Tag: driver safety

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Two Safety Trends that May Save Your Fleet AND the Lives of Your Drivers

Safety Trends for Fleets & Fleet Drivers

 

Despite decreased numbers of vehicles on the roads due to lingering effects of a global pandemic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that traffic deaths were up in 2021! A staggering 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year. Commercial fleet management companies are taking these statistics very seriously, and several of the fleet safety trends in 2022 reflect that effort. 

Dash Cams

There are many factors that contribute to the number of traffic deaths, but most boil down to one fact; drivers are distracted. Talking on the telephone, talking to passengers, watching videos, eating and drinking, even drinking alcohol while driving! Installing dash cams in the cabs and additional cameras outside the rig or automobile is one way to beat the collision odds. These are proving to be an inexpensive way to monitor drivers’ behaviors, encouraging their safety and the safety of others on the road.   

Not only is the installation of cameras essential, but the regular review of them is becoming a regular part of drivers’ training. It is quite common for a driver to review a day’s footage and be astonished how distracted he/she is during a drive! Awareness is the first step to change, and cameras are widely becoming accepted as an industry standard.   

While the safety of drivers is of utmost importance, fleets also can take a serious hit when out on the road. Although cargo theft declined slightly in 2021, the loss still amounted to over $57 million dollars!  Fifty-five percent of those thefts involved heavy commercial motor vehicles, so special note should be taken if your fleet helps in this transport. 

Security Systems

No company can afford the losses of theft. Management companies are finding that the investment of excellent tracking devices and services brings peace of mind and quick recovery, should a theft occur. GPS tracking services allow tracking in real time and notify managers via text or email whenever a truck starts to move. If movement is suspicious, an effective GPS security program can even alert authorities immediately.   

In addition to careful tracking, commercial fleets are now incorporating a starter disable function. This technology enables the fleet manager to temporarily disable the starter in a rig and re-enable it when it’s time to move again! With no more fear of theft while sitting at a rest stop or temporarily storing a vehicle, managers can have more control over burglars and ensure that their fleets keep moving on schedule.   

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Make Sure You’re Legal on the Road!

Two necessary documents every driver MUST have with them at all times.

Many people don’t know that a vehicle registration is NOT the same as the title. Here are the basics to understanding the two separate documents you need before you can legally drive your vehicle:

Car Title

The title is a legal document that declares you (or the company / individual you owe) is the legal owner of a vehicle. Once a title is obtained, it is valid in every state, despite the owner’s residence.

To receive a title of a vehicle, an owner must have:

  • Bill of sale
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of residency (most DMV offices require two verified bills or official mail
  • Current odometer reading of vehicle
Registration

The registration is a legal document that states you have paid essential taxes and are in the state’s cataloguing system. Each state has individual requirements for this registration, and a vehicle owner must have one that is valid in his state of residence in order to legally operate the vehicle.

Once a vehicle’s title is obtained, a registration is necessary as well. Although states differ on the requirements for this document, each requires the following:

  • Title
  • Current insurance (minimum; higher in some states)
  • Tax or registration fees
  • Vehicle inspection report

Over half of the United States requires emission testing. Emissions, as well as many other safety inspections, vary considerably from state to state. You can find a list of your state’s requirements through the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

The process of obtaining a title and registration for your vehicle is sometimes complicated and always time-consuming. Entrusting that process to ABS ensures a smooth and carefree transition to getting your entire fleet on the road efficiently and legally!

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ABS Motor Carrier Services

ABS Motor Carrier Services

ABS Simplifies Your Business

Why do you need ABS motor carrier services? We simplify the administrative functions of fleet management allows owners, managers, and operators to run their businesses more efficiently…and efficiency ultimately means profit.

As a fleet manager, you know you need to:

  • Monitor IRP maintenance, additions, renewals, and changes
  • Complete IFTA quarterly reports
  • Track special state reporting
  • Manage driver qualifications
  • Account for oversize/overweight annuals and trips
  • Complete nationwide registration and titling
  • Store those titles
  • Manage tolls and citations

OR, you can utilize the expertise and infrastructure of ABS Tag & Title to streamline that administrative work with our intellectual capital and technical tools.

Regardless of the size of your commercial fleet, we use our resources to manage your assets effectively. Click here to learn more!

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Tips to Keep You & Your Rig Safe on the Road

Stay safe on the road and rest when you need to.

The best life-saving tip you will receive today…

Pull over.

The numbers are staggering:  100,000 accidents and over 1,500 deaths are cause each year because of drowsy driving!  If you’re sleepy, don’t down the power drinks or grab another smoke…your health and safety are the most important products you deliver to your destination each day!  Consider some of the following instead:

  • Power nap.  It has proven effectiveness!   But be very careful…..longer than 20 minutes and this will backfire quickly.
  • Drink a caffeinated beverage following your nap.  Pounding these constantly will actually make you drowsy, but that quick shot of adrenaline right after a bit of rest will give you an added boost.
  • Pulling over your rig and walking a half mile down the road and back will cause you to lose a little time but quite possibly save a life or two.

“Off the clock” guidelines are perhaps even more essential in assuring a safe drive. When you’re not on a driving schedule ensure that you:

  • Stay consistent on your bedtime.  Your body will function much better on the road if you keep a regular routine off the road.
  • Follow a regular calming routine an hour before bed.  (Screen time of any kind is a stimulant.  Cutting out TV and phone/computer scrolling will help!)
  • Avoid heavy foods, alcohol, and nicotine an hour before bedtime.
  • Get six to eight hours of sleep. Your mother said it for years because doctors have been saying it for generations.  This is what it takes for your body to refuel, so take care of it just like you do your rig.  Don’t drive on empty!

We at ABS not only want you to get there on time; we want you to get there safely.

P.S. Did you know lack of sleep increases your heart rate!  Your heart rate and blood pressure go down at night….they’re supposed to!  So give your heart a rest, and get a good night sleep!  Find out more about heart health here.