April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!
In this issue:
- Information on National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20 to 24
- International Roadcheck 2026 May 12-14th.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.
On a cell phone? Research shows that drivers talking on cell phones have slower reaction times than drivers with a .08 blood alcohol content.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a great time to remind drivers about the risks of distraction and the rules they must follow.
FMCSA regulations ban commercial drivers from texting or using hand-held phones while driving. Breaking these rules can lead to fines, disqualification, and lower safety scores for both drivers and companies.
Texting means typing or reading messages on any device. Drivers also can’t reach for, hold, or dial a phone unless it’s hands-free and within easy reach. In short, drivers must avoid any unsafe use of mobile devices while driving.
Penalties for drivers can be up to $2,750, and companies can be fined up to $11,000 if they allow or require unsafe phone use. These violations affect safety records.
Take this month to reinforce safe driving habits with your team. Following the rules is simple:
DO NOT REACH, HOLD, DIAL, TEXT, OR READ when driving.
Banning Distracted Driving: An Employer's Guide to Protect Employees and Reduce Liability
- Set a clear policy so employees are never expected to answer calls while driving, even from work.
- Encourage employees to plan trips with scheduled stops to return calls and emails safely.
- Create company rules that eliminate the need to text while driving for any job duty.
- Remove any incentives that could encourage employees to use their phones while driving.
- Make sure employees know state laws and possible fines for distracted driving.
- Invite employees to sign a pledge against distracted driving.
- Label company vehicles as distraction-free zones.
Obtain a free cell phone policy kit from the National Safety Council:
For additional information on distracted driving, visit:
Highways can be dangerous, so everyone must do their part to keep them safe.
All 50 states have “Move Over” laws to protect police officers and emergency responders stopped on the roadside. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of these laws, and traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for on-duty officers.
NHTSA, along with state highway safety offices and law enforcement, is working to increase awareness of “Move Over” laws and highlight the need to protect those who keep motorists safe.
By partnering with local organizations and spreading the word through media and social channels, you can help make a difference and save lives.
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/first-responder-safety/move-over
2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24)
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
International Roadcheck 2026 (May 12–14)
International Roadcheck is a three-day annual event where inspectors across North America check commercial vehicles and drivers for safety. Nearly 15 vehicles are inspected every minute, making it the largest safety inspection event. Since 1988, more than 1.8 million inspections have been done. The event also promotes safety education and is supported by transportation agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
What documentation is required to be kept in the vehicle for units leased or rented from Idealease?
Answer:
If a vehicle is regulated by the FMCSA (over 10,000 lbs GVWR), you must keep proper documentation in the unit for the entire lease or rental period.
For leased vehicles, FMCSA rule CFR 376.11(c) requires that you keep a copy of the lease or a certified statement of the lease with all necessary details in the vehicle during the lease.
For rentals, FMCSA rule CFR 390.21(e)(2)(iv) requires you to keep a copy of the rental agreement in the vehicle for the full rental term.
The 2026 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars Are being planned!
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Spring and Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Register for our Safety Seminar happening on June 11th, 2026 in Aurora, CO. Learn more about this event and register now
To register for an upcoming seminars in 2026, click on the following link.
http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.
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