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Truck Accidents

New Federal Rules Will Help Trucking Companies Hire Safe Drivers

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The Federal government has adopted new policies aimed at taking unqualified truck drivers off the road. Registration is now open for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a new substance abuse screening system for truckers that is scheduled to be operational early in 2020 . The Clearinghouse is a database that will keep track of drivers who have violated drug and alcohol policies in order to stop them from operating commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration anticipates that the implementation of this database will substantially reduce motor vehicle crashes involving heavy trucks. 

The federal rules regarding professional truck drivers already prohibit drivers from getting behind the wheel when they test positive for illegal drugs. Of course, everyone knows that drunk driving is illegal. The Clearinghouse database will allow trucking companies to screen drivers applying for jobs to see if they have previously tested positive for drugs and are looking to get hired at a new place. Drivers can also lookup their own information once they have registered with the Clearinghouse themselves. Once registered, drivers can search for their own information for free. The database will include information about whether a professional driver has any drug or alcohol program violations and, if applicable, the status of their petitions to return to duty. 

The new system is meant to act as a check on drivers who violate substance abuse rules follow the proper protocol to get back in to good standing, if possible, before they are allowed to keep driving. Drivers with commercial driver’s licenses, employers, law enforcement, medical review officers, and substance abuse processionals will be among the groups who will be authorized to access the Clearinghouse. 

As for what should be reported to the database – Federal Statutes cover that: 

Employers will report a driver’s drug and alcohol program violations. Medical review officers will do this as well. A driver does not need to register him or herself into the system for a medical review officer to enter a violation in the system. In fact, it is not mandatory for a driver to register. But, if an employer needs to conduct a full check on a driver, that driver will have to register. This means, drivers who don’t want to take part may not be able to get hired for certain jobs because perspective or current employers will not be able to conduct a full search on the database for their information. After January 6, 2019 a driver will have to be registered with the Clearinghouse in order for an employer to be able to conduct a full search on their record for new hires. Drivers who are registered will be able to give their consent to release drug and alcohol program information to employers. Also, when new information is added to their profile, drivers will receive notifications from the Clearinghouse in the mail or electronically. 

Drug abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed with treatment and counseling. Allowing drivers to keep working when they have a substance abuse problem by slipping through bureaucratic cracks doesn’t help drivers who may need help to get sober. It obviously makes roads less safe. 

In the computer age with so much information going digital, this just makes sense. Professional truck drivers have a difficult job. They have to work long hours, often by themselves, away from their families. They have to keep alert on the road and get enough rest to do so. Drug use is a problem that poses a great risk to the health and safety of, not only professional drivers, but also everyone else who shares the road with them. Safety is on the roads is imperative. This database is likely the least intrusive way to keep records of drug and alcohol program violations so that employers know if they are sending a driver out on the road with the proper credentials. 

The Safest (and Least Safe) Pickups for 2019 and 2020

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Thinking of a new pickup truck?

Although larger passenger vehicles, such as pickups and SUVs, have bigger structures making them better able to absorb crash energy, SUVs and pickups are proportionally more likely to be involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes–especially in the event of a rollover.

Because of this, it is of the utmost importance for any potential pickup owner to be aware of the ins and outs of safety regarding these particular vehicles, and how the newest models on the market hold up to standards.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released the results of 2019 and 2020 full-size pickup trucks. These tests included: frontal crash small and moderate overlap, side crash, roof strength press, head restraint and seat safety, headlight evaluation, front crash prevention tech, and child seat anchor ability.

Without further ado, here are the most and least safe, full-size, half-ton pickup trucks for 2019 and 2020.

Safety ratings scale ranges from Poor to Marginal to Acceptable to Good.

Not-So-Safe:

Toyota Tundra

Small overlap front: driver side = marginal. Structure = marginal. Lower leg = poor.

Small overlap front: passenger side = poor. Structure = poor. Hip = marginal. Lower leg = poor.

Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.

Side = good.

Roof strength = acceptable. (Curb weight: 5,432 lbs, 3.94 times → 21,384 lbs).

