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Slide 1
Sharing the Road Safely

  • It is important to remember that everyone must obey the orders of a police officer, firefighter or uniformed adult school crossing guard who is directing traffic.
  • Please see the What To Do When Stopped By Police training module.



Slide 2
Sharing the Road Safely

  • The FMCSA believes that the more people know about how to share the road safely, the fewer number of injuries and fatalities will be caused by crashes with large trucks or buses.
  • FMCSA Share the Road Safely Web Site
    http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org



Slide 3
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers

1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
The most important part of a moving truck or bus is the driver! Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Eat well and stay fit. Remember, hours of service violations are serious and can threaten your livelihood or even your life. Stay healthy and well rested, or don't drive!

2. ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE
Inspect your vehicle before each trip and check your brakes regularly. Learn how to inspect your brakes, identify safety defects, and get them repaired before risking your life and others on the highway.


Slide 4
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

3. BE AWARE OF YOUR "NO-ZONE"
Other drivers may not be aware of the size of your truck's blind spots. Be vigilant in watching out for vehicles in the No-Zone. The No-Zone represents the danger areas, or blind spots, around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur. One-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars take place in the No-Zone.

Slide 5
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

4. SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES
Watch out for highway construction. Stay alert. Work zone crashes are more likely to happen during the day. Almost one-third of fatal crashes in work zones involved large trucks. Take your time going through work zones and give yourself plenty of room. Expect the unexpected!

Slide 6
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

5. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you hit someone from behind, you are typically considered "at fault," regardless of the situation. Large trucks require more stopping distances than other vehicles. Take advantage of your driving height, and anticipate braking situations.

Slide 7
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

6. FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT
Buckle up for safety and control. If you are in a crash, a seat belt can save your life and those around you. It will keep you in your seat and allow you to maintain control of your truck or bus. A major cause of truck and bus driver fatalities involves being ejected from the vehicle. Wearing seat belts, is still the single most effective thing all drivers can do to save lives and reduce injures on our roadways.

Slide 8
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

7. ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Avoid aggressive drivers! It's estimated that each year two-thirds of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving behaviors. Keep your distance and maintain a safe speed. The only thing speed will increase is your chance for a crash.

Slide 9
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

8. WORK TO HELP YOURSELVES
Be the professional on the highway and at safety events! Help stranded motorists; notify traffic safety agencies of crashes, unsafe drivers, unsafe roadway conditions, and other situations that can lead to crashes. Join a "Highway Watch" program, if available in your state. Your participation in public safety events and your performance on the highway can change public perception!

Slide 10
Safety Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, cont.

9. TELL US WHAT IS WRONG
If you know of unsafe situations, tell us about it. This includes unsafe companies, unsafe drivers, unsafe roadways, and unsafe vehicles. The following "hotlines" are maintained for your protection. Please call us to help make the roads safer and your job easier.

  •  FMCSA Driver Hotline: 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)
  •  NHTSA Vehicle Hotline: 1-888-327-4236



Slide 11
Sharing the Road Safely

Thank you for your attention!