Motor carriers operating CMVs over 10,000 lbs. MGVWR, transporting hazardous materials (HM) in placardable quantities, or transporting passengers are mandated to record accidents on a register by calendar year as defined in 49 CFR 390.51. Even if no accidents occurred, an accident register is required.

Firstly, let's establish the definition of an accident according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations: An occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle (>10,000 lbs MGVWR, HM, or Passengers) operating on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce that results in:

  1. A fatality;
  2. Bodily injury to a person requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene.
  3. One or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage, requiring towing away from the scene.

The term "accident" does not include:

  1. Boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle.
  2. Loading or unloading of cargo.

accident

When an accident occurs, it must be recorded on an accident register with the following information:

  1. Date of accident.
  2. City or town and State where the accident occurred.
  3. Driver Name.
  4. Number of injuries.
  5. Number of fatalities.
  6. Whether hazardous materials, other than fuel from the vehicle's tanks, were released.

Motor carriers must maintain the accident register for three years and also keep copies of required accident reports from State or other entities or insurers. The register is not sent to the FMCSA or State but is kept for review during compliance reviews or investigations.

As a best practice, motor carriers are recommended to maintain two accident registers by calendar year:

  1. DOT recordable accidents only.
  2. Non-DOT recordable accidents.

This practice helps provide the FMCSA with requested information during a compliance review. A second register with all accidents allows for proactive analysis and training to reduce frequency. Accident registers can be kept electronically, with a hard copy available for the FMCSA upon request.

To ensure register accuracy with the FMCSA, view recordable accidents on the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) at FMCSA SMS.

For accidents involving the release of hazardous materials, carriers must complete a hazardous incident report (see 49 CFR 171.15 and 49 CFR 171.16). The accident registers can be kept in either paper or electronic format.

Winter Driving Safety: "Tunnel Vision"

As winter sets in, it's crucial to ensure safe driving practices and clear visibility. "Tunnel vision," a risky behavior during winter, occurs when drivers only scrape a small area of ice or snow from their windshield, leaving a small hole for visibility. This significantly reduces their field of vision and increases the risk of collisions.

winter

The Kansas Highway Patrol estimates that drivers practicing tunnel vision limit their vision to only 2 to 3 percent of what a driver with a fully cleared windshield can see. A survey by the Center for Safe Driving found that over 50 percent of drivers admit to not fully clearing snow or ice from their vehicle windows.

To address this issue, many states have enacted laws requiring drivers to reasonably remove snow or ice from their vehicles. Law enforcement nationwide is focusing on drivers who neglect to clear their windshields this winter.

As part of your pre-trip inspection, ensure that the windshield, side windows, and mirrors are completely clear of snow, ice, or fog before starting your route. Neglecting this can lead to reduced visibility and increased danger on the road.

Another hazard arises from chunks of snow or ice flying off the top of vehicles, posing dangers to those behind. These projectiles can be heavy and cause crashes, injuries, or even fatalities. If heavy snow is forecasted, consider pulling your unit away from the dock or terminal to prevent snow buildup from the building's roof on your trailer or truck.

Professional drivers should be vigilant about recognizing unsafe practices in other drivers and be prepared to avoid collisions by staying out of their way. Taking these precautions ensures safer winter driving for everyone on the road.

Winter Safety Tips for Drivers and Vehicles

Protecting Your Driver:

Cold weather poses risks of hypothermia and frostbite. To prevent hypothermia, take these precautions:

  • Wear layers of warm, loose-fitting clothes, especially those that wick moisture.
  • Use gloves and knit caps for heat retention.
  • Change wet clothing promptly.
  • Keep an emergency kit with a change of clothes, a blanket, hand warmers, and snacks.
  • Consume hot, nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  • Ensure communication for drivers in case of breakdowns in rural areas.

Prescription drugs may increase sensitivity to cold; consult with a healthcare professional.

Frostbite prevention:

  • Shield skin from cold air and extreme temperatures.
  • Recognize frostbite symptoms like skin color changes, numbness, and stiffness.

Protecting the Truck:

  1. Add diesel supplement to ultra-low sulfur diesel below 32°F.
  2. Plug in the engine block heater below 32°F; start unused trucks daily.
  3. Follow a startup procedure for optimal engine performance.
  4. Purge air tanks daily for trucks with air brakes.
  5. Apply brakes lightly in wintry conditions before parking to prevent freezing.
  6. Maintain full windshield washer solvent and clean windows.
  7. Remove ice-snow build-up from steps and grab handles.
  8. Use the 3-point method for entering/exiting the cab.
  9. Avoid parking in areas prone to snow accumulation, preventing roof collapse.