Driving the Line: The Pursuit of Safety

The purpose of this episode is for you to tap the brakes and ask yourself, "Do I have the right kind and amount of insurance?" Listen for details on what the FMCSA has to say about insurance so you can be sure you're in compliance.  

It's still hot, but winter is right around the corner! In this episode, the team shares why we have tire chain laws, why they might already be in effect in some states, and the ins and outs of chaining up when driving from state to state. Find more state by state info here: https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/the-nation/chain-up-your-guide-to-the-nations-chain-laws

As the harvesting season begins, the team discusses how the increased presence of farming equipment on the roads can add danger for truckers and other vehicles. Listen for tips to keep yourself and others safe. Make sure to listen all the way to the end for one of Kenny's best stories ever! 

For this episode, the team takes a trip down memory lane and talks about school zone and bus safety. Kenny Ray puts on his former teacher and school bus driver hats to share important tips for your kids and grandkids and for everyone who operates a vehicle around a bus or school. 

Brake Safety Week is coming August 20 - 26 but it is about more than the CVSA. Trust and accountability are key to driving safely and moving the industry forward. Join Mike, Jim and Kenny to learn more about this emphasis week and how to put a full stop to potential fines and problems. More information can be found here: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/brake-safety-campaigns/  

In this episode, the team breaks down the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week, which will take place July 9-15, 2023. This year's emphasis is on speeding and other unsafe driving practices for commercial motor vehicle operators as well as passenger vehicles. Find out more here: https://www.cvsa.org/news/2023-osd-week-dates/

If there's one thing that can bring a lot of stress to a trucking company, it's an audit. In this episode, the team shares their number one way to prepare for an audit and several practical tips to successfully get through an FMCSA or DOT audit. 

June is here but are you ready for what that means for bringing safety to all drivers? Started 27 years ago by the National Safety Council, National Safety Month is the perfect month to refresh best practices including emergency preparedness, safety communication and more. Join Jim, Mike and Kenny to see just what they want all drivers to remember this month. 

There's no doubt that heat can be a safety concern. In this episode, the team discusses OSHA resources and shares how suggested heat safety practices apply to drivers and workers. From breakdowns to clothing and more, the team gives useful tips on staying safe in the summer heat.

This episode is all about CVSA's Operation Roadcheck, May 16-18, 2023. Our team gives you a heads up on what to expect during this three-day inspection blitz—including citations and summons. As a special treat and a reflection of our commitment to learning, we each share a book recommendation.  For more information, check out https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/ . 

In this episode, we explain the standards for roadside inspections, the different types of inspections, and who conducts them. Jim, Kenny and Mike share tips and advice on how a proper pre-trip inspection plus good maintenance will help drivers get through a roadside inspection with no violations.

In this episode, our consultants discuss one of the most important safety issues on the roads today—distracted driving—and it's not just about cell phone use. Kenny Ray shares a touching story about the history of Distracted Driving Awareness Month , and the team offers important advice for all drivers to keep in mind.

From tires to tie downs and everything in between, we break down inspections and regulatory requirements in this episode. We summarize driver responsibilities and documentation to help make sure vehicles are in safe driving condition.

Seasons change and so do driving conditions. In this episode we discuss springtime hazards including slow-moving vehicles, sleep habits, and weather-related concerns. We share some practical tips to keep you safe through the seasons.  References in today's episode:  https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-150/default.html http://www.cdc.gov/sleep http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ http://www.drowsydrivin...

We continue our discussion of the changes to the FMCSA hours-of-service regulations in this episode. We focus on the personal conveyance provision, which is often the most confusing aspect of regulations. Listen as we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Join Mike, Jim and Kenny in this first of two episodes as they discuss the who, what, when, and where of the revisions to the FMCSA hours-of-service regulations instituted in 2022. Specifically, we talk about what motor carriers need to do to be in compliance and how to avoid audit headaches. Listen for a breakdown of the new rules.

In this episode, we talk about how blind spots can cause trouble in our lives and on the road. We review the top 10 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations from 2022 and how those violations can apply to trucking. Listen for practical and simple ways to prevent these citations in your operations. 

In this, our first episode, you'll meet your hosts—Kenny, Mike, and Jim—three safety experts with more than 60 years of combined industry experience. We begin this season and the new year by linking resolutions and transportation safety. Most New Year's resolutions fail because they aren't connected with our actual values. The same can happen with safety when priorities, policies, and rules are no...