July 15-21 is Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver week. During this week, CVSA utilizes its Defeat Distracted Driving program to educate professional drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted. The program is directed specifically to professional truck and other commercial vehicle drivers, addressing the unique distractions and challenges they face every day. This annual one-week campaign is held throughout North America and is focused on:
- Seatbelt Safety Enforcement
- Roadside Inspections
- Improving Driver Regulatory Compliance
- Traffic Enforcement
Pilot Flying J Truck Care is proud to support CVSA in their efforts to further educate drivers. Check out these five tips for being a safe and courteous driver to help make the road a safer place for everyone.
Prepare for the Drive: Make sure all inspections are up-to-date and your vehicle is in compliance of regulations.
Tip: Perform proper walk-arounds to avoid essential issues going unnoticed: Ensure lights work, blinkers are functioning, trailers are properly connected, cargo is secured and there are no tire wear abnormalities.
Don’t Tailgate: Following too closely reduces visibility of the road ahead and impacts your reaction time.
Tip: If tires are improperly inflated, have irregular wear or have low tread depth, it can reduce your ability to stop quickly and increase the risk for collision. Proper tire health is even more important in the event of severe weather such as poor road conditions or the occurrence of drifting on wet or iced surfaces.
If you’re unsure of your tire wear condition, stop by any of our Truck Care locations to receive a free tire check. We’ll get you back on the road quickly, and most importantly, safely.
Allow Plenty of Time: Allow plenty of time to reach your destination so you will be less likely to speed.
Tip: Factoring in extra time can ease stress in the event of a breakdown or blowout, without impacting your route and load delivery. It can also reduce the urge to speed to make up for lost time. If something goes wrong while you’re on your way, remember our Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 and only one click away.
Get Enough Sleep: Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgment.
Tip: Planning your route and stops along the way can help ensure you’re receiving an adequate amount of sleep required for the job, and can help reduce anxiety caused by rushing to meet delivery deadlines.
When you’re planning your route with myPilot® app, you can reserve your parking space for the night making a good night’s sleep that much better.
Check the Condition of Your Brakes: Routine inspections are critical to ensuring your brakes are in proper working condition throughout the life of your vehicle.
Tip: Worn brakes can cause a serious accident with serious repercussions. Properly functioning brake systems are crucial to safe commercial vehicle operation and are designed to hold up under tough conditions. Proper inspection and maintenance is important for brakes to operate and perform properly throughout the life of your vehicle.
