Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Five ProDriver Steps to Safely Cross Railroad Tracks

1. Eliminate distractions. Turn off noisy fans and radios. Look and listen carefully for trains.
2. Stop safely. Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the crossing.
3. Look carefully in both directions for approaching trains before crossing. If your view is obstructed, do not attempt to cross. Look both ways twice before proceeding.
4. Know the law. Trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop at all crossings unless an “Exempt” sign is posted.
5. Cross without hesitation. Once you begin crossing, continue without stopping. If your vehicle becomes stuck or stalls on the tracks, evacuate immediately and call the number on the blue and white sign. Provide the crossing identification number so the railroad can locate you.

Note: Refer to state and local laws, as well as company policies, for additional information.

Know Your Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals

Additional Recommendations for Navigating Train Crossings:

Trains and trucks don’t mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.

• The train you see is closer and moving faster than it appears. Wait for it to pass completely before crossing.
• Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train traveling at 55 mph can take a mile or more (about 18 football fields) to stop after brakes are applied.
• Never drive around lowered gates — it’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal malfunction, call the 1-800 number posted near the crossing or contact local law enforcement.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks. Proceed only when you are certain you can completely clear the crossing. Remember, trains are approximately three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
• If your vehicle stalls on the tracks and a train is approaching, exit immediately and move away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming. This prevents injury from flying debris. Then call local law enforcement for assistance.
• At multiple-track crossings, always check for a second train coming from either direction before proceeding.
• Only cross at designated crossings. Look both ways and cross quickly without stopping. Never stop closer than 15 feet from the rails.
• Always expect a train! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
• If you get stuck on the tracks, exit your vehicle, call the 800 number posted at the crossing, or contact local police to alert the railroad of your position.

(Information provided by Operation Lifesaver.)

About Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a national non-profit safety education organization dedicated to eliminating deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights-of-way. The organization operates in all 50 states with trained and certified presenters who provide free safety talks to community groups, school bus drivers, truck drivers, and student drivers.

For more information, or to request a free safety presentation, visit www.oli.org.

To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:

• Focus on your driving. A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what’s happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their vehicle are working properly.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They may be dropping off children.
• If you’re driving a group of children but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• If you’re driving to a Halloween party, put your mask on after you park the car.

Parents can help motorists, too:

• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks, and dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street — look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick-or-treat.

Safely Getting In or Out of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Now is a good time to remind drivers to follow the Three-Point Rule when getting in and out of their trucks. During the winter months, footing conditions are often compromised, and the chance of slipping or falling increases.

The Three-Point Rule simply means keeping three of your four contact points (hands and feet) secured at all times to prevent slips and falls.

For example, when exiting a truck:

• Keep one hand on the cab handle,
• One hand on the interior door handle, and
• One foot on a step while the other foot is in transition.

By doing this, you always maintain three points of contact.

The enforcement campaign is part of Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place throughout August.

During this week, law enforcement officers in Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be watching for both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers who are engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, including:

• Speeding

• Distracted driving

• Following too closely

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Other reckless or dangerous actions

Drivers observed engaging in these behaviors will be pulled over and may receive a warning or citation.

Focus Area: Reckless, Careless, and Dangerous Driving

This year’s campaign will place special emphasis on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving:

• Reckless driving: Willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property

• Careless/dangerous driving: Operating a vehicle without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others on the road

The Need for Action

Traffic crash data highlights the urgency of this initiative:

• U.S.: 42,514 fatalities in 2022 (NHTSA)

• Canada: 1,931 motor vehicle deaths in 2022 (Transport Canada)

• Mexico: 15,979 road deaths in 2022

Operation Safe Driver Week aims to reduce these alarming numbers by targeting unsafe driving behaviors that lead to crashes.

Education and Outreach

In addition to enforcement, the initiative includes robust driver education efforts. CVSA offers:

• Resources for teen and new drivers

• Tools and materials for commercial motor vehicle operators

• Public service announcement videos available for download and distribution

For more information and resources, visit the CVSA Operation Safe Driver Program page.

