SafeStat results as of January 27, 2006, Trailwood had an Inspection Selection System (ISS) recommendation of ‘42’ which is passing.  Broken down there was 0 DOT recordable accidents; 1 driver placed out of service for log violations and 0 vehicles placed out of service for equipment violations.  Our SEA (Safety Evaluation Areas) ratings for the past 30 months were: accident 29.49%; driver O/S 62.74% and vehicle O/S 25.14%.  These numbers attribute for the acceptable ISS score of 42.  (We need to be below 50 to be in the "Not Recommended for Inspection" category).

While an ISS score of 42 is within the "pass" range we have noticed an upward trend in the last couple of months.  In October & November it was 38, in December 39 and now in January 42 (quite a significant jump).  What has driven this up is Out of Service Violations that either are written to you, the driver or are for vehicles places out of service.  By way of review, it is your responsibility as the professional driver to make sure that you are inspecting and writing up equipment that is considered unsafe as well as having your log books "up to snuff".  If you are unsure of how the new Hours of Service work, please see Karen to discuss. 

 Keep up the good work otherwise.

STOP

Critical Crashes

                                                                            Great West Casualty

Safe Following Distance

Driving in traffic poses many dangers.  With so much going on around your truck, it can be difficult to concentrate on driving protectively.  When you lose your concentration a crash can occur.  A single crash can cost many thousands of dollars not to mention the emotional distress involved.  These crashes can result in serious bodily injuries and extensive property damage.  In many cases, these crashes could have been prevented by maintaining a safe following distance.

 

It is a known fact that driving at higher speeds increases the chance of injuring or killing someone.  A greater following distance can mean the difference between life and death.  You must do everything in your power to maintain a safe following distance at all times.  The following tips will help you achieve a safe and manageable following distance.

 

• Maintain at lease a six-second following distance.  Under normal highway-driving conditions it is important that you keep at least a six-second cushion between you and the other vehicles around you.  Sometimes six seconds is not enough.  In adverse weather/road conditions, additional seconds will need to be added.

 

• Drive within or under the speed limit.  In heavy traffic try this: reduce speed to 3-5 mph below the speed of traffic.  Cars will cut in front; however, as this happens, they will continue to move away, i.e., the cars will increase your following distance.

 

• Check brake systems and adjust as necessary.  Test the brakes for proper stopping before starting a trip to assure yourself that your brakes are adjusted properly.  Learn how to determine if the air system is operating satisfactorily and check to make sure that low air warning devices are functioning correctly.