COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent accidents caused by vehicle deficiencies.
Description:
Worn, failed or incorrectly adjusted components can cause or contribute to
accidents. Preventive maintenance and periodic inspection procedures help to
prevent failures from occurring while the vehicle is being operated. Such
procedures also reduce reliance on the driver, who may have limited skill and
knowledge for detecting vehicle deficiencies.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are there excessive
demands for the repair of your vehicles ? This should be viewed as an
indicator of inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures, and a vehicle
maintenance situation which could cause or contribute to accidents.
-
Do you use preventive
maintenance management measures to schedule periodic inspection and
maintenance activities ?
-
Do you have an adequate
record-keeping system which tracks maintenance, repairs, and inspections ?
-
Do you have a way of
determining when the wear of a component is such that it should be replaced
or repaired ?
-
What guidelines or
rules are used for placing vehicles out of service until necessary repairs
are made ? How are they enforced ?
-
Do you have a means for
gauging the effectiveness of your preventive maintenance procedures ?
-
Would your vehicles
pass the minimum periodic inspection standards set out by the FMCSR ?
-
Are your drivers
sufficiently trained and knowledgeable to detect maintenance and repair
needs, and to refer them for maintenance ?
-
Does your preventive
maintenance and inspection program recognize the following safety-related
vehicle components whose deterioration directly affects vehicle control: -
braking system - steering system - couplers - tires and wheels - suspension
Does your preventive
maintenance and inspection procedures:
-
Rrecognize wear of
consumable components which must be periodically replaced or serviced.
-
Take account of
indicators of deterioration which can be monitored at the driver inspection
level.
-
Make provisions for the
condition of those components which cannot be easily detected by drivers.
-
Are your drivers
trained in troubleshooting ?
-
Are your mechanics and
maintenance supervisors adequately trained ? How ? When ? By whom ?
Driving Tips:
-
Check whole vehicle
carefully, pre-trip and post-trip.
-
Pre-trip and post-trip
inspection reports are an important part of the job.
-
Ensure annual vehicle
inspection report or decal is in or on the vehicle.
-
Don't drive a faulty
vehicle.
References:
FMCSR Part 392.7; Part 393; Part 396. V1; V3.
DRIVER INSPECTION
REPORTS AND PROCEDURES C2
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To
ensure that vehicles are in a safe operating condition while driven.
Description:
The driver is ultimately responsible to make sure that the vehicle being driven
is in a safe operating condition. Appropriate inspection procedures and reports
assist in ensuring this. The driver is also in a position to detect vehicle
deficiencies and refer them to maintenance for repairs. Some vehicle
deficiencies cannot be detected by periodic preventive maintenance and
inspection procedures.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are there established
inspection and reporting procedures for drivers ?
-
Are these procedures in
compliance with FMCSR rules ?
-
Are drivers adequately
trained to inspect safety critical components and determine whether their
condition is adequate ? How ? When ? By whom ?
-
Are drivers equipped
with inspection aids and the necessary report forms ?
-
Are maintenance
personnel responsive to driver-reported deficiencies ?
-
Does the company have
established standards for placing vehicles out of service ?
-
Are drivers encouraged
not to drive when they discover a deficiency which should cause the vehicle
to be placed out-of-service ?
Driving Tips:
-
Federal and State laws
require that you may not drive a vehicle unless you are satisfied that it is
in a safe operating condition.
-
Carefully inspect the
vehicle and report on its condition as you are required to.
-
During a trip you
should monitor the condition of vehicle components which may affect the
safety of the vehicle.
-
If something seems to
be wrong with the vehicle, stop and check it out. Do not continue with the
trip until you are satisfied it is safe to do so.
References:
FMCSR Part 392.7; Part 396. D1; D2.
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
C3
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To reduce accidents associated with insufficient braking ability.