This annual initiative is a high-visibility, high-volume enforcement event focused on commercial motor vehicle inspections and regulatory compliance across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

During the 72-hour period, CVSA-certified law enforcement officials will conduct inspections at weigh stations, temporary inspection sites, and through mobile patrols. These inspections are designed to verify compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. The data collected will be analyzed and shared later this summer.

The following communication devices are part of your “execution arsenal”:

• Turn signals should be used to let other drivers know that you are turning, changing lanes, pulling out of a parking space, or pulling out from the curb. You should signal at least four seconds before you plan to take action.
• Emergency signals should be used to warn other drivers that you are experiencing vehicle trouble or when you must park on the shoulder of the roadway due to an emergency. This serves as a warning to other drivers to give you more space.
• The horn should be tapped lightly when trying to gain the attention of another driver or pedestrian. It should not be used to vent frustration at other drivers’ actions.
• Headlights: Many new trucks have daytime running lights that turn on automatically, helping other drivers see you. You can flash your lights at oncoming traffic to warn them of dangers ahead, such as accidents or obstructions in the roadway

Step 1: Prepare Your Truck for Winter Driving
Tires are the most important factor in maintaining control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. Traction tires on the drive axle(s) with adequate tread depth provide the best control. The tread depth and condition of the steer axle tires are also crucial for maintaining control of steering. If you are operating in areas with chain laws, ensure your chains are in good condition and ready to be installed if necessary. Additionally, make sure that all mirrors and glass on the truck are clean for optimal visibility.

Step 2: Turn Your Lights On
Turn on your lights to improve your visibility to other motorists.

Step 3: Avoid Using Cruise Control
Do not use cruise control on snowy or icy roads.

Step 4: Be Cautious on Bridges, Overpasses, and Infrequently Traveled Roads
Exercise extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads, as these areas freeze first. Even if the temperature is above freezing, you may encounter ice on shaded areas or exposed roadways, such as bridges.

Step 5: Don’t “Pump” the Brakes
If your truck is equipped with ABS brakes, do not "pump" the brakes. Let the system function as designed.

Step 6: Drive Slowly
Driving too quickly is a leading cause of winter accidents. Just because you are driving a large truck with a heavy load doesn't make you invincible. Be sure to drive slowly and cautiously on snow- and ice-covered roads.

Step 7: Stay Alert
Maneuvering is more challenging in snowy conditions. Anticipate your next move, giving yourself plenty of room for turns and stops.

Step 8: Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is dangerous under normal conditions, but it is especially hazardous in winter weather. Stopping takes longer on snow and ice compared to dry pavement. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to maintain four vehicle lengths for every 10 mph you are driving.

Step 9: Brake Before Making Turns
It is difficult to steer while applying the brakes in snowy conditions. Smoothly apply the brakes to reduce speed before entering a turn. Once you have rounded the corner, you can accelerate again.

Step 10: Drive Smoothly
Snowy and icy roads are much less forgiving than dry pavement. Avoid abrupt turns or stops, as they can cause your vehicle to lose control and skid.

Step 11: Be Familiar with Your Vehicle
It’s essential to understand your vehicle's handling characteristics, especially when driving on snow or ice. Be aware of your truck’s load and weight. As the load decreases, the vehicle’s handling on snow and ice will change.

Step 12: Learn How to Control Skids
While it’s best to practice skid control in a driving school or on a closed course, it’s also helpful to know how to react if you experience a skid under real-world conditions. When skidding, counteract your natural instincts by turning into the skid and accelerating gently. Taking your foot off the brakes and gently accelerating during a skid helps transfer weight from the front to the rear, often allowing you to regain control.

For additional information on weather and road conditions, visit the FHWA's website at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm, which provides links to weather and road condition resources, travel websites, and 511 services.

