Category: Truck Safety

Defensive Driving Part VII: Drug & Alcohol Supervisor and Driver Training

Western Truck Insurance

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires supervisors of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers to complete 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substance use to recognize reasonable suspicion of impairment. The objective of the training is to equip supervisors with the information and resources to identify physical, behavioral, speech, and … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Part VII: Drug & Alcohol Supervisor and Driver Training”

Defensive Driving Part VI: Managing Adverse Road Conditions

Western Truck Insurance

It’s that time of year when weather conditions change, and truckers need to be aware of how adverse road conditions, like rain, snow, sleet, fog, and gusting winds, can impact visibility, braking distance, and overall vehicle control. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, approximately 12% of vehicular crashes are weather-related. Specifically, … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Part VI: Managing Adverse Road Conditions”

Defensive Driving Part V: Emergency Procedures for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

In this part of our Defensive Driving series, we review procedures truckers should follow in the event of an emergency. Share and reinforce these measures with your drivers to keep them and others safe on the road.  If Your Vehicle Stalls or Breaks Down The first thing a driver should do is secure the vehicle. … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Part V: Emergency Procedures for Truckers”

Defensive Driving Training Part IV: Vehicle Inspections

Western Truck Insurance

In this article of our defensive driving series, we cover the importance of implementing regular vehicle inspections. Vehicle inspections are a preventive safety strategy and a cornerstone of defensive driving, with each inspection an opportunity to reduce risk, improve driver confidence, and control insurance costs. Why Vehicle Inspections Are Critical Prevent Failures Before They Happen: … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part IV: Vehicle Inspections”

Defensive Driving Training Part III: Cargo Handling & Security

Western Truck Insurance

A safe transport trip doesn’t end with good driving. It also depends on how the cargo is handled before, during, and after transportation. Defensive driving training should involve teaching truckers the skills to load, secure, and protect cargo in a way that prevents damage, loss, and theft. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can compromise vehicle … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part III: Cargo Handling & Security”

Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers

Western Truck Insurance

In addition to mastering safe driving skills, professional truck drivers must navigate a complex web of regulations designed to protect drivers, the public, and the integrity of the transportation industry. Defensive driving training should go beyond behind-the-wheel skills to include a strong foundation in regulatory compliance. In the following article of our “Defensive Driving” series, … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training Part II: Regulatory Compliance for Truckers”

Defensive Driving Training in the Trucking Industry

Western Truck Insurance

Part of an ongoing series on improving road safety through driver education Safety is a top priority in the trucking industry. With large vehicles operating for extended periods and covering thousands of miles, defensive driving training plays a crucial role in reducing accidents, protecting lives, and safeguarding company assets. This is the first article in … Continue reading “Defensive Driving Training in the Trucking Industry”

Ensure You Have a Dash Cam Policy in Place

Western Truck Insurance

Dash cams in fleets offer motor carriers several advantages. They can be used as a tool to improve driver safety, reduce accident liability, enhance training opportunities, and protect against fraudulent claims, which can provide cost savings and greater operational efficiencies. Conveying these benefits is critical to getting driver buy-in. You want drivers not to view … Continue reading “Ensure You Have a Dash Cam Policy in Place”

CSA Scores Impact Trucking Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

Safety and compliance in the trucking industry are not just regulatory requirements; they directly impact a motor carrier’s insurance premiums. One of the key factors affecting trucking insurance rates is the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses the CSA to measure a trucking firm’s safety record. These scores … Continue reading “CSA Scores Impact Trucking Insurance”

The Road Ahead with AI and Telematics in Trucking Insurance

Western Truck Insurance

The trucking industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and telematics to help manage risk and reduce Liability insurance costs. AI-driven telematics tracks trucks and other assets using GPS technology and onboard diagnostics (OBD) to plot their movements on a digital map. The data can reveal key insights, including speeding incidents, hard braking and sudden … Continue reading “The Road Ahead with AI and Telematics in Trucking Insurance”