Head restraints & seats = good.

Headlights = marginal. Visibility on left = fair. Visibility on right = inadequate. Visibility on curves = inadequate. High-beam assist is present.

Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.

Child seat anchors = acceptable. Two positions have LATCH hardware. Third position is tether only.

Safer:

Nissan Titan

Small overlap front: driver side = good. Lower leg = acceptable.

Small overlap front: passenger side = good. Structure = acceptable.

Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.

Side = good. Driver torso rating = acceptable.

Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 5,460 lbs, 4.55 times → 24,857 lbs).

Head restraints & seats = good.

Headlights = marginal. Visibility on straightaways = fair. Visibility on curves = inadequate. 

Front Crash Prevention = no crash prevention. 360-degree camera, blind spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts are present.

Child seat anchors = acceptable. Two seats have LATCH hardware. Third position is tether only.

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500

Small overlap front: driver side = good. Structure/safety cage = acceptable. Lower leg = acceptable.

Small overlap front: passenger side = marginal. Structure/safety cage = poor.

Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.

Side = good.

Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 4,818 lbs, 4.62 times → 22,236 lbs).

Head restraints & seats = good.

Headlights = poor. Visibility on straightaways = good. Visibility on left curves = fair. Visibility on right curves = inadequate.

Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.

Child seat anchors = marginal. Two positions have lower seat anchors. Third position is tether only.

Ford F-150

Small overlap front: driver side = good.

Small overlap front: passenger side = good.

Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.

Side = good.

Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 4,651 lbs, 5,85 times → 27,215 lbs).

Head restraints & seats = good.

Headlights = poor. Visibility on straightaways = inadequate. Visibility on curves = inadequate. Raptor lights: poor; but work better on straightaways.

Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.

Child seat anchors = marginal. Two positions have lower seat anchors. Third position is tether only.

Safest: 

Ram 1500

Currently the only full-size pickup truck with a “Top Safety Pick+” rating.

Small overlap front: driver side = good. Lower leg = acceptable.

Small overlap front: passenger side = good. Structure = acceptable.

Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.

Side = good.

Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 5,254 lbs, 4.24 times → 22,302 lbs).

Head restraints & seats = good.

Headlights = good (on Longhorn and Limited trims). Curve adapting and high-beam assist are present. Gradual left turn light = inadequate.

Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standard. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.

Child seat anchors = marginal. All three rear positions have LATCH seat anchors.

According to IIHS, two tests of the RAM 1500 Crew Cab were conducted and the specifications for each test were identical. As a “Top Safety Pick+” for 2019 and 2020, this truck needed ‘good’ ratings in its driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a ‘superior’ rating in front crash prevention and a ‘good’ headlight rating.

IIHS’ 2019 “Top Safety Pick” was the Honda Ridgeline, awarded for its optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.

Trucking Industry to Have Drive-Time Rules Deregulated

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Under the Trump Administration, the Transportation Department is looking to curb a longstanding rule, which requires drivers to stop driving once they hit their 14th hour on the road. In addition to mandating that commercial drivers stay off the roads once they hit this limit, they must then take 10 consecutive hours off from driving before they can get back on the road. For those drivers who are set to drive for more than 8 hours at a time, it is also mandatory that they take a 30-minute break prior to reaching the 8-hour mark. The Trump administration and trucking industry lobbyists argue that these rules, regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), go too far in regulating commercial drivers due to the overall effect that inclement weather, poor traffic, and the rules themselves have on drivers being able complete their deliveries in a timely manner.

While those lobbying for changes to the current rules state that the regulations hinder driver’s abilities to get paid and ultimately keep truck drivers off the roads, the most important thing to remember is the reason as to why these rules were adopted in the first place. Just like any job throughout the United States, it is mandatory that employees be given at least a 30-minute break for every 8 hours of work. In any job, these breaks are mandatory to ensure that employees are not overworked and as we all know, if we are overworked, our productivity takes a significant hit. With that being said, why should the rules be different for truck drivers? Because America is so dependent on ground shipping and can’t be forced to deal with delays? The point of this is to say that the data in no way supports the argument that these lobbyists are making. As PBS NewsHour reported on July 1st, “there were 4,657 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2017, a 10% increase from the year before, according to a May report issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration . . . Sixty of the truckers in these accidents were identified as ‘asleep or fatigued,’ although the National Transportation Safety Board has said this type of driver impairment is likely underreported on police crash forms.”

