Back-to-school time is almost here. That means school buses and school children will once again be back on the roads.
Caution is the word as we approach the new school year. Every school year we hear about crashes involving a school bus. Unfortunately, some involve big trucks.
According to the American Automobile Association, (AAA) all drivers need to be extra aware this time of year.
Jim Slocum, a safety service manager with AAA Mid-Atlantic, says one of the first things drivers need to remember is to obey the flashing speed limit signs in school zones.
"The 15 mile an hour speed limit should alert us to be extra careful that there are school children in the area and use extreme caution," Slocum said.
Another key safety reminder for drivers at back-to-school time is to stop for the bus when loading or unloading children.
"We want people to remember that we have to stop at least 10 feet in either direction. The only time we don't have to stop is when the road and the bus are separated by a divider which is a physical barrier," Slocum added.
AAA has these back-to-school safety reminders for all drivers.
- Slow down near schools and residential areas.
- Always look for school buses loading and unloading students.
- Look between parked cars.
- Drive with headlights on, even during the day so you are more visible to children.
- Remember to practice extra caution in school zones during bad weather.
Let's make sure everyone stays safe this fall.
Here's a little reminder, as if you don't see this one everyday on TV, about the changes coming to a TV set near you.
Owners of older TV sets who still receive free, over-the-air broadcasts should be aware that their sets will no longer function after Feb. 17, 2009 without a digital converter box.
The government has set up a website, dtv.gov, and the toll-free number 888-388-2009 to provide information about how people with older TV sets -- and who are not connected to cable systems -- may receive free coupons that will cover most of the cost of converter boxes.
TruckDriver.com
Carrier of the Month
Highway Transport
Highway Transport, Inc. has always epitomized a family business, skill, pride and hard work. Over the years, they have established lifelong relationships with customers and drivers.
Founded in 1948, they are not only celebrating a 60-year milestone, but they are also seeing their anniversary as the beginning of many more years to come.
Years of ongoing safety improvements have earned the company numerous awards, including many consecutive first place finishes in the American Trucking Association safety contests, as well as prestigious awards for continuous improvements in safety and performance from the National Tank Truck Carriers Association.
Attention to safety and environmental regulations are top priorities. Management works closely with drivers and service personnel to ensure maximum safety in all phases of delivery and equipment maintenance.
All drivers go through rigorous training to guarantee that safety and compliance goals are met or exceeded. Highway Transport drivers are dedicated to safe, on-time delivery and take pride in their commitment to professionalism and quality service.
If you are looking for a solid company offering a solid long-term commitment visit www.hytt.com
As reported last in the last edition of the e-Report, recent studies claimed to have found that thousands of truck drivers have been issued and retain commercial driver's licenses even though they are medically unfit.
So, we offered up the TruckDriver.com Medical Concerns Survey and here's what you had to say about being concerned about medically unfit commercial drivers.
Over 60% of you said you were very concerned and another 22% said you were somewhat concerned. Only 18% you reported not being concerned.
That's 82% concerned. There might be a problem!
Another problem for most drivers, and most companies, is freight, or rather the lack of it.
Although, the talk around the office is that freight is starting to pick up, that's just talk.
What do you think? You are the ones moving the freight. Take the TruckDriver.com Freight Shakin' Survey.
We'll catch you on the flip-flop.
Until next time, keep on truckin' and please drive safely.
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