Here are some tips for drivers to prevent this type of damage:

• When you call your customer for directions to their facility, keep in mind that the person giving you directions drives there every day in a car. They may not realize that the bridges and overpasses you will encounter might not be high enough for your truck. Specifically ask if the directions they provided are on a truck route and if there are any low clearances. Regardless of the information you receive, proceed with caution, as you are the one responsible for any damage caused.
• Overhead clearances are often posted in advance of most underpasses and tunnels, but be aware that new asphalt may have been laid on the road, reducing clearance by a couple of inches. Stay alert for road construction near underpasses, bridges, and tunnels.
• Just because other trucks are passing through doesn't mean your truck will fit under the bridge, tunnel, etc.
• If a marked or unmarked overpass looks low, slow down immediately, turn on your four-way flashers, and carefully approach the overpass. Stop and check your actual clearance.
• Many bridges and overpasses are not perfectly straight; the sides are often lower than the center. If possible, cross under in the inside lane.
• If you can, check the road elevation on the other side of the bridge. A sharp incline or decline could cause trouble. You may fit under the bridge while entering, but as you exit, the body or trailer could be pushed up into the bridge due to the change in road elevation.
• In winter, snow and ice on the roadway can reduce the clearance enough to cause damage.
• If you find you cannot proceed through a low overhead and traffic is congested around you, it’s better to call the police for assistance in backing out of the situation. Backing against traffic to maneuver could cause an accident.

Fuel Additive Use during Cold Weather Conditions

To prevent fuel jelling, additives should be added whenever the ambient temperature falls below 32°F. Power Service and Penray are two popular manufacturers of fuel additives, each offering a range of products available through Navistar and Idealease locations.

Power Service:

• The "Red Bottle," known as Power Service 911, should be used only when the fuel in a unit has already jelled.
• 911 is NOT to be used as a fuel additive that you would regularly put in the fuel tank to keep the fuel from jelling.
• Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement + Cetane "White Bottle" is to be added to the fuel at each fill when the ambient temperature is < 30 degrees F.
• This is the additive you should use on a regular basis during the winter months.

Penray:

Winter Than Emergency Diesel Fuel Supplement

• Dissolves already gelled fuel fast and reduces clogging of fuel filters. Prevents ice crystal build-up in fuel lines and filters by disbursing moisture.
• Eliminates hard starting, pounding, excessive smoking and helps improve combustion. 100% compatible with low sulfur fuel and fuel blends.

Winter Pow-R Plus Diesel Fuel Supplement

• ULSD compliant
• Prevents diesel fuel gelling
• Prevents ice crystal formation
• Reduces cold filter plug point by up to 30 degrees
• Enhances cetane levels
• Improves fuel economy
• Utilizes HAFI® technology
• Aids cold weather starting
• Stabilizes fuel and prevents corrosion
• Helps reduce emissions
• Improves lubricity

How to Make a Cold Weather Survival Kit

Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in their truck. In an emergency, it could save your life. Here is what you need:

• A shovel
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered radio
• Water
• Snack food including energy bars, raisins, and mini candy bars
• Cold Weather Survival Kit
• Matches and small candles
• Disposable Hand/Foot warmers
• Extra hats, socks and mittens
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
• Booster cables
• Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter and or extra battery supply

The International S13 Integrated Powertrain Mobile Training Tour began on April 2 and will visit Tri-County International Trucks on August 20. To date, the trailers have visited more than 48 dealer locations, trained more than 486 sales professionals, and educated more than 1,311 customers.

Doug Bradley on the Sales Enablement team was the key architect behind the S13 trailer tour with input and support from numerous stakeholders across Navistar. The preparation for the tour began in 2022 and encompassed:

1. Designing and selecting a vendor to build the trailers.
2. Selecting drivers and facilitators.
3. Developing the learning content and training facilitators.
4. Managing the logistics to visit more than 100 locations across North America.

During the customer portion of the ongoing training, a mix of fleet owners, state and municipal highway superintendents and technicians, dealers, and other customers are given the chance to explore the advanced powertrain and its components hands-on.

When walking through the training trailers, various components of the S13 engine, T14 transmission, and dual-stage aftertreatment system are highlighted so customers and dealer sales professionals could learn more about the intentional design of the powertrain. International subject matter experts and sales professionals are on-hand to provide interactive training exercises for dealer sales professionals and fleet end users. And the key part of it all is that at some locations customers had the chance to get behind the wheel and experience the powertrain’s performance first-hand.

