Worst Drivers in the Country
April 6, 2014
Drivers who cross state lines might notice the learning curve. Some states have crazier drivers, some have more careless drivers, and some have dangerously fast or dangerously slow drivers. Well, this story over at USA Today covers the states with the worst drivers in the nation for 2013:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/15/worst-drivers-states/4025109/
Roundabouts or 4-Way Stops?
April 6, 2014
Which do you prefer? The roundabout is considered more efficient, and even safer. However, 4-Way stops are the American way. Read this interesting article and join the debate:
http://blog.jafrum.com/2013/10/28/roundabouts-or-4-way-stops-what-is-your-preferred-method/
Back it Up
April 6, 2014
The first time you drive a big rig is going to be a ton of fun, but it’s also going to humbling, difficult and downright embarrassing at times. One of the most challenging training days for a rookie will be the day you hit the backing range. To help you prepare, read this hilarious blog post written by a trucker who has been there:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-3714/learning-to-back-up-a-truck
Job Hunting 101: Comparing Truck Driving Companies
April 6, 2014
If you’re a new trucker excited about starting a new career, then it’s about time to learn the art of the job hunt. This guide will help you wade through the nonsense and find the best factors to consider when comparing different truck driving companies.
1. Compare metrics. Compare quantifiable metrics, such as mileage pay, average miles per week, benefits, home time, equipment, pay raises, opportunities, type of freight, bonuses, etc.
2. Ignore online rants. Working truck drivers typically don’t have time to go on the internet and complain about their employers. But, you know who has plenty of time on their hands? People who were fired or quit. Although some of the opinions you find online may have a grain of truth to them, you can bet a fair amount of comments are based on a biased perspective – that of a disgruntled former employee that couldn’t hold a job.
3. Find cold, hard facts. Rather than looking on forums, blogs, social media and other rant-prone sites, search for your company in the news. Make sure they aren’t going bankrupt, breaking the law, or exploiting their drivers.
4. Talk to truckers in the real world. If you want a real opinion about a potential company, then go to a truck stop and talk to the fine folks driving their trucks. Happy drivers will have plenty of good things to say, and since a lot of people don’t enjoy their jobs, you’re sure to hear the bad and the ugly as well. Talking to real truckers face-to-face will provide much more valuable information than anything you can find online.
Once you have done your homework, you’ll be ready to start your new career in a job that you’re sure to love. Just remember that you are a rookie, and you may have to work a little harder in the beginning to prove yourself. After you’ve paid your dues, you’ll become a valuable employee that they’ll never want to let go of.
Comments on Electronic Logging Devices
April 5, 2014
The fine folks at Overdrive Magazine look at the mixed positive and negative comments regarding mandated Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). Truck drivers have been debating the issue on open forums, public dockets and websites for months now, and the staff at Overdrive have heard their voices loud and clear. See the full article here:
http://www.overdriveonline.com/eld-rule-public-comments-mixed-with-renewed-focus-on-hours-rule/
Tractor-Trailer Safety Improvements
April 5, 2014
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released recommendations to improve safety standards of tractor-trailers. In a letter to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), the NTSB included research results on tractor-trailer collisions, citing both issues and ways to mitigate them. See the full letter here:
http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/recletters/2014/H-14-001-007.pdf
Truck Driving School Guarantees Good Jobs
April 4, 2014
If you’re looking for a truck driving school that guarantees jobs at respectable companies, then the MATC truck driving program might be a great fit. Students who graduated from this program were all hired right out of school, and by really good employers such as the Yellow Roadway Corporation, Schneider National and Con-way. See the full story here:
Complexity of Trucker Crashes
April 3, 2014
There has been a lot of focus on HOS (Hours of Service) and EOBR (Electronic On Board Recorders), both legislative acts aimed at reducing driver fatigue. However, fatigue is not the only, or even the biggest, cause of commercial vehicle accidents. In fact, the Department of Transportation (DOT) found that fatigue accounted for crashes just 1.4% of the time, and 60% of the time no driver was at fault. So, what other factors are we not considering here?
Well, here’s a quick list of crash causes found by the DOT:
Poor vehicle maintenance. This can lead to issues such as tire blowouts, brake problems, engine failures, etc.
Poor training. While most drivers have received training, there is no national standard for entry-level training. Many crashes are caused by improper truck maneuvering, such as turning and passing through intersections.
Other drivers. As distracted driving and cell phone use become a larger issue, truckers have to share the road with more and more bad drivers.
Road debris. Objects on the road can cause drivers to swerve or get a flat tire.
Poor road maintenance. Road damage such as potholes can damage tires and shocks, as well as shift cargo.
Shifting cargo. This can cause changes in weight distribution and driving dynamics.
Vehicles stopped on the road. Whether a car has broken down, an accident has occurred or traffic has suddenly come to a stop, commercial truck drivers caught off guard may not have enough time or distance to bring their big rig to a stop.
While there are a lot of reasons for truck driver crashes, as well as a lot of legislation attempting to prevent commercial vehicle crashes, the reality is that we all just need to drive safer and saner. Keeping a safe distance, respecting other vehicles on the road, avoiding distractions, resisting road rage and following all the traffic laws in place will help make our national highway system safer.