Communicating with other Drivers and Pedestrians while Driving

By appropriately using communication, you make it easier for other drivers to see you, and you also make it easier for you to see other drivers. Ensuring that you can see other drivers and that they can see you will drastically reduce the chance of an accident. The following communication devices are part of your “execution arsenal”:

• Turn signals should be used to let other drivers know that you are turning, changing lanes, pulling out of a parking space, or pulling out from the curb. You should signal at least four seconds before you plan to take action.
• Emergency signals should be used to warn other drivers that you are experiencing vehicle trouble or when you must park on the shoulder of the roadway due to an emergency. This serves as a warning to other drivers to give you more space.
• The horn should be tapped lightly when trying to gain the attention of another driver or pedestrian. It should not be used to vent frustration at other drivers’ actions.
• Headlights: Many new trucks have daytime running lights that turn on automatically, helping other drivers see you. You can flash your lights at oncoming traffic to warn them of dangers ahead, such as accidents or obstructions in the roadway

Use your turn signals first to indicate your intent to change lanes. Next, visually scan for adjacent traffic and road hazards, and then execute a safe lane change. By signaling your

intentions well in advance, you will be in a safer position to communicate with surrounding drivers and will be able to safely execute the desired driving maneuver.
A good safety practice is to signal at least four seconds prior to making a turning maneuver.

Did You Know? A recent study reported that there are approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes annually, including both large trucks and passenger vehicles.
While you certainly wouldn't know it from watching the majority of drivers, using a turn signal to indicate a lane change is generally the law.

Emergency Signals (4 Ways)
FMCSA 392.22 – Emergency signals; stopped commercial motor vehicles:
Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped on the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver of the stopped commercial motor vehicle must immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and continue flashing them until the driver has placed the warning devices required by CFR 395.22. The flashing signals should be used while the warning devices are being picked up for storage before the commercial motor vehicle is moved. The flashing lights may be used at other times while the commercial motor vehicle is stopped, in addition to, but not in place of, the warning devices required by this section.

Horn

The horn on a commercial motor vehicle is a safety device that can sometimes be the only item preventing an accident by sounding an alarm and communicating your presence to another vehicle. However, we all know of drivers who have abused the use of the horn, potentially causing an accident by startling another motorist. There have been documented instances of road rage that started with the misuse of a horn. The sounding of a horn is one of the few actions a driver can take that makes an intrusion into the driving compartment of another vehicle. Horns on commercial vehicles vary in size, from small electric (city horns) to large, exterior-mounted chrome-trumpeted air horns. Novelty horns are also popular and can play familiar tunes, such as college football fight songs.

So, what does the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) say about a horn?

The answer is found in CFR §393.81:

Every bus, truck, truck-tractor, and every driven motor vehicle in driveaway-towaway operations shall be equipped with a horn and actuating elements, which shall be in such condition as to give an adequate and reliable warning signal.

§393.81 DOT Interpretations

Question 1: Do the FMCSRs specify what type of horn is to be used on a CMV?
Guidance: No.

Question 2: Are there established criteria in the FMCSRs to determine the minimum sound level of horns on CMVs?
Guidance: No.

Can I drive my commercial motor vehicle if the horn is not operational?
Answer: No.
Answer: CFR §392.7

Equipment, Inspection and Use.

No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the following parts and accessories are in good working order, nor shall any driver fail to use or make use of such parts and accessories when and as needed:

• Service brakes, including trailer brake control
• Parking (hand) brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wiper or wipers
• Rear-vision mirror or mirrors
• Coupling devices

Headlights

Many companies now have their trucks programmed to keep the low beam headlights on whenever the engine is running. Many states also have laws requiring headlights to be on whenever the windshield wipers are in use. Both of these are good safety practices.

Are your headlights on your truck "fogged" or dirty?
Do you ensure that your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are clean during your pre- and post-trip inspections?