Description:
The braking system is one of several key safety-related items. Catastrophic
brake failure, such as sudden air loss, may lead to loss of control and the
drivers inability to recover. Progressive brake deterioration, such as brake
shoe wear without corresponding adjustment, can be even more troublesome because
it may appear innocuous during normal driving, but may precipitate an accident
during emergency braking applications.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are preventive
maintenance procedures adequate to detect and repair worn or defective brake
system
-
components ? Do you
have established standards for indicating out-of-service conditions for
brake system components which deteriorate progressively: air leaks, brake
shoe wear, drum wear, bearing seal leakage ?
-
Are drivers adequately
trained to detect deteriorated conditions during their inspections ?
-
How ? When ? By whom ?
-
Are mechanics and
maintenance supervisors adequately trained ? How ? When ? By whom ?
-
Do you have an
inspection lane for checking brake adjustment ?
Driving Tips:
-
Test your brakes for
stopping performance before going on highway.
-
Assure yourself
adequately that your brakes are properly adjusted.
-
Learn how to determine
if the air system is operating satisfactorily.
-
Check to make sure that
low air warning devices are functioning.
-
During a trip, before
entering severe downgrades, stop and check brake adjustment.
References:
FMCSR Part 393; Part 396. D1; D2; V1; V4; V6.
TIRE INFLATION C4
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent loss of control accidents due to tire failure.
Description:
Tires are one of several key safety-related components. Improper tire pressure,
either too little or too much, can lead to deterioration and eventual
catastrophic failure.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are drivers and
maintenance personnel following the tire manufacturers' specifications for
tire inflation and loading ?
-
Are tire inflation
guidelines available to drivers ?
-
Are drivers trained in
how to check tire inflation ? Should they check it ?
-
Are they properly
equipped to check it ?
-
Are drivers
knowledgeable of the consequences of improper tire inflation ?
Driving Tips:
-
During extended trips,
monitor tire inflation.
-
Do not operate tires
with inflation pressures other than those specified by the manufacturer.
References:
FMCSR Part 392.75; Part 396. D1; V1.
TIRE WEAR AND
DETERIORATION C5
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent loss of control accidents due to tire failure.
Description:
The tires are one of several key safety-related items. A tire that is worn or
damaged may fail as a blowout and result in loss of control of the vehicle. The
principal indicators of deterioration are tread wear, tread and sidewall damage,
and air leakage.
Questions for
Management:
-
Does the company have
an established standard for indicating when tires should be taken out of
service ?
-
Is the company standard
in compliance with the minimum tread depth standards as specified by the
FMCSR ?
-
Are drivers and
maintenance personnel trained and knowledgeable to make a determination
during inspections as to whether or not a tire should be taken out of
service ?
Maintenance Tips:
-
Check tires regularly
to ensure they meet the minimum DOT tread depth requirement.
-
Do not mount mismatched
sizes, or pair tires in duals with significantly different wear.
-
Do not mix bias and
radial tires on the same axle.
-
Follow company
standards for out-of-service conditions.
-
Replace tread only on
sound casings.
Driving Tips:
-
During vehicle
inspections, check tires to make sure that their condition is within
company-established out-of-service criteria.
-
During a trip, monitor
tires for road damage or deterioration.
Look for:
-
tread or sidewall
separation
-
cuts or gouges
-
flat spots or uneven
wear
-
leaks (monitor tire
inflation)
-
flat tires at duals
References:
FMCSR Part 392.75; Part 396. D1; V1; V3.
WHEEL RETENTION
AND DETERIORATION C6
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent loss of control accidents due to wheel failure.
Description:
The wheels are one of several key safety-related items. Incorrectly assembled,
or damaged wheel components can result in collapse of the wheel assembly and
consequent loss of control.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are maintenance
personnel sufficiently knowledgeable to be able to identify and take out of
service worn or deteriorated wheel and rim components ?
-
Do you have company
standards for identifying out-of-service conditions requiring replacement ?
-
Is the company standard
in compliance with the minimum periodic inspection standards as specified by
the FMCSR ?
