According to the most recent statistics available from the National Safety Council, in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash. This is an 8.4% decrease from 2022 but a 43% increase in the last 10 years. Also in 2023, 114,552 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury. Large trucks … Continue reading “Claims Series Part I: Why You Should Report Trucking Accidents Immediately”
While automobiles are more frequently involved in accidents, trucks, particularly larger trucks, are associated with more severe outcomes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, resulting in 5,472 deaths. Of these fatalities, 70% were passenger vehicle occupants, 18% were truck occupants, and 12% … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Part IX: Accident Trends”
In this article of our defensive driving series, we cover the importance of implementing regular vehicle inspections. Vehicle inspections are a preventive safety strategy and a cornerstone of defensive driving, with each inspection an opportunity to reduce risk, improve driver confidence, and control insurance costs. Why Vehicle Inspections Are Critical Prevent Failures Before They Happen: … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part IV: Vehicle Inspections”
A safe transport trip doesn’t end with good driving. It also depends on how the cargo is handled before, during, and after transportation. Defensive driving training should involve teaching truckers the skills to load, secure, and protect cargo in a way that prevents damage, loss, and theft. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can compromise vehicle … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part III: Cargo Handling & Security”
In addition to mastering safe driving skills, professional truck drivers must navigate a complex web of regulations designed to protect drivers, the public, and the integrity of the transportation industry. Defensive driving training should go beyond behind-the-wheel skills to include a strong foundation in regulatory compliance. In the following article of our “Defensive Driving” series, … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers”
Part of an ongoing series on improving road safety through driver education Safety is a top priority in the trucking industry. With large vehicles operating for extended periods and covering thousands of miles, defensive driving training plays a crucial role in reducing accidents, protecting lives, and safeguarding company assets. This is the first article in … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training in the Trucking Industry”
The trucking industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and telematics to help manage risk and reduce Liability insurance costs. AI-driven telematics tracks trucks and other assets using GPS technology and onboard diagnostics (OBD) to plot their movements on a digital map. The data can reveal key insights, including speeding incidents, hard braking and sudden … Continue reading “The Road Ahead with AI and Telematics in Trucking Insurance”
While taking driving precautions is critical to preventing accidents, truckers also have to minimize their risk of injury when lifting cargo. According to the Department of Labor, of overexertion injuries to delivery truck drivers, 40% were due to lifting containers, and 34% were due to lifting or lowering objects. Following are some proper lifting techniques … Continue reading “Safe Lifting Tips for Truckers”
Supervisors overseeing CDL drivers must undergo mandatory training to recognize signs of drug and alcohol misuse and comply with FMCSA and USDOT regulations. Training ensures your team maintains road safety and fulfills federal requirements. Supervisor Training Requirements Employers must ensure that all personnel assigned to supervise drivers (CDL) obtain at least 60 minutes of alcohol … Continue reading “Are You in Compliance with Mandatory DOT Supervisor Training for CDL Drivers?”
With the sun setting comes additional risks for truckers driving at night. Visibility is reduced, making it more challenging to see the road, other vehicles, and obstacles. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can all be compromised in the dark. The glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can also temporarily blind a driver. … Continue reading “On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers”
