Tag Archives: driving danger

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES

Northwest Airlines brought another “distracted driving” issue to the forefront recently, when one of its flights’ two pilots missed their destination by 150 miles because they were busy with their laptops.  It seems they became so engrossed in researching a newly designed work schedule system, they failed to hear the air traffic controllers frantically trying to restore contact with them.  Delta Airlines, which recently purchased Northwest Airlines, stated “using laptops or engaging in acts unrelated to command of aircraft during flight is strictly against the airlines flight deck policies.”  One former pilot noted that it is not unusual for one pilot to possibly use a laptop during flight, but it is highly unusual for two persons to use laptops at the same time.  This led to two of the biggest safety violations in commercial aviation: pilot complacency and lax cockpit disciplines.  Many airlines, such as Southwest, prohibit electronic devices, i.e. laptops, cell phones, PDA’s, unless they are approved by FAA and, in the case of Southwest, supplied by Southwest Airlines.

In the past, we have talked about distracted drivers being deadly drivers.  There has been an abundance of articles about persons in charge of trains, buses or cars causing many deaths, all because they were texting on their cell phones!  It seems the 144 persons onboard the flight mentioned above landed safely, along with the crew, but it does bring this issue to the forefront: we must not let all those sophisticated “toys” distract us from the job at hand.  Pilots of planes, bus drivers, train engineers, and all other persons who have command of vehicles should give their full attention to the safety of passengers.

It’s a sure bet that the FAA and other government officials will be looking at this incident.  It may not be the first time something like this has happened, but let’s hope it will be the last!  Regardless of working an 8-hour shift or 12-hour shift, our employer is paying us for doing our job.  We don’t get paid to sleep, play games, or use personal electronic equipment on the job.   It’s too bad that being on long flights are boring for some pilots; but considering the pay they receive, and the lives that are in their hands, giving full attention to performing their job safely is a small thing to ask.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…..

I just can’t wait to get on the road again!  Let me tell you why: as I am working my way down the list of “dangerous jobs”, truck drivers have one of the highest fatality rates among risky occupations.  Truck driving statistics show that 30 out of every 100,000 drivers die each year.  This statistic includes those driving buses and other large vehicles, as well.

So, the next time I drive down the highway, I will be more careful than usual.  My reason: reports show that many of the accidents that trucks are involved in are caused by other drivers’ recklessness.  Seventy per cent of truckers who crash do so because someone else got in their way.

The FMCSA has a “Share the Road Safely” website that explains how car drivers, motorcycle riders, and other vehicles can make our highways safer by creating a better highway situation with the larger vehicles on the roads.

Here are some of their suggestions:

  • Pay attention to the road. Stay off your cell phone.
  • When passing a truck, don’t pull in front of the truck until you can see it in your rear view mirror.
  • Do not misjudge the truck’s speed at an intersection.
  • Don’t drive between trucks.
  • When you pull into oncoming traffic and see a truck coming, be sure you have room to accelerate sufficiently.
  • Realize that when you are involved in a crash with a large truck, your chances of survival are low.
  • Be careful when you see a truck is making a right turn.  It needs more space to complete the turn.  Most trucks have that warning sticker on the back of the truck.
  • Trucks have “No Zones”, areas behind and beside the truck where the driver has limited or zero visibility.  You must be aware of this and keep yourself at a safe distance.

Big trucks are very intimidating.  Maneuvering those large vehicles can’t be easy; have you ever looked inside an 18-wheeler? The instrument panels and controls are pretty scary to a novice.  Most truck drivers are very skilled and extremely patient.  But when they need to stop their vehicle, it takes more time than a car.  That is why you must not risk causing them to have to stop abruptly.

There are many other reasons that truck drivers experience accidents: inadequate training, not enough sleep, fatigue, driving at night, and dangerous driving conditions, such as inclement weather.  Truck drivers are required to follow the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, which designates the HoS (hours of service) they may drive within each shift.

The next time you go to the store, think about how many different types of trucks brought the goods that you need for your family.  Let’s help them “keep on truckin” by driving safely ourselves!

General Safety Issues

DELIVERING THE MESSAGE

The British have discovered a way to really wake us up.  Last night, I saw some video clips they have produced of staged accidents involving drivers who were texting on their cell phones while driving.  Maybe you saw them on YouTube.  Extremely graphic, they depict several different scenarios of wrecks and the persons involved, and the outcomes are horrible.

As I was reviewing information on the internet on this subject today, I noticed an advertisement on the same page for a cell phone that you can access just about anything you want to see – “one click to Facebook”!