-
Are drivers adequately
trained to detect deteriorated component conditions during their inspections
?
Maintenance Tips:
-
Use established company
or industry guidelines to determine whether components should be returned to
service.
-
Attempt to determine
cause of damage or deterioration. Such analysis may help identify improper
use or maintenance procedures which should be corrected.
Driving Tips:
Look for:
-
Cracks in wheels and
rims
-
Improperly seated lock
rings
-
Rust around wheel nuts
- check for tightness
-
Check wheel nut
tightness after recent tire change
-
Missing components
References:
FMCSR Part 396; 393.205. D1; V1; V3.
STEERING SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE C7
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent loss of control due to steering system deterioration
Description:
The steering system is one of the several key safety-related items. It can fail
catastrophically or deteriorate progressively. Progressively increasing steering
wheel play will make it harder for the driver to steer and should be viewed as
an indicator of deteriorating steering system components which may eventually
lead to a catastrophic failure. Steering wheel play is a principal indicator of
steering system deterioration which can be monitored at the driver inspection
level.
Questions for
Management:
-
Is steering wheel play
checked against an out-of-service criterion ?
-
Is steering system
component deterioration checked during preventive maintenance and inspection
procedures ?
Driving Tips:
-
During pre-trip
inspections, check for excessive steering wheel play.
-
Follow established
company guideline for taking vehicle out of service.
-
Write up steering
deficiencies on your vehicle inspection report.
References:
FMCSR Part 393.209; Part 396. D1; V1.
FULL TRAILER
COUPLING C8
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To prevent accidents due to trailer separation.
Description:
Trailer separation can occur due to improper hitching, or inadequate or damaged
equipment. Pintle hooks and ball hitches can uncouple if improperly latched.
Hitch mounts could separate due to damage or lack of maintenance.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are towing vehicles and
trailers equipped with properly rated ball hitches or pintle hooks ?
-
Are appropriate safety
devices, such as chains and breakaway brakes available ?
-
Are hitches and safety
devices being properly maintained ?
-
Are drivers trained and
knowledgeable in proper use of hitching equipment ? How ? When ?
-
By whom ?
Driving Tips:
-
Check to see that hitch
components are in good condition on trailer and truck.
-
Adjust coupler if
necessary.
-
Ensure that the pintle
hook or ball hitch is properly locked.
-
Ensure that safety
chains are properly connected.
-
Ensure that electric
and air lines are properly connected.
References:
FMCSR Part 393.70; 393.71. D1; V2.
5TH WHEEL HITCHES
AND ADJUSTABLE AXLES C9
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To eliminate accidents due to trailer separation, inactive trailer brakes or
running lights, or trailer axle separation.
Description:
Proper coupling procedures of semitrailers ensure that the coupling equipment
remains in good order, the landing gear is not damaged, the air lines and
electric lines are hooked up, the axle loads are balanced and the coupling is
secure.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are drivers trained in
proper coupling procedures ?
-
Do drivers know how to
check for proper condition of coupling equipment ?
-
Are preventive
maintenance and service procedures being followed ?
Driving Tips:
-
Adjust trailer height
to minimize coupling impact.
-
Check conditions of
kingpin and jaws.
-
Check that the jaws are
locked after coupling.
-
Ensure that the landing
gear is raised.
-
Hook up air and
electric lines carefully.
-
If the trailer axle is
adjustable, make sure it is locked properly.
-
Check to see that the
kingpin is not riding on top of the jaws.
-
If the tractor has an
adjustable fifth wheel, make sure adjustment is locked. Do not pull the
trailer with the slide stops. Before driving away, apply the trailer brake;
and pull gently against them to check coupling.
References:
FMCSR Part 393.70; 393.71. D1; V1; V2.
VEHICLE LIGHTING
AND CONSPICUITY C10
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To reduce the number of accidents due to other drivers' inability to see the
vehicle.
