Root Cause – Jackknife
The following Commercial Carrier Journal blog provides some excellent insight into root cause analysis in relation to tractor-trailer jackknife crashes. While this analysis does not necessarily apply to all jackknifes, it certainly does present some interesting discussion points for future driver safety communications and training. For example, drivers and tire maintenance personnel should know;
- What a manufacturer’s load-to-inflation chart is and how to use one.
- At what % of underinflation is a tire considered flat.
- How to properly check for inflation and tread depth.
Tire expense is typically a top running or operating cost for any commercial fleet, ranking right up there with fuel (and insurance). Proper tire program management includes driver and maintenance personnel training to understand key factors that can save money, accidents, and lives. The article in the next section talks about studies that clearly indicate many drivers are aware of the above factors, as well as many other critical cost and safety factors regarding tire maintenance and safety.
Thorn Valley’s “Safer Driver” online training program Professional Driver module includes information on vehicle and tire inspection, repair and maintenance.
Click for a sample, and check with your insurance provider to see if this program is available for your drivers.
Tire Inflation Education
Driving a vehicle safely is a combination of several abilities. Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are likely a couple of the most important, but there’s a host of others. For example, vehicle maintenance; namely, changing a tire.
• Lack of tire inflation education is alarming
FMCSA Shuts Down Truckers
Entry Level Driver Training Provider Requirements
FMCSA has posted updated materials to help CDL drivers and their employers register for and get started using the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Also, ELD Training Provider registration site is now open. Download the revised user brochures to learn more:
Registration for the Training Provider Registry is Now Open 
In preparation for the February 7, 2022, Entry-Level Driver Training compliance date, training providers in compliance with the Federal regulations may register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) via the Training Provider Registry.
FMCSA will review all registration requests to ensure that the information provided is complete and aligned with program requirements.
Do you meet the ELDT requirements?
When registering, training providers must self-certify that they meet all the Federal requirements set forth in the ELDT regulations, as well as any applicable State requirements.
FMCSA has created several resources to help training providers understand these requirements. Download these materials and learn more about the registration process on the Training Providers page of the Training Provider Registry website.
A Broken Battery Cable Could Lead to an Engine Stall
Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star Recall
- Summary
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2021 Western Star WH126, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2021-2022 Western Star 49X vehicles. The battery cable terminal may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall.
- Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace the battery cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 23, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL-893.
- Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. > https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V481 - Defect Notice 574 Report > https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V481-2549.PDF
- Recall acknowledgement > https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCAK-21V481-7156.pdf
1 in 3 U.S. Bridges Need Repair or Replacement
American Road and & Transportation Builders Association
- There are 171.5 million daily crossings on over 45,000 structurally deficient U.S. bridges in poor condition. 4 out of 10 U.S. bridges need to be replaced or repaired, including 1 in 3 bridges on the Interstate. State map shows % of bridges structurally deficient.
- The length of the 220,000 bridges in need of repair would stretch over 6,000 miles. The estimated cost to repair all the structurally deficient bridges based on average price data from the U.S. DOT is $41.8 billion.
- ARTBA Report Website > https://artbabridgereport.org/
- Full report > https://artbabridgereport.org/reports/2021-ARTBA-Bridge-Report.pdf