Ultimately, this news will mean that if federal regulations are relaxed, allowing commercial truck drivers to stay on the road longer, safety measures will come down to self-checks by the drivers. All drivers should become knowledgeable of safety tips to ensure they are keeping the roads a safe place for all drivers, no matter the importance of meeting delivery needs. Here is a pamphlet created by the CDC, which provides great tips and resources for such things as sleeping disorders, driving at night, and drowsy driving. It all comes down to staying safe on the roads. Statistics establish that truck drivers who are fatigued do pose a serious risk to other drivers, so be sure to review the material available and keep others safe.

Sleep Apnea Proves to be a Contributing Factor

As we are aware that fatigued driving already plays a major role in traffic crashes throughout the United States, it’s important for us to remember that some drivers may also be experiencing certain conditions that naturally make driving fatigued a regular part of their day. This fatigue is then only made worse by the fact that drivers are working incredibly tough jobs. An article published by Sleephelp, states that “sleeping with sleep apnea causes the same amount of fatigue as getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night . . . Sleep apnea is exacerbated and, in some cases, caused by obesity. Since truck drivers are among the most likely workers to be obese (38.6% struggled with obesity, according to one study), sleep apnea and the ensuing drowsiness is more likely to be an issue for them that it is for other people.” Similar to a recent post we wrote regarding drug use among commercial truck drivers, we are not saying that each truck driver is affected be these types of sleeping disorders or levels of fatigue; however, the statistics show that people within the industry are more likely to experience these issues. In addition to the factors likely to lead to sleep apnea, the FMCSA has also provided information regarding the overall risk factors and symptoms associated with the sleeping disorder. Overall, the FMCSA list the risk factors of sleep apnea as:

  • A family history of sleep apnea
  • Having a small upper airway
  • Being overweight
  • Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite
  • A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)
  • Smoking and alcohol use
  • Being age 40 or older
  • Ethnicity

Additionally, according to the FMCSA, the symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches and nausea
  • Gasping or choking while sleeping
  • Loss of sex drive/impotence
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability and/or feelings of depression
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Concentration and memory problems
  • Frequent nighttime urination

Overall, if you have concerns that you may be afflicted by sleep apnea and its overall effects on your ability to drive, feel free to go ahead and download this form, which helps inform individuals on how to deal with the disorder. By learning about this disorder, especially by individuals within the trucking industry, it will go much farther in establishing safer roads for all.

Rising Drug Abuse Poses Significant Threats to Road Safety

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As we are all well aware, the United States is facing an ongoing opioid crisis it has long been struggling to control. With a total of 11.4 million people misusing prescription opioids in 2017, it is easy to see the ramifications of the opioid epidemic have found their way into the lives of commercial truck drivers throughout the United States. As of January 1st, 2018, any individual taking a Department of Transportation federally mandated drug test, as those with a commercial driver’s license must do, would be subject to testing not only for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines, but for semi-synthetic opioids like OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, and Vicodin. This expansion upon the previous drug testing regulations embodies how the trucking industry has had to deal with the issue of drugs among its drivers. While opioids statistically are not the most prevalent drugs being used by drivers within the trucking industry, the new drug testing regulations confirm what many within the industry have known for years; the drug crisis America faces has hit one of its largest industries the hardest.

