-trucks and it is too easy for someone to run over your front and make a quick getaway down a ramp.