To help everyone bring home treats - not tragedies - follow these tips for a safe Halloween:
Focus on your driving. A single distraction could lead to tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what's happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention; you need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all the lights on their car are working.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped on the roadway; they could be dropping off children.
• If you're driving a group of children while staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• And if you're driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.
Parents can help motorists, too:
• Make sure drivers can see the children by giving them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup rather than masks so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street: look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick-or-treat.
Safely getting in or out of a Commercial Motor Vehicle
Now is a good time to remind drivers to follow the 3-Point Rule when getting in and out of their trucks. During the winter months, footing conditions can be compromised, increasing the chance of slipping or falling. The 3-Point Rule simply states that you should keep three out of four of your contact points (hands and feet) secured to prevent slipping or falling. For example, when exiting a truck, one hand should be on the cab handle, one hand gripping the interior door handle, and one foot on a step while the other foot is in transition. By doing this, you always maintain three points of contact.
November 3rd-9th is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week
The National Sleep Foundation has launched Drowsy Driving Prevention Week as an educational campaign designed to save lives by increasing awareness of the dangers of driving while sleepy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving causes at least 100,000 police-reported crashes and kills more than 1,550 Americans each year. It is curious that all states have laws in place to enforce drunk driving, but few have laws to cite a driver who has fallen asleep and caused an accident. Only the state of New Jersey explicitly defines drowsy driving as recklessness under its vehicular homicide statute. Known as "Maggie's Law," New Jersey's drowsy driving law has helped raise awareness of the consequences of fatigue behind the wheel and has spurred significant action in other states. There are now at least eight states with twelve pending bills that address fatigued driving in various ways.
For more information on Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, visit www.drowsydriving.org.
What You Can Do to Stay Alert While Driving
Sleep / Take Naps: Your best bet is to get enough sleep every day. If you must stay up late, afternoon naps are a great way to catch up. If you feel drowsy while driving, a 15-minute nap can be very effective—just make sure to pull over in a safe place.
Caffeine: Avoid caffeine during the last half of your workday, as it may contribute to sleeping problems. While drinking coffee or other sources of caffeine can provide short-term alertness if you're driving, it usually takes about 30 minutes to take effect and wears off after a few hours.
Regular Stops: You should stop every 100 miles or every 2 hours. If possible, switch drivers.
AC MAX – Recirculation: Do not operate the vehicle for extended periods with the AC on MAX or Recirculation. Under these conditions, the level of CO₂ in the vehicle increases, contributing to drowsy driving.
Avoid Alcohol: If you have been drinking, please don’t drive! In addition to being illegal, alcohol makes you sleepy and amplifies fatigue.
If you are planning a long trip, AAA offers the following tips for avoiding fatigue:
- Prepare for your trip by getting a good night's sleep the night before. Plan to drive during times when you are normally awake, and consider staying overnight rather than traveling straight through.
- Avoid driving during your body's "down time." According to AAA, this is generally in the mid-afternoon and between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
- If you have passengers, engage them in conversation. This will help keep you alert, and they can also notice if you show signs of drowsiness.
- Schedule a break every 2 hours or every 100 miles. Take a nap, stretch, walk, and get some exercise before resuming your trip.
- Stop sooner if you notice any signs of sleepiness.
"TRICKS" THAT DO NOT WORK: Opening the window, turning on the air conditioning, or playing loud music are not effective strategies for keeping drivers alert for extended periods.
Time to Fall Back....Daylight Savings Time Change Next Week!
Daylight saving time will "fall back" at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd.
Make sure that all your drivers are aware of this change. Caution route drivers especially that the amount of daylight will vary according to their stops. An intersection or street can
present different challenges to drivers due to the one-hour change in the position of the sun. This hour difference can create unique challenges for drivers on a route.
Did You Know that there is a Federal Regulation that Addresses Passengers in a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
Unauthorized Passengers
CFR 392.60 Unauthorized Persons Not to Be Transported
Unless specifically authorized in writing by the motor carrier under whose authority the commercial motor vehicle is being operated, no driver shall transport or permit any person to be transported on any commercial motor vehicle, except for a bus. When such authorization is issued, it must state the name of the person to be transported, the points where the transportation is to begin and end, and the date upon which the authority expires.
No written authorization shall be necessary for the transportation of:
(1) Employees or other persons assigned to a commercial motor vehicle by a motor carrier;
(2) Any person transported while aid is being rendered in the case of an accident or other emergency.