On June 12, 2019, the Alliance for Driver Safety & Security, what many in the industry know as the “Trucking Alliance,” submitted a statement to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Sub-Committee on Highways and Transit regarding the state of drug use within America’s trucking industry. As part of its statement to Congress, the Trucking Alliance provided data which had been given to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and found compelling evidence of severe drug use among commercial drivers. The data showed results of “151,662 truck driver applicants, who were asked to submit to two drug tests – a urinalysis and a hair analysis. Almost all applicants held an active commercial driver’s license.” In addition, 94% of the applicants tested drug-free; however, there were thousands of applicants who failed either one or both of the tests given. Making the issue far worse, the urinalysis test, which happens to be the only method used by USDOT, actually did not identify a majority of users, missing 9 out of 10 actual illicit drug users. On the other hand, the Trucking Alliance has proposed that USDOT begin mandating a hair analysis to be conducted in addition to the current urinalysis routine. In total, the Trucking Alliance has now stated that based on the estimated 3.5 million commercial drivers within the United States, the data compiled would result in roughly 301,000 commercial drivers failing or refusing a hair analysis. Even though this number appears shocking, it only begins to convey the hazard that such drivers pose to road safety.

Drug Use Among Drivers is Leading to Dangerous Roads

Part of the Trucking Alliance’s plea to Congress on June 12th was to make certain that motorists are not placed in more danger due to a commercial driver’s potential drug abuse problem. As evidenced by the survey conducted, public safety is at risk if trucking companies fail to acknowledge and appropriately test for drugs that have been proven to be rampant within the industry itself. In fact, a Quest Diagnostics analysis conducted between 2015 and 2017, found that commercial drivers who went through post-accident testing saw an increase in positive drug-testing rates rising 51%, from 3.1% in 2017 all the way to 4.7% in 2018.

Of course, the trucking industry is not the only one afflicted by the ongoing drug crisis in the United States; however, as in other industries of high stress and long hours, drug abuse seems all the more likely. With that being said, it is absolutely essential that employers take this data seriously and consider adopting new, more accurate drug tests, in addition to the mandated urinalysis test that has been proven to fail. For the health of the commercial drivers spending hours on the road alone and for the overall well being of the general public, employers must do all they can to keep unsafe drivers off the road.

The Effects of Driving Impaired

While the opioid epidemic is a crisis that must be addressed, many companies are actually finding that the legalization of marijuana through various states in the US is also contributing to driver impairment. Trucking Info’s recent Safety and Compliance report cited an interview with the American Trucking Association’s Abigail Potter, Manager of Safety & Occupational Health Policy. Abigail recently mentioned that even if a driver is operating a vehicle under 26,000 pounds, “you still have to be medically qualified to operate, and one of the requirements is to not use a controlled substance, which include marijuana.” Further, being impaired by marijuana causes “drivers to exhibit poor judgment, decreased motor coordination, and decreased reaction time,” leading drivers to be all the more likely to get into an accident and place others at risk. If these are the effects that marijuana has on drivers, now imagine the impairment that such drivers experience from opioids, which have proven to be prevalent in the trucking industry as the US experiences this ongoing crisis.

What Can Be Done

As it appears the best way to directly attack the ongoing issues within the trucking industry is based solely on understanding who is actually being affected by drug abuse, creating an appropriate guideline for company testing is the most appropriate way to start. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a checklist to help employers with drug testing. The checklist includes the following:

  • Identify any federal or state laws with which you must comply
  • Consult union officials, if applicable
  • Identify and contact a laboratory certified by the Department of Health and Human Services
  • Create a system that maintains and protects the confidentiality of employee drug testing records
  • Designate an employee who will receive test results from the lab and keep results confidential
  • Develop a clear, consistent and fair policy before reviewing it with legal counsel
  • Notify employees 30 to 60 days before implementing the testing program
  • Contract with a medical review officer; and
  • Inform employees that organization leadership will comply with the policy

The most important thing to keep in mind for trucking companies overseeing this process is to know that there is data suggesting that opting for an additional hair analysis drug test will likely result in far more accurate readings. While the country is as reliant as ever on trucking to transport goods from place to place, that does not mean we should sacrifice driver and road safety to keep more commercial drivers in the industry without getting help. We need to be smart and make certain that everyone on the road remains safe.

