The trucking industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy, transporting goods across vast distances and keeping supply chains moving. The office for truck drivers is their cab on the highway and the number one priority is staying safe.
Understanding the world of regulations and compliance for trucking safety is paramount, from combating driver fatigue, to vehicle maintenance, and everything in between. Fortunately, advances in technology offer promising solutions to address these hurdles, paving the way for a safer and more compliant trucking industry.
In this article we’ll explain some of the tools you should consider, and provide essential tips and strategies for integrating them into your daily operations.
Importance of working toward safer highways
The consequences of trucking accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in loss of life, severe injuries, and significant economic impacts. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes caused 4,228 fatalities in 2023 alone.
Non-compliance with regulations can lead to substantial fines, legal liabilities and irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. Adhering to strict safety standards and compliance requirements is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative for the trucking industry
While there have been efforts to improve highway safety for truck drivers in recent years, the occupation still faces significant risks. Factors like speeding, distraction, fatigue, and impairment continue to contribute to these incidents. With millions of trucks traversing highways daily, maintaining a strong safety culture and adherence to regulations remains crucial for protecting truck drivers and the motoring public.
How do truckers stay safe?
Pre-trip inspections
Performing detailed inspections of the truck and trailer before departing and periodically during trips allows drivers to identify and address any potential mechanical issues or safety hazards. Checking things like tires, brakes, lights, cargo securement, and other components can prevent breakdowns or malfunctions that could lead to crashes.
It’s crucial that these inspections happen because it prevents carriers from breakdowns and surprises during roadside inspections that could potentially shut down a carrier’s operation until the problem is solved.
Fleet management systems
Fleet management systems enable real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles, providing valuable insights into driver behavior, vehicle performance, and maintenance needs. Fleet managers can receive alerts for speeding, harsh braking, or other risky driving practices, enabling proactive intervention. Additionally, maintenance schedules can be optimized, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring compliance with inspection requirements.
Telematics
Telematics, the integration of telecommunications and informatics, plays a crucial role in enhancing safety in the trucking industry. Telematics systems use GPS and other technologies to monitor and transmit real-time data about a truck’s location, speed, idling time, and driver behavior.
This data can be analyzed to identify potential safety issues and provide valuable insights for improving driver performance and vehicle maintenance. Not only can this data be used to track driver behavior like speeding, harsh braking and other risky behavior, telematics can track issues with vehicles that alert a potential breakdown of equipment before going out on a trip, further protecting drivers.
Role of in-cab safety features
Technology for drivers
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and driver fatigue monitoring can help mitigate accidents caused by human error or fatigue. These technologies act as an extra set of eyes and ears, alerting drivers to potential hazards and reducing the risk of collisions.
Dash cams and in-cab cameras
These video recording devices provide invaluable evidence in the event of an accident or incident, allowing companies and investigators to review footage and determine the root causes. In-cab cameras can monitor drivers for signs of distraction, fatigue, or unsafe behaviors behind the wheel.
Forward and rear-facing dash cams capture road hazards, traffic violations by other vehicles, and the events leading up to a collision. The ability to review video has helped exonerate innocent truck drivers, identify critical training needs, and assist in adjusting safety protocols. These cameras are becoming standard across a majority of fleets in the U.S.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
Mandated by the FMCSA, ELDs automate the tracking and recording of drivers’ hours, eliminating the need for manual paper logs. This not only ensures compliance with HOS regulations but also reduces paperwork and provides real-time monitoring capabilities.
How to integrate trucking safety and compliance
Establish a strong safety culture
Cultivate a company culture that prioritizes safety above all else. This involves clear communication from leadership about the importance of safe practices, as well as empowering drivers to voice safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Celebrating safety milestones and recognizing drivers who have no accidents or mishaps can be a strong incentive to others in the organization.
Having an accident review board that is made of senior drivers, a safety manager and another third party can remove the stigma associated with getting into accidents and help foster a positive and honest environment.
Implement comprehensive training
Provide thorough, ongoing training that covers defensive driving techniques, hours-of-service compliance, load securement, pre/post-trip inspections, and other crucial safety protocols. Use a mix of classroom instruction, computer-based training, and hands-on exercises.
Refreshing this training at minimum annually can help keep drivers engaged and more aware on the road. It could also reduce insurance premiums.
Leverage technology and data
Utilize telematics, dash cams, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and other technologies to monitor driver performance and identify areas for improvement. Analyze data on hard braking, speeding, hours-of-service violations, and other metrics to pinpoint risky behaviors and provide targeted coaching.
Gathering data and looking for patterns of where drivers struggle can be an invaluable tool. If there is a problem with harsh braking across the organization then specific training can be created that focuses on where the drivers are struggling.
Set KPIs and metrics
Establishing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics is crucial for measuring and improving driver safety in the trucking industry. By quantifying safety performance, carriers can identify areas of concern, set targeted goals, and implement effective strategies to mitigate risks.
KPIs and metrics provide a data-driven approach to coaching and training drivers, incentivizing safe driving practices, and holding drivers accountable for their on-road behavior. Leveraging KPIs and metrics empowers carriers to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and continually enhance their safety programs, ultimately promoting a culture of safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
The future of trucking safety
The trucking industry remains complex and ever-changing in regards to trucking safety as new regulations come out on a state-by-state basis and federal regulations can change the course of business. There is one common goal in mind and that’s to create a safer and better highway for everyone.
By embracing these technological advancements and fostering a proactive mindset towards safety and compliance, the trucking industry can pave the way for a safer and more efficient future on our roads.
FAQ
Because truck drivers stay seated for long periods of time, back pain is among the most common injury risks they face. Even with good posture, regular stretching, or the use of ergonomic seat cushions, non-stop driving can contribute to pressure on the spinal column and spinal discs in the lower back.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the most common cause of workplace death is transportation accidents, which account for 40% of all on-the-job deaths. Delivery truck drivers experience nearly three times more injuries and deaths than any other occupation.
Truck drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour window before they must take a 10-hour break. This does also require drivers to take at least a 30-minute break after driving for eight hours.
The 8/2 split rule states that a driver may drive up to six hours and then take a two-hour off-duty break before driving another five hours.