Truckers contend with aging infrastructure, roads and bridges
That's the grade our national infrastructure was given by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) this year.While our total infrastructure includes everything from aviation to ports to wastewater, it's the roads and bridges that truck drivers have to contend with every day.Why are roads, bridges in such bad shape?Quite simply, they're old.Most of the...
Truckers contend with aging infrastructure, roads and bridges Continue reading…Why does BMW want drivers to be (even more) distracted?
BMW is integrating Skype for Business into new cars. The features will be integrated into the new BMW series in parts of Europe. Other markets—including the U.S.— should see it soon. "Microsoft Exchange will also integrate calendars, to-do lists and contacts using the car's voice and navigation systems," according to the company's press release. Here's...
Why does BMW want drivers to be (even more) distracted? Continue reading…Why trucking companies should check their own drivers for sleep apnea
Sleep apnea, a disorder causing repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, affects at least one in 10 people. In serious cases, obstructive sleep apnea can cause someone to fall asleep with little to no warning. In 2016, after a spate of high-profile train crashes and fatal truck crashes caused by sleeping drivers, the Obama administration...
Why trucking companies should check their own drivers for sleep apnea Continue reading…One idea to make roads safer: pay truckers by the hour
Most long-haul semi-truck drivers in the U.S. are not paid a salary. They are not paid by the hour. They are paid per mile. A majority of trucking companies pay drivers between $0.28 and $0.40 cents per mile. Fewer pay experienced drivers up to $0.45 cents per mile. Some jobs pay bonuses. But most of a trucker’s “On Duty,...
One idea to make roads safer: pay truckers by the hour Continue reading…Is this Washington trucking company a Chameleon Carrier?
A motor carrier in Yakima, Diamond Freight, has been tied to another serious truck crash* in Central Washington. Yakima trucking company involved in second fatal crash, via Yakima Herald The local news outlet reported that "The Washington State Patrol confirmed that both drivers worked for Diamond Freight Systems — which also goes by NW Freight...
Is this Washington trucking company a Chameleon Carrier? Continue reading…What will stop texting and driving? Jail time.
The most effective way to stop drivers from texting might be the threat of criminal charges. Texting while driving is illegal in 46 states. (Text messages are not the sole culprit—there are dozens of possible distractions on your smartphone—but only 16 states ban all hand-held devices for drivers.)* You don't need statistics to know that...
What will stop texting and driving? Jail time. Continue reading…Is marijuana related to car crashes going up in Washington State?
Since Washingtons State approved recreational use of marijuana, we have watched to see how it would affect drivers and road safety. A study completed by the Highway Loss Data Institute found an uptick in car crash claims in Colorado, Oregon and Washington. Read the HLDI Study bulletin: Recreational marijuana and collision claim frequencies. Increase...
Is marijuana related to car crashes going up in Washington State? Continue reading…Yes, semi truck crashes are way up in Washington this year … and it’s gotten worse
Update: As of October 16, there has been 798 semi truck crashes* in Washington State. At the same time last year, there had been 661. Just in the last few weeks, there have been several major collisions that caused severe injuries—and kept thousands stuck in traffic for hours. June 9: Three semi trucks collided in...
Yes, semi truck crashes are way up in Washington this year … and it’s gotten worse Continue reading…Yes, semi truck crashes are way up in Washington this year … and it’s gotten worse
Update: As of October 16, there has been 798 semi truck crashes* in Washington State. At the same time last year, there had been 661. Just in the last few weeks, there have been several major collisions that caused severe injuries—and kept thousands stuck in traffic for hours. June 9: Three semi trucks collided in Blaine, Washington, just south of the U.S.-Canada border....
Yes, semi truck crashes are way up in Washington this year … and it’s gotten worse Continue reading…Why we “Walk for Water” in Seattle
Did you think about water this morning? You drank a glass of water, and used a clean, safe toilet. You washed your hands. You made coffee, and started the dishwasher. You worked out, and tossed your gym clothes in the washing machine. You had a hot shower. It's easy to forget that nearly a billion...
Why we “Walk for Water” in Seattle Continue reading…New Washington State distracted driving law: what you need to know
A decade ago, the Washington State distracted driving law was passed - and became one of the first state laws regulating drivers' cell phone use. Since then, mobile devices have changed dramatically—and distracted driving has become an even bigger problem. On May 16, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5389: a new, more...
New Washington State distracted driving law: what you need to know Continue reading…What happens when sleep is a safety issue?
Recently, I reviewed a Police Report where the truck driver admitted he only had 3 hours of sleep the night before he caused a serious crash.* For many of us, losing a couple of hours of sleep at night just means we’re a little less productive the next day. When your job is driving—especially if...
What happens when sleep is a safety issue? Continue reading…