Technology Could Stop the Rise in Fatal Truck Crashes

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Despite numerous safety regulations put in place to protect commuters, the number of traffic deaths involving semis and large trucks is on the rise. This puts travelers in passenger vehicles at greater risk on our nation’s highways. Rear end accidents are the most common types of crashes with big rigs going too fast and failing to stop in time to prevent crashes.

A lot of new cars are equipped with automatic breaking technology that assists drivers when they get too close to vehicles in front of them on the road. There has been no action in Washington and resistance by the trucking industry to require installation of automatic emergency breaking systems or warning signals in large trucks to try and decrease, if not eliminate, rear-end truck wrecks. Instead the death toll keeps climbing.

Driving a truck is hard work. Federal regulations allow truck drivers to work 11 hour shifts and they do. A trucker has to stay alert and focused on the road, traffic, and other potential hazards for extended periods of time. Add to that the time constraints that shippers place on getting their goods delivered on time and you have the potential for fatigued operators who might be driving too fast.

With trucks being the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road, it makes sense to require trucking companies to equip their rigs with sensor technology that will alert drivers when they are following too close to other vehicles. A big rig can destroy another semi in a high speed collision, and a truck driver may be more protected from injury in a big vehicle, but riders in passenger cars are at a much greater risk of injury or death from a rear-end collision from a truck. This is clearly a case where technology could help save lives.

Truck Drivers Must Stay Alert

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Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), showed that nearly a third of fatal crashesin work zones involve a large vehicle or semi-truck. With such large vehicle sharing the roadway with passenger cars, truck drivers should be extremely vigilant in taking every possible precaution to avoid collisions. 

Keeping an eye out:

Looks can sometimes be deceiving. The weather can make it hard to see what’s happening on the road in front of you. A driver might forget to turn their lights on. A trucker might look at the radio for a split second when traffic starts to slow down. It’s important for every long-haul driver to look ahead to try to anticipate what’s coming. Scan the road in front of you and check the mirrors regularly to be aware of what’s happening in your blind spots. 

Don’t rush:

The online fidget spinner store may have promised delivery within 48 hours, but despite our growing demand for things from the internet, we should still be demanding safe travel on our nation’s highways. Soon there may not be any corner stores left to get basics like groceries as giant companies buy everything and turn the world into robot-run warehouses. The stuff we order on our smartphone apps has to get to us somehow. Before artificial intelligence replaces the need for us to ever travel outside of our houses, it may be a good idea to keep travel times for the big truck deliveries on a realistic schedule. When a driver has to carry a shipment across the country, safety should always supersede faster delivery times. I’d rather have my special order, customized hanging flower pot late than risk a driver sliding off the road in a storm because he’s trying to get there quickly. 

There is no valid reason for a semi-truck to drive too fast for road conditions. Trucking and shipping companies should be regulated with this in mind. Rather than focusing on getting bigger trucks to go faster, these outfits should be making sure that everyone arrives at their destination safely. If slightly longer shipping schedules can result in fewer crashes, it’s an idea worth studying. 

Also, from a labor supply point of view, truck drivers might want to look into working for another firm if they feel pressured to cut corners to make faster deliveries. In an ideal world, everyone would just follow the rules. But let’s be realistic. There is a truck driver shortage in America. The pay isn’t bad, but it’s not an easy job. Long hours, sometimes monotonous, repetitive tasks, and physically demanding job requirements means this line of work is clearly not for everybody. If a driver works for a company that doesn’t put safety first, he or she should not be shy in demanding that companies follow safety laws that are put in place for a reason. We all need to earn a living, but in this labor market you probably have options. 

Put your phone away:

Distracted driving is a huge problem. As tempting as our social media feeds are, when it comes to driving, you can’t do two things at once. Anyone who drives a car these days has seen a person behind the wheel looking down at their phone. No matter how talented you think you might be at texting and driving, don’t do it. Traffic conditions can change in an instant. That’s all it takes for a distracted driver to cause a wreck. If a message is so important that it can’t wait, find a safe place to pull over. It’s a no-brainer.