Five safety rules every trucker should follow

Safety standards in the US trucking industry were considered archaic until the recent CSA 2010 standards went into effect on December 11, 2010. Trucking, by its very nature, has its risks and involves a variety of physical and mental challenges.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported to Congress in November 2005 data covering a 33-month period on large truck accidents. The analysis suggested that 87% of these crashes were related to driver error. It was clear that there was a pressing need to review existing safety standards and that they would need to be updated. With this in mind and in order to increase safety related to the trucking industry, five safety rules have been recommended that every truck driver should follow.

First rule. You need your registration permit and license to obtain your cargo tank number from the FMCSA to be properly registered. This is the Federal Government agency tasked with maintaining data on the safety of truck driving operations in the US If you are transporting hazardous material, additional records are required to comply with safety regulations.

Second rule. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the Hours of Service (HOS) for commercial drivers in the United States. Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers must not work more than 11 cumulative hours driving in a 14-hour window. This must be followed by a rest period of at least 10 hours. In addition to this, truckers employed by carriers on a day-to-day basis must not work more than 70 hours with a work period of 8 consecutive days. Drivers are also required to keep a daily log book to keep track of work and rest times. These records must be presented to officials upon request.

Third rule. The safety regulations established by the Federal Government are mandatory and must be observed by truckers at all times. It is essential that you know the rules of road transport and road safety rules to avoid breaking truck driving laws and endangering other road users.

Fourth Rule. Truckers will know they will be tested for alcohol and drug abuse. (DUI). Truckers know the consequences of breaking this basic trucking regulation. They could lose their job and livelihood.

Fifth Rule. Accidents will happen on the roads. When it comes to hazardous material spills, truck drivers need to be fully equipped in every way to deal with the spill. In a chaotic accident, the truck driver should already know who to contact and what to do. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) provides helpful guidance regarding this aspect of truck driving.

These rules are basic common sense for the safety of all who use the highways. Keep them safe, stay safe.