Dealer Sales Professionals Weigh In

Since the start of the tour, Navistar’s Sales Enablement team has been collecting feedback from International dealer principals and sales professionals. Overall, dealers are very satisfied with the training, noting that the tour is a positive representation of both their dealerships and Navistar. They also indicated that the training equipped them with the information needed to inform customers about the benefits of the S13 Integrated Powertrain.

Pliler International, for instance, said: “We really enjoyed the training/trainers/trailer, etc. All the guys received great takeaways, gave them confidence to sell the product, and generated some excitement behind the new powertrain. Also, it proved to be extremely beneficial to showcase to the customers!”

A representative from Rechtien International Trucks said: "What I really like is the T14 transmission. It's going to crush competition product line, especially in the line-haul application."

Kyrish Truck Centers of Houston pointed out that they would have had more customers attend if they had a better understanding of how impactful the training was going to be. This is the “best training that Navistar has had in years,” according to Kyrish.

Waters Truck and Tractor in Columbus, Mississippi, provided some constructive feedback, calling for better planning, communication, and coordination among the trainers and back-office staff.

“There was some disconnect in communication between back-office staff and the dealership and the trainers. It worked out, but that could have been better,” Waters noted.

“I liked that it was hands-on training, that we weren't just watching a slideshow or a video,” Waters added. “I like how the instructors kept it entertaining and informative. The component breakdown was very helpful.”

Customers Tout Fuel Efficiency, Performance

During one stop at International dealer Arkel Motors in New Windsor, New York, current and potential customers in the area stopped by the dealership to explore the S13 Integrated training trailer and have their questions answered. Arkel Motors is an authorized, full-service International dealer located in the southeastern part of the state. The dealership carries the complete line of new International trucks, tractors, and chassis, as well as a full inventory of used trucks, full-service leasing, and rental trucks.

Keith Watts, a third-party consultant for Navistar, who helps facilitate training events like last summer’s S13 Bootcamp, and is one of four facilitators assigned to the S13 Training Trailer Tour, has ensured the training is consistent on both units going around North America. Keith explained that the point of this training is to educate the sales professionals on the components of the S13 engine, T14 transmission and dual-stage aftertreatment, and how these components contribute to superior operating economy, stellar performance, simplicity, and serviceability. This information helps sales professionals develop talking points based on their customers' “hot button” needs and enhance their credibility when talking to current and prospective customers.

“It’s about pulling off valve covers and explaining to people along the tour why we don’t have certain parts anymore,” Keith said. “They are seeing what we have simplified and why.”

“The S13 Integrated powertrain is new to this market, but not the world,” Keith added. “Truckers here know that Scania is synonymous with quality, and I am hearing them embrace this powertrain.”

One International customer who attended the Arkel Motors event is Dane Mannese. Dane owns Mannese Distribution in Milton, New York, and runs a fleet of International HX 520 Series trucks that haul general freight across five states in the Northeastern part of the U.S. Mannese’s less-than-truckload freight operations generally run about 85,000 lb. of loaded weight every day.

This summer, Dane ran the Arkel Motors rental LT equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain to compare with the fuel usage he sees in his current fleet powered by a competitor’s engines. He was immediately impressed by the early fuel savings he experienced with the S13 Integrated Powertrain.

“We run the same lanes and I see the report at the end of every day,” Dane said. “When my drivers leave, my computer tells me how many miles the truck had on it. And when they fill up, the computer tells me how many miles the truck has. I get immediate reports to my phone, and when I saw the S13 numbers, I texted my Arkel rental representative and said, ‘I think something’s wrong. This truck is getting 8.8 MPG today.’ Then, I ran it again the next day and it got 9 MPG.”

Dane added that a typical run to Allentown, Pennsylvania, from Milton, New York, takes 43 gallons of diesel for every truck in his fleet. With the S13 Integrated, the run took just 28 gallons.

When it comes to purchasing, however, although Dane said he is impressed with the fuel savings the S13 Integrated Powertrain delivers, he needs to make sure that savings will outweigh vehicle depreciation when it comes to resale value or any other potential loss that can occur on the backend.

