Safety: Page 2

‘Driverless’ vehicles: Their inevitability and increased fatigue risks

In the scrum over autonomous vehicles, news from the 10th annual international “Managing Fatigue” conference in San Diego sees the fatigue science and regulatory community bracing for tech advancements. Some research shows counterintuitive safety results, however.

March 21, 2017

Daimler’s autonomous tractor-trailer, a Mercedes Actros

Safety technologies in the eye of Senate hearing

Safety observers and one fleet representative testified before a Senate subcommittee about what can be done to increase safety in trucking — various technologies were the principle subject of the discussion.

March 17, 2017

Collision avoidance systems were discussed as a way to improve safety in trucking during a Senate subcommittee hearing this week.

Brake issue prompts recall of about 450 Western Star 4900 trucks

The recall affects 2015-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks manufactured between March 3, 2014, and Jan. 31, 2017, that were built with certain triple compartment aluminum air tanks. The company says these tanks could experience weld separation.

March 9, 2017

Daimler Trucks North America has recalled approximately 450 2015-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks.

Federal level action on truckers’ right to carry: Myth and attempted process

Two in five respondents to an Overdrive survey about carrying weapons have the mistaken belief that a federal law prohibits truckers from carrying a gun in their vehicle. Instead, only states have such laws, but because they vary widely, compliance becomes complicated for any gun-toting driver engaged in interstate commerce.

February 16, 2017

See all components of the Danger Zone series at this link.

Truckers who carry, and one who doesn’t, detail their reasons

Most truckers favor the right to carry a weapon on the road. Even those who don’t often say they stand by the old saying: “I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.”

February 15, 2017

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Danger zone: Truckers stick to their guns despite questions about firearm laws, Overdrive research reveals

New Overdrive research shows large concerns over threats to truckers’ personal safety. Though varying state concealed-carry laws make it difficult to cross state lines and remain in compliance, many truckers remain armed.

February 14, 2017

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Navistar recalling certain model year 2017 trucks for potential battery problem

Navistar says the affected vehicles have a metallic battery cover that could unlatch and contact the battery’s jump start stud, causing an electrical short to ground if the jump start stud isn’t covered.

January 20, 2017

Navistar is recalling certain model year 2017 International trucks, including certain ProStar, LoneStar, TranStar and 9900i models.

Goodyear tire recall prompts recall of 850 Freightliner trucks

Daimler’s recall covers approximately 863 trucks that were equipped with those tires. Models include: 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, 2017 Freightliner 122SD and 2017 Freightliner Business Class M2.

December 6, 2016

Daimler is recalling more than 850 Freightliner trucks because of a recall on Goodyear tires.

Mandates for video recorders, collision avoidance systems among NTSB’s ‘Most Wanted’ in 2017-2018

Items on the list NTSB’s 2017-2018 most wanted list that could have the biggest impact on drivers include increased implementation of collision avoidance technologies, expanding use of event recorders, and ending alcohol and drug impairment.

November 15, 2016

Collision avoidance systems were among NTSB’s most wanted improvements to transportation in 2017-2018.

DOT: All of the nearly 16,000 recalled Volvo trucks have been accounted for

All of the nearly 16,000 Volvo trucks recalled earlier this year have been accounted for, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

October 31, 2016

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FMCSA asks truckers to discontinue use of Samsung Note7 phones, keep them unplugged

FMCSA has issued a safety advisory telling Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners to stop using the devices — and to leave them unplugged — while in their trucks.

October 21, 2016

FMCSA has issued a safety advisory for Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones.

Small fleet shut down after post-crash investigation revealed bevy of safety violations

A five-truck fleet out of LaGrange, Ga., has been issued an effective shutdown order by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after an investigation revealed the company did not adhere to driver qualification, drug testing, maintenance regulations and more.

October 10, 2016

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NTSB: More stringent drug screening needed for truck operators

NTSB found in its investigation of a fatal 2015 crash that the trucker at fault had illegally used methamphetamine before the crash occurred. The drug use should have been detected in a pre-employment screening, NTSB says.

October 7, 2016

The NTSB said the truck driver involved in a six-fatality crash last summer did not respond to slow traffic caused by a work zone.

Nationwide brake inspection blitz running this week

All of next week, inspectors will ramp up enforcement across North America to target brake violations.

September 9, 2016

DOT: Fatalities involving trucks up in 2015

NHTSA’s report says there were 4,067 truck-involved fatalities, which is the highest number since 2008. NHTSA’s report doesn’t account for crash fault, however, only truck involvement.

August 31, 2016

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Bendix announces free remedy kit for trailer spring brake valve recall

Bendix has directed owners of the trailers to work through their trailer manufacturer or an authorized Bendix parts outlet – depending on how each manufacturer has elected to administer the recall – to obtain the remedy kit.

August 16, 2016

FMCSA launches campaign to alert public on driving safely around trucks

Through the new campaign, dubbed “Our Roads, Our Responsibility,” FMCSA suggests several tips to drivers sharing the road with commercial vehicles. It also offers trucking industry stakeholders graphics to use to help spread the word.

August 15, 2016

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FMCSA warns truckers about use of e-cigarettes, vaporizers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a safety advisory for truck drivers who use battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes.

August 4, 2016

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How the COVID hours waiver could disentangle HOS rigidity

Strong views from Andrea Marks of the Trucker Nation advocacy group on the opportunities embedded within the long extensions of FMCSA's COVID-emergency-related waivers – and the dangers lurking in the latest changes as of September 1.

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An ode to the American Truck Driver

Guy Archer wins 2021 Trucker Talent Search

Michael and Jackie Wallace's special 120-inch-sleeper '07 Coronado

The 'Semper Fi' 2007 Coronado of Michael and Jackie Wallace

Howes Diesel Defender

Howes Diesel Defender

How the COVID hours waiver could disentangle HOS rigidity

More episodes »

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2021 edition of Partners in Business.

Partners in Business Issue Cover