February 2003 - For Safety's Sake
February 2003 - For Safety's Sake
This slogan gets your attention
quickly, but not as fast as the dangers involved with large truck crashes involving
fatalities. In 2001, there were 5,082 large truck fatalities. Over 131,000 people
were injured that same year in crashes involving big rigs. Truth is, when it
comes to car-truck crashes, the bigger vehicle usually wins. In this case, size
does matter.
Many factors contribute to these results. Driving conditions, road conditions,
excessive speed, tailgating, drivers not wearing seat belts, driver distractions
and poorly maintained vehicles are just a few of the issues that play a part
in these staggering statistics. Both car and truck drivers need to understand
the roles they can play in reducing these often deadly truck-car crashes on
our streets and highways. Both independent truckers and commercial carriers
should be aware of these statistics and stress the importance of reducing these
types of crashes by educating themselves and/or their drivers how to operate
their truck safely around smaller cars.
The “Size Matters” slogan makes you laugh at first, but truly conveys the effects
of the size of large trucks and their impact on safe driving. One of the goals
of our “Size Matters for Safe Driving – Reducing Car and Truck Crashes” campaign
is to ensure that motorists understand that trucks have large blind spots. The
efforts to promote this safety issue include classroom training, public awareness,
audits and safety evaluations, roadside inspections and concentrated traffic
enforcement of cars and trucks.
According to the USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35%
of all truck-related car fatalities occur in a trucker’s blind spot. In addition,
speeding, distractions and aggressive driving by car drivers contribute to truck
crashes. Obviously, both car and truck drivers should be aware of these problems
and adjust their driving habits to improve everyone’s safety on the road.
Law enforcement is also important. Addressing the problems of aggressive driving
and distracted driving is a crucial piece to this safety puzzle. But no matter
who causes an accident between a truck and car, the fact remains that an 80,000
lb. truck will do a lot of damage (if not kill) when involved in an accident.
Size does matter!
Following are some simple tips for safe driving. Since this problem has causes
on both sides, we have provided some tips specifically for car drivers and tips
specifically for truck drivers. But whether you drive a car or a truck it would
benefit you to read both, because understanding comes best when you know what
both sides are up against.
TIPS FOR CAR DRIVERS
1) Don’t Cut in Front of
Trucks. Trucks leave extra room behind the vehicles they follow because it takes
them longer to stop. If you move into that space you place yourself and others
at risk.
2) Stay Out of the “No-Zone”. A truck has large blind spots (called The No-Zone)
in front, back, and along the sides of the vehicle. If you are in the No-Zone
and a truck driver has to suddenly change lanes, they may not see your car.
Don’t hang out in The No-Zone.
3) Avoid Tailgating. If you can’t see a truck’s mirrors, chances are the truck
driver can’t see you. Also, if you follow too closely, you may not have time
to react to changing conditions like an accident or roadway debris. All trucks
have under ride bumpers to protect automobile drivers, but if you rear-end a
truck, you will still lose.
4) Wear Your Seat Belt. Buckling your seat belt is the number one thing you
can do to save your life in a crash. A seat belt can help you stay in your seat
and keep control of the car. The safest place for children is in the back seat,
buckled up or in a car seat.
5) Cut Down on Distractions. Talking on your cell phone, eating lunch, reading
the newspaper and playing with your kids are things that are best done outside
of your car. While you are behind the wheel, driving should be your main focus.
6) Drive Defensively. Avoid aggressive driving and maintain a safe speed. Two-thirds
of all traffic fatalities involve aggressive drivers. The only thing excessive
speed and aggressiveness increases are your chance for a crash.
TIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS
1) Always Keep Your Distance. Be sure
to leave enough room between you and the car in front of you. Large trucks need
up to five times the stopping distance of a car. Take advantage of your increased
sight distance and anticipate possible changes in traffic flow.
2) Slow Down in Work Zones. Watch out for work zones. Stay alert. Nearly one-third
of work zone fatalities involve large trucks. Take time going through work zones
and obey posted speed limits. Give yourself plenty of room to react, and always
expect the unexpected.
3) Take Care of Yourself. Eat well, stay fit and get plenty of rest before driving.
Driver fatigue and distractions can significantly increase your risk of a crash.
Driving tired is dangerous and can threaten your livelihood and even your life.
Don’t drive tired!
4) Be Aware of Your No-Zone. Other drivers may not be aware of the size of your
blind spots. Adjust your mirrors and be vigilant in watching out for vehicles
in the No-Zone.
5) Always Maintain Your Vehicle. Inspecting your vehicle and checking your brakes
before each trip can save your life. Brake defects are the most commonly cited
out-of-service
violation. Learn how to inspect your brakes, identify defects and get them repaired
before risking your life and others.
6) Work to Improve Highway Safety. Always be professional! Help notify law enforcement
of crashes, unsafe drivers, poor road conditions and other situations that could
lead to a crash. Help keep the roads safe for everyone. Be a part of the solution
– not a part of the problem. Act like a professional and you will be treated
as such.
Copyright ©
2003 10-4 Magazine and Tenfourmagazine.com
PO Box 7377 Huntington Beach, CA, 92615 tel. (714) 378-9990 fax (714)
962-8506