“I’m curious about what International is offering for the S13 warranty,” Dane said. “My fleet doesn’t do all that much mileage, so we have been doing the Cummins six-year, 600,000-mile warranties. We have been selling the truck after about four years, with a little more than 200,000 miles on the warranty left for the resale. Someone is more apt to buy a four-year-old truck with 200,000 miles still covered than they are with a truck that’s got no miles covered.”

Although Dane had already tested the S13 Integrated Powertrain, he attended the mobile training tour at Arkel Motors to learn more about vocational offerings and warranties for the product.

Another potential customer, James Vananden, owner-operator of JVE Trucking, was also interested in spec’ing the S13 Integrated Powertrain for the HX Series. He hauls products like stone and topsoil via a 48-ft. drop-deck flatbed and needs the power the HX 520 offers. That said, James tested the rental LT to see what the S13 Integrated Powertrain was all about.

“I’ve been at this 37 years and I am set in my ways,” James said. “I have driven them all—name an engine. That truck right there [he pointed to the LT equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain]—it’s the engine and transmission combined—I have never driven anything in my life with an engine brake that good. Ever.”

Brake Safety Week is a commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative, a brake-safety awareness and outreach opportunity, and a brake-related inspection and violation data-collection project.

Inspection and Enforcement
CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct routine commercial motor vehicle inspections throughout the week, with a focus on brake systems and components. Any commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations will be removed from roadways until those violations are corrected.

For this year’s Brake Safety Week, inspectors will focus on the condition of brake linings and pads. Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.

In addition, some jurisdictions have performance-based brake testers (PBBT) and will be using them during Brake Safety Week. A PBBT is a machine that assesses the braking performance of a vehicle.

This time of year presents its own set of challenges for professional and casual drivers alike, as the start of May brings the beginning of the deadliest driving season of the year (through September).

Our anticipation of early ETAs and easy miles can quickly be put in check by construction, breakdowns, and extreme weather. So, when you’re planning for the road ahead, it’s worth taking a moment to refresh your memory on tips, best practices, and safe strategies for driving and arriving with all your pieces in place.

It helps to be prepared—physically, mentally, and mechanically.

d = rt

Not to get all algebraic on you, but while distance may equal rate times time, the rate at which you travel and the time you take to do it can be affected by factors beyond your control—decreasing your rate and increasing the distance and time to reach your destination.

Map your route with a GPS-based travel app to give yourself an idea of the time it’ll take to get where you’re going and what delays you can expect along the way. Wherever there is construction and/or an accident you can see it plain as day and adjust your path in real time.

Even with the most meticulous planning, once you hit the road things can change quickly. Conditions can degrade from moment to moment and it’s always a great idea to anticipate and expect the unexpected to happen—the key to defensive driving.

Safety Is an Attitude

While traffic fatalities have been declining recently—the latest estimate for 2023 is more than 40,000—drivers are at risk more frequently, racking up a 2.1% increase in total miles driven.

And when you factor in more than 2 million life-altering injuries happening each year, it’s clear that any improvement in compliance, good habits and etiquette will have a profound effect on each of our lives.

No matter which mode of transportation you regularly use, please take a few minutes to brush up and read through the FMCSA’s tips for trucks and buses, passenger vehicles, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.

As part of the overall Our Roads, Our Safety campaign, the FMCSA also offers valuable resourcees focusing on different elements of safe travel—speeding, distracted driving, work zones, seat belts, and health for drivers.

It’s Up to All of Us

Practicing road safety isn’t just a legal issue—it’s also a matter of respect and etiquette that is well worth being aware of because over the past decade, road rage related shooting incidents have surged over 400%!

Whether we are driving to make an on-time delivery or to have a great time at the beach—whatever the reason—we all deserve to arrive safely by being smart, taking care, and respectfully sharing the roads with each other.

Today, over the next few weeks, and throughout the year, we enthusiastically encourage you to read, print, post, and forward the valuable information in the links above—share it freely with your team, your teens, your partners, and your parents so that everyone arrives uneventfully!