Description:
Trucks or tractor-trailer combinations, due to their length and lower
maneuverability, may be struck by other vehicles because the other driver does
not see the vehicle and its movement in time. Such drivers can be assisted by
making sure that the truck's lighting system and reflectors are adequate. The
truck driver should use extra care in crossing traffic lanes and making turns
during adverse visibility conditions.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are proper lighting
devices and reflectors installed and maintained ?
-
Are proper visibility
devices used when carrying unusual loads which project from the rear or
sides of the truck ?
-
Are paint schemes being
selected with the thought that they could enhance conspicuity ?
Driving Tips:
-
Check to make sure that
all lights and reflectors are operable and clean.
-
Use extra care when
making turns or crossing intersections during poor visibility conditions.
-
Use extra care when
pulling low profile trailers such as empty flat bed tractors, an empty
container chassis, construction equipment trailers, or pole trailers.
References:
FMCSR Part 392.30 to 392.33; 393.9 to 393.33. D1.
PAYLOAD
CHARACTERISTICS C11
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To reduce the number of accidents caused by overloading, poor load distribution
and lack of clearance with fixed objects.
Description:
Many accidents are caused by inadequate loading procedures or route planning.
Heavy, high, or offset loads can precipitate rollovers during emergency steering
maneuvers or when driving at excessive speeds. High trailers or outsize loads
can result in collisions when routes are not planned.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are dispatchers
knowledgeable in matching cargoes and vehicles during dispatching ?
-
Are drivers instructed
how to deal with sealed cargoes ?
-
How does the company
deal with the problem of overloading ?
-
Are drivers trained how
to deal with top heavy or offset cargoes, or improper axle weight
distribution ?
-
Are drivers trained to
understand how and why rollovers occur ?
-
Are equipment
purchasing specifications matched to anticipated loads ?
Driving Tips:
-
Make sure your vehicle
and axle weights are within legal limits.
-
Make sure you know your
vehicle weight rating.
-
Make sure that tire
ratings and inflations are compatible with the load and driving conditions.
-
Make sure that
suspension and coupling ratings are appropriate for the load.
-
When trailer is being
loaded with mixed cargo, have heavier articles loaded on the bottom.
-
Check to see that heavy
articles are not offset to one side of the trailer.
-
When driving with heavy
or high loads, use reduced speeds. Remember that you may have to make an
emergency lane change.
-
Curve speed advisory
signs normally do not apply to heavily loaded commercial vehicles; go
slower.
-
Be aware that trailer
wheels offtrack and may collide with curbs, or track onto unimproved
shoulders, leading to loss of control when vehicle is heavily loaded.
-
Know your vehicle
height and plan your route so that you are not surprised by low bridges.
-
When picking up a
sealed trailer, find out payload characteristics.
References:
FMCSR Part 393.9; 393.100; 393.102; 393.104; 393.106. D1.
CARGO SECUREMENT
C12
COUNTERMEASURE
Objective:
To reduce the number of truck rollover or falling cargo accidents.
Description:
Cargo which breaks loose on the road can create control difficulties for the
driver and present a hazard for other drivers. Shifting cargo can cause loss of
control and truck rollover.
Questions for
Management:
-
Are your trailers
equipped with proper tie downs and front-end structures ?
-
Are drivers and dock
personnel knowledgeable in proper methods for blocking and bracing ?
-
Does your company carry
unusual payloads which are prone to shifting and thus require special
attention to securement methods ?
-
Are spare wheels and
accessory equipment properly secured ?
Driving Tips:
-
Check to make sure that
the lading has been properly secured.
-
Periodically check to
see that tie downs and bracing are still intact and the cargo has not
shifted.
-
Some cargo or lading,
such as liquids in cargo tanks or portable tanks has a tendency to shift:
you must drive at reduced speeds during turns or braking to guard against
loss of control.
-
Pay particular
attention to bracing and tie downs when picking up unusual cargoes. Satisfy
yourself that the loading personnel have done their job properly.
References:
FMCSR Part 392.9; 393.100; 393.102; 393.104; 393.106. D1.
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