Category: Truck Safety

Overview: FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program Expansion

Western Truck Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has expanded its Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) to provide motor carriers and drivers with an enhanced mechanism for disputing non-preventable crashes. The program is designed to improve the fairness of safety records and ensure that preventable and non-preventable crashes are better delineated. The program’s expansion allows the … Continue reading “Overview: FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program Expansion”

On-the-Road Safety Saves Life, Protects Your CSA Score

Western Truck Insurance

Winter driving can be challenging, even for the most seasoned commercial truck drivers. Icy roads with reduced traction coupled with poor visibility make it hard to handle loads and for big rig drivers to stop. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 70% of roads in the United States are in snowy areas, increasing the … Continue reading “On-the-Road Safety Saves Life, Protects Your CSA Score”

Late or Unreported Reporting Trucking Accident Claims Drive Up Insurance Costs

Western Truck Insurance

Increased claims costs and litigation, coupled with high verdicts and settlements, are driving up Commercial Automobile insurance costs. Another factor behind rising insurance costs is late or unreported accident claims.  There are various reasons why waiting to file the first notice of claim with an insurance company or not filing at all increases costs. The … Continue reading “Late or Unreported Reporting Trucking Accident Claims Drive Up Insurance Costs”

Are You in Compliance with Mandatory DOT Supervisor Training for CDL Drivers?

Western Truck Insurance

Supervisors overseeing CDL drivers must undergo mandatory training to recognize signs of drug and alcohol misuse and comply with FMCSA and USDOT regulations. Training ensures your team maintains road safety and fulfills federal requirements. Supervisor Training Requirements Employers must ensure that all personnel assigned to supervise drivers (CDL) obtain at least 60 minutes of alcohol … Continue reading “Are You in Compliance with Mandatory DOT Supervisor Training for CDL Drivers?”

Hurricane Preparedness for Trucking Operations

Western Truck Insurance

Weather researchers are predicting an explosive Atlantic hurricane season this year. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85% chance of an above-normal season, with 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, eight to 13 are forecasted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven … Continue reading “Hurricane Preparedness for Trucking Operations”

Controlling Driver Log Falsification

Western Truck Insurance

In December 2019, the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule took effect, requiring that most motor carriers use electronic devices that synchronize with the vehicle engine to track driver hours of service (HOS) instead of paper logbooks. The rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers, making it easier and faster to … Continue reading “Controlling Driver Log Falsification”

Safety on the Road: Focusing on Preventing Distracted Driving

Western Truck Insurance

Thousands of people are killed, and hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured in distracted driving crashes every year, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). On average, nine people daily are killed in distracted driving crashes.  To help combat distracted driving, the NCS designated April as “Distracted Driving Awareness” month, during which free resources … Continue reading “Safety on the Road: Focusing on Preventing Distracted Driving”

On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

With the sun setting comes additional risks for truckers driving at night. Visibility is reduced, making it more challenging to see the road, other vehicles, and obstacles. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can all be compromised in the dark. The glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can also temporarily blind a driver. … Continue reading “On the Road After Dark: Safe-Driving Tips for Truckers”

Driver Safety Tips to Help Mitigate Trucking Accidents

Western Truck Insurance

There are more than 168,000 truck accidents every year, with about 32% involving an injury and around 3% resulting in a fatality, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Texas had the most truck accidents in 2022, with California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois rounding out the top five states. The Centers for Disease … Continue reading “Driver Safety Tips to Help Mitigate Trucking Accidents”

Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections

Western Truck Insurance

Truck inspections are expected to change as federal trucking regulators and commercial vehicle enforcement agencies push for wireless roadside inspections. Motor carriers will have to equip their trucks with devices to transmit the identity and condition of trucks and drivers to roadside enforcement. However, according to the North American Transportation Association (NTA), how motor carriers … Continue reading “Down the Road: Electronic Truck Inspections”