With rental vehicles from Idealease of Detroit & Flint, you can handle a short-term peak in your business, or rent extra trucks when your vehicles are in the shop. Idealease of Detroit & Flint helps you meet your customers’ expectations with the right truck rental for the job—when you need it. We provide flexible daily, weekly, or monthly rental programs tailored to fit your needs. Visit our rentals page.

We're excited to offer sleeper and day cab demos featuring the new S13 engine and T14 automated transmission. These cutting-edge components work in unison to deliver superior fuel economy. Contact us today to schedule a free, one-week test drive and experience the power of innovation firsthand. Call (313) 584-7090, or click here to schedule a test drive.

 

Katheryn started as a cashier at Tri-County International Trucks. She did so well with the customers at the front office that she was transitioned to service administrator, and recently was promoted to service advisor. She now handles all big accounts, along with Idealease of Detroit/Flint. She does all of the Cummins and International warranties and can look up parts for technicians.

Most of the large customers will only call Katheryn on her cell phone. They love the communication level she has with them, so much so that she has received Excellent Service in all the customer reviews. If we cannot get a part, she takes the initiative to contact their service departments to see if they can help expedite getting the truck repaired in a timely manner. She has stepped up as our top service advisor. Large fleet customers come to her for her knowledge of truck issues; she knows a lot about the trucks due to doing all of the warranties for Cummins and International. Customers only want to talk to her, and most of the trust is due to the continuous communication she has with the customers all day long. Katheryn takes care of most of the 360 documentation daily to keep her customers aware. She is willing to stay in constant contact with management via e-mail or face-to-face on all the situations that she has going on with the customers so that we stay in the loop.

She is a team player, she is willing to help anyone in the office, and she is willing to help when the afternoon service advisor takes a vacation. She helps the parts department as well as any of the techs who need her to look up warranties or parts if they are busy. Tri-County International Trucks is lucky to have Katheryn on the team.

During the International Roadcheck, law enforcement personnel certified by CVSA will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, and through mobile patrols to ensure adherence to federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. The data collected over the 72-hour period of the International Roadcheck will be compiled, analyzed, and the results will be made available during the summer.

Each year, International Roadcheck highlights specific categories of violations. In 2024, the focus areas will be tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession.

The issue of controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the public at large. The increasing number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) underscores the severity of this issue and poses a threat to all motorists traveling on North American roadways.

Throughout the three days of International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, a comprehensive 37-step inspection procedure that covers vehicle components and driver documentation and requirements.

For more information on Roadcheck 2024, visit: cvsa.org.

Motor carriers operating CMVs over 10,000 lbs. MGVWR, transporting hazardous materials (HM) in placardable quantities, or transporting passengers are mandated to record accidents on a register by calendar year as defined in 49 CFR 390.51. Even if no accidents occurred, an accident register is required.

Firstly, let's establish the definition of an accident according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations: An occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle (>10,000 lbs MGVWR, HM, or Passengers) operating on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce that results in:

1. A fatality;
2. Bodily injury to a person requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene.
3. One or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage, requiring towing away from the scene.

The term "accident" does not include:

1. Boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle.
2. Loading or unloading of cargo.

When an accident occurs, it must be recorded on an accident register with the following information:

1. Date of accident.
2. City or town and State where the accident occurred.
3. Driver Name.
4. Number of injuries.
5. Number of fatalities.
6. Whether hazardous materials, other than fuel from the vehicle's tanks, were released.

Motor carriers must maintain the accident register for three years and also keep copies of required accident reports from State or other entities or insurers. The register is not sent to the FMCSA or State but is kept for review during compliance reviews or investigations.

As a best practice, motor carriers are recommended to maintain two accident registers by calendar year:

1. DOT recordable accidents only.
2. Non-DOT recordable accidents.

This practice helps provide the FMCSA with requested information during a compliance review. A second register with all accidents allows for proactive analysis and training to reduce frequency. Accident registers can be kept electronically, with a hard copy available for the FMCSA upon request.

To ensure register accuracy with the FMCSA, view recordable accidents on the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) at FMCSA SMS.

