A strong safety program is good for business

KY Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Carriers

Keys to a Safer Trucking Operation

A strong safety program is good for business.

It will help you find and keep good drivers.
It can make your entire operation more cost-effective.
It can lower insurance premiums, improve customer service,
and cut absenteeism and downtime.
And, of course, it can save lives.

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the Drive Smart Program

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has identified three keys to improving your safety program.

Key No. 1 Good Drivers
The key to a safe operation begins with good drivers. They are out there, and they’re worth looking for. Quality drivers mean the difference between deliveries that arrive on time and safely, and those that arrive late and damaged. In the long run, drivers can be the deciding factor in a company’s success or failure.

Admittedly, some of these changes are substantial and involve a major commitment on your part. Some, however, are simple and all are worth it. They can move your operation to a higher level of safety and efficiency than you ever thought possible.

Key No. 2 Safe Vehicles
Preventive maintenance is good common sense. Regularly scheduled service can help eliminate late deliveries due to breakdowns. Frequent driver inspections (before every trip and at the end of each day) can flag dangers before they become disasters. For more information on inspecting your vehicles, contact the Kentucky State Police, Driving Testing Section, 919 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 to request the Kentucky Commercial Driving License Manual.

It is equally important to listen to your drivers if they say a vehicle needs attention. Many trucks screened by roadside inspections in Kentucky are placed out-of-service until the problems are corrected. A citation may be issued to the carrier, not the driver.

National Information Systems now records safety violations, and insurers and shippers are becoming aware of which carriers break the rules and run unsafe vehicles. In addition, unsafe operations are subject to closer scrutiny by regulatory and enforcement agencies.

Simple steps to help prevent accidents include installing convex mirrors on the front of your tractors and highly reflective tape on the sides and backs of your trailers. Also, supplemental turn signals can be added to further reduce the risk of accidents.

Key No. 3 Smart Operating Practices
If you haven’t already, institute a bad-weather policy. A large percentage of truck accidents occur when the road is covered with snow or ice. Many drivers continue to operate in horrendous conditions because they fear losing their jobs due to schedule demands. Listen to weather services and route or schedule deliveries away from trouble spots. Try working out a contingency plan with your drivers.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has two toll-free numbers that informs callers of road conditions and potential traffic delays due to construction. The numbers are In-state: (511) and Out Of State: (1-866-737-3767). The number can be accessed directly from many of the state welcome centers and on the internet. In addition, the Transportation Cabinet provides maps detailing which roadways are currently under construction, which can assist in trip planning.
Please visit our 511 Traffic and Travel Info page by clicking on the 511 logo.

It’s also good policy to make certain your dispatchers or drivers are not breaking laws to make deliveries. Without your knowledge, drivers may be logging too many hours, speeding, or driving overloaded vehicles.

Check logs and delivery schedules
Talk to your drivers
Talk to your dispatchers

It’s in your best interest to uncover and stop any wrongdoing because it subjects you to stiff fines, higher insurance rates, and, potentially, the loss of operating privileges. It’s in your drivers’ best interest because new regulations make it easier for this state and others to suspend and revoke their commercial licenses.

Last, implement an impaired driver policy. You probably have one for illegal drugs and alcohol, but do you also have one for prescription and over-the-counter drugs? They can have the same effects as alcohol and illegal drugs. Let your drivers know that if they’ll be impaired by medication, they should stay out of your rigs.

Remember...

Before you hire another driver, screen your applicants closely.
Have them provide a list of previous employers, and then call those references.
Check logs and delivery schedules.
After you check with past employers, contact the Commercial Drivers License Information System in Texas for a comprehensive driving record.
To ensure that the drivers you have are ones you want representing your company, get feedback on their operating practices.
Put an “800” number on your vehicles to receive public complaints and compliments.
Then, keep a close eye on your drivers’ records. If you can’t do it yourself, appoint someone. It can help detect a driver who needs help with personal or physical problems, or one who continually breaks hours-of-service regulations or receives numerous traffic citations.

Truck Rest Havens

Overnight parking is available at designated weigh stations (regardless of open or closed status). You will not be disturbed except for emergencies.
To locate Rest Havens and weigh stations with rest havens, visit our 511 Traffic and Travel Info page. Click on Travel Info, then Weigh Stations and then select a location.

"Kentucky Law Prohibits Parking on Interstate Ramps and Shoulders."

Division of Motor Carriers Home Page

Page date: 03/02/2005