According to the National Institute for Traffic and Highway Safety, the number one cause of severe nighttime accidents and reduced driving safety is dim, cloudy, or improperly lit

headlights. If a headlight has ineffective or diminished light output, your nighttime driving safety is greatly at risk. A study by the University of Iowa found that a 20-50% reduction in headlight output leads to a 90% increase in the likelihood of an accident. This is a very unnecessary risk, as it is easy to either clean, replace, or fix these headlights.

Dim it!

Is flashing high beams at cars illegal?

Someone told me that flashing your headlights at a vehicle in front of you, particularly if it is going slow in the fast lane, is a citable offense. Is this true?
Yes, in some states, that is true.

The main concern with flashing headlights at an oncoming motorist is that they may be temporarily blinded, which could create blind spots for other motorists while operating their vehicles, thus creating an obviously hazardous situation.

As we draw near to the holiday season, it's important to remind drivers of the potential hazards that exist in parking lots while making deliveries and pickups. Parking lots during this time of year can be especially dangerous for drivers, whether they’re making deliveries or just stopping for lunch. There is a risk of vehicle accidents, as well as the potential for accidents involving pedestrians. This holiday season, pay extra attention when operating in a parking lot and follow the advice below:

• Wear your seatbelt – Even low-speed collisions can throw you around the cab of your truck.
• Obey all traffic signs, such as Stop and Yield.
• Drive slowly and use your turn signals and headlights – make sure your vehicle is seen and watch for distracted motorists who may not see you coming.
• Obey traffic lanes and do NOT drive diagonally across lots (watch out for cars cutting diagonally across lots).
• Slow down for speed bumps to avoid injuring yourself or damaging your cargo.
• Use delivery driveway entrances for customers, especially in areas where auto traffic is not likely to go.
• Beware of motorists who are lost or distracted while looking for specialty stores that are not frequently visited.
• Be extra careful at entrances and exits – Motorists may stop suddenly and for no apparent reason. Tailgaters often end up in rear-end collisions, and rushing while turning into access roads or side streets can lead to accidents.
• Be especially cautious in lots that contain post offices, package stores, and other locations where people may dart in and out hastily in a hurry.
• Exercise extra caution during peak times when reckless drivers may speed through lanes while trying to get a "better spot" closer to the shops.
• Some drivers are on the "hunt" for an ideal parking spot and may drive erratically, watching for open spots rather than focusing on where they are driving! These drivers often circle the lanes nearest the stores. Parking away from the stores may require a longer walk but can be less dangerous from a collision standpoint.
• Lock your truck at all times when unattended. Parking lots are often busy and targeted by thieves.

The first parking lot in the world was created in Fort Wayne, Indiana—no doubt just in time for holiday shopping.

CVSA Announces Results of Hazmat Inspections

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance recently announced the results of its five-day inspection blitz conducted last summer on commercial motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials (or dangerous goods in Canada). From June 10-14, 2024, inspectors in 45 jurisdictions conducted 3,929 unannounced inspections of commercial motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials/dangerous goods.

Inspectors discovered hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) violations on 576 of the vehicles inspected, including 116 out-of-service violations related to loading and securement. The most common violation in the U.S. was improper shipping papers, followed by load securement, improper marking or placarding, and failure to have a copy of the carrier’s hazmat registration on board.

Nineteen packages were cited for HM/DG package integrity (leaking) violations, and inspectors discovered 93 undeclared packages of hazardous materials in the U.S.

It is not uncommon for thieves to target truck terminals over the holidays, as they know it is a prime opportunity when no one is around. Make sure to take extra precautions to secure the trucks and items of value at your terminal. If your units do not have anti-siphon devices or locking caps, instruct the drivers not to fill the units at the end of the day. Ensure that all security alarms are in working order. Walk the perimeter of the lot to make sure the security fencing is in good condition. Move units and all other materials, such as pallets, tires, etc., far enough away from the fence so they cannot be used to climb over. Consider blocking the entrance and exits to the lot to prevent units from being stolen. Throughout the holidays, assign management personnel to check the terminal randomly. Using a little prevention and common sense can deter a thief from targeting your facility.