For accidents involving the release of hazardous materials, carriers must complete a hazardous incident report (see 49 CFR 171.15 and 49 CFR 171.16). The accident registers can be kept in either paper or electronic format.

Winter Safety Tips for Drivers and Vehicles

Protecting Your Driver:

Cold weather poses risks of hypothermia and frostbite. To prevent hypothermia, take these precautions:

• Wear layers of warm, loose-fitting clothes, especially those that wick moisture.
• Use gloves and knit caps for heat retention.
• Change wet clothing promptly.
• Keep an emergency kit with a change of clothes, a blanket, hand warmers, and snacks.
• Consume hot, nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure communication for drivers in case of breakdowns in rural areas.

Prescription drugs may increase sensitivity to cold; consult with a healthcare professional.

Frostbite prevention:

• Shield skin from cold air and extreme temperatures.
• Recognize frostbite symptoms like skin color changes, numbness, and stiffness.

Protecting the Truck:

1. Add diesel supplement to ultra-low sulfur diesel below 32°F.
2. Plug in the engine block heater below 32°F; start unused trucks daily.
3. Follow a startup procedure for optimal engine performance.
4. Purge air tanks daily for trucks with air brakes.
5. Apply brakes lightly in wintry conditions before parking to prevent freezing.
6. Maintain full windshield washer solvent and clean windows.
7. Remove ice-snow build-up from steps and grab handles.
8. Use the 3-point method for entering/exiting the cab.
9. Avoid parking in areas prone to snow accumulation, preventing roof collapse.

Handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in Cold Months:

The winter season brings unique challenges for equipment using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Comprising a blend of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and -11 degrees Celsius. Proper maintenance and dispensing are essential to uphold its quality, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Similar to water, DEF expands by up to 7% when frozen, posing a risk of damage to the storage tank if it is at or near full capacity during freezing conditions. It is advisable to keep the DEF tank less than full in cold temperatures to mitigate potential issues.

Chains for Winter Operations:

If you are driving in a state that mandates carrying chains, ensure they are of the right size, securely fastened, clean, and free from damage for easy application when needed. If you're uncertain about your state's chain laws, visit:

State Chain Laws Reference

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Tri-County International Trucks, along with American Trucking Associations and the entire trucking industry, will begin a weeklong celebration of the millions of professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day.

Celebrated annually, this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 10-16. Professional truck drivers always step up when they are needed most and have kept the economy on its feet despite facing unprecedented obstacles.

There are roughly 3.5 million professional truck drivers nationwide – delivering the essential goods our families rely on – from food to fuel to medicine to clothing. The hardworking men and women behind the wheel safely transport almost 11.5 billion tons of goods and products every year, which account for more than 70% of America’s total annual freight. 80% of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking to deliver goods.

This year, Tri-County International Trucks asks you to join us and ATA in recognizing the significant contributions our professional truck drivers make to our lives. Their efforts contribute greatly to our quality of life and truly move America forward.

To learn more about how essential the trucking industry is, and for more information on NTDAW 2023, please visit www.ntdaw.org.

When we set out to build the next great International® severe-duty truck, we knew we had to start from the beginning. To look beyond what was needed, to deliver beyond what was expected.

From the ground up, the HX™ Series was designed and engineered to endure the most punishing of jobsites. Built to take on whatever challenges you could throw at it, and to look great while doing it.

Every consideration - from its huck-bolted frame and three-piece Metton hood, to the spacious DriverFirst™ inspired cab and exceptional power options - has been made, tested and proven to perform well past class-leading standards. Bringing unmatched uptime, durability and driver comfort to any work site.

Now our commitment to building the best severe-duty truck on the market has been recognized by equipment owners and end users as one of Equipment Today Contractor's Top 50 products for 2016.

LISLE, Ill., Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, International Truck launched the new International^® HX^® Series, the next-generation of its HX Series vehicles. The new HX Series is the first product released under the company's Navistar 4.0 strategy and its Project Compass initiative – which focuses on flexible, modular design to meet customer needs, streamline the customer experience and deliver the very best support and service in the industry.