Cell phones are probably one of the greatest inventions of our time and can be useful in times of emergencies.  Frankly, I don’t know how we ever got along without them.  Cell phones are such a convenience; we can stay in touch with our loved ones or friends in a matter of seconds, coordinate meetings, make appointments, and walk around the house, all at the same time!  You’ll notice I didn’t mention “drive a car” all at the same time.  But, that’s what we do.  I saw a woman taking her little one to school this morning, talking on her cell phone the whole time.  Do you wonder if that call could have waited?  (Beginning September 1st in Texas, state law prohibits the use of cell phones in school zones.  Fines of up to $200 can be imposed.  The law does allow hands-free use of cell phones or emergency use only.)

The simple task of making a call while driving is enough of a diversion.  It’s not the fault of the cell phone if there is an accident while driving.  It’s the fault of the person operating the car and the phone at the same time.  When you have to look down to read a message someone is sending you, you are taking a chance on hurting yourself, your passengers, or the other guy meeting you. (And what if he’s texting, what are your chances, then?)

Statistics have shown that texting and driving is just about dead even with drinking and driving.  Do you think you have it under control, or that it won’t hurt anyone?  THINK AGAIN.  And if you get a chance to see how the Brits deliver the message, you will change your mind.

Uncategorized

SPEEDING CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH

Is compromising your safety and the safety of others worth the minutes you’ll save by speeding to arrive at your destination?  Exceeding the posted speed limit (or driving too fast for conditions) is a factor in almost one-third of all fatal crashes.  Speeding-related fatalities are not always related to interstate travel.  Only 14 per cent of speeding-related fatalities occur on interstate highways.  While speeding, the driver is unable to have enough response time to avoid a crash, has an increased likelihood of crashing, and an increased severity of the crash once it occurs.  Other distractions while driving that play a roll in accidents are:

  • Talking on cell phone
  • Reading
  • Texting
  • Emotional agitation
  • Alcohol, Drugs

Neighborhood speeding is another problem that often has to be controlled by interested citizens who get their local law enforcement agencies to establish stricter speed enforcement to protect children, pedestrians, bicyclers and other motorists.  Speed bumps have been found to be a good way to slow drivers down in neighborhoods, as well as a friendly cop parked close by with his radar gun!

Speed Awareness Radar Trailers are another way to alert drivers if they are going too fast, as their speed is displayed on a board as they pass by.  Another theory is that driving too slowly on higher speed limit highways can be as dangerous as driving too fast.  We all need to be aware and alert of what is going around us at all times.

You have probably been traveling down the road, to be passed by someone in a great hurry to get wherever he’s going, darting in and out of traffic, but when you arrive in the next town, there he is, sitting at the first traffic light!  Most of the time, if we just observe the speed limit, we will get there safely.  What was that story about the tortoise and hare?  Slow down, save a life!

Sources:
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
State Farm Insurance

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DROWSY DRIVERS

Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel of an automobile or truck are major problems we all face.  Typical characteristics of crashes involving this driving hazard are:

  • Late night/early morning hours
  • Late afternoon (older drivers)
  • Occur on high speed highways
  • Driver doesn’t attempt to avoid crash
  • Driver was alone
  • Likely to be serious accident
  • Single vehicle leaving roadway

A study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in conjunction with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Association showed that drowsiness was greater during night hours (midnight to dawn).  The time of day of drowsiness was more a factor than total of hours driven.  The study also revealed drivers need to be given the opportunity to obtain adequate sleep. (Average sleep time was 5.2 hours).  Two major findings were: inadequate sleep and tendency for drowsiness at night.

In another study, young male drivers were more prone to sleepiness while driving, as well as shift workers.  The young male drivers were not as interested in resolving the problem (inexperienced drivers contribute to many fatal accidents); however, the shift workers would welcome ways their employers could make the drive home safer for them.  Fatigue and drowsiness can be a fatal combination; if employers could provide transportation for their shift workers who are not safe to drive, it would be of great benefit to the employee and employer.

Lawmakers should be made aware that the placement of rumble strips along the sides of highways have been shown to be effective to alarm or awaken sleepy drivers as their vehicle is going off the road.  This is one small countermeasure to combat drowsy driving.

Ways to prevent drowsy driving:

  • Plan ahead and get sufficient sleep before trip
  • No drinking alcohol, even small amounts (it’s against the law)
  • Limit driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
  • Ask passenger to drive, when you feel sleepy
  • Stop in a safe place for a 15-minute nap
  • Consume caffeine equal to 2 cups of coffee
  • Avoid driving too many hours per day
  • Stop and take breaks

We hope this article didn’t put you to sleep, and that you will drive safely!

OSHA
NHTSA
FMCSA