Get Ready for Spring and Safer Roads!
Spring is here, and that means warmer weather, longer days, and more activity on the roads. As drivers shake off the winter chill and prepare for the busy season ahead, safety becomes more important than ever. Whether you're a seasoned trucker or a fleet manager, now is the perfect time to refocus on safe driving habits and ensure your vehicles are ready for the challenges of spring and summer. In this post, we'll share practical tips to help you keep your drivers—and everyone on the road—safe as the seasons change.
In this issue:
- Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones.
- Saint Patrick's Day Drunk Driving Prevention - March 17.
- Join us for our 2026 Safety Seminar in Aurora, Colorado
Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.
The first day of spring is next Friday, March 20th.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve seen several vehicles ignore traffic control devices. Now is the perfect time to gather your drivers and talk about the upcoming season. As the weather warms and the sun returns, let’s shake off the long winter and get ready for safe driving ahead.
Remind your drivers to stay alert and avoid complacency. In my experience, the worst accidents often happen in March and April—not during the harsh winter, but when road conditions seem easier and drivers are tempted to relax. After months of vigilance, it’s easy to let your guard down just as risks change. Let’s help everyone stay focused as spring arrives.
Take this opportunity to remind your team about the importance of defensive driving. Consistent attention to safe habits is key to preventing accidents as conditions improve.
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 and construction sites. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
For more information, check out the link below:
NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK – Home
10 Tips for Driving Safely in Work Zones
- Expect the unexpected: Speed limits and traffic patterns can change quickly in work zones. Watch for lane shifts and road workers.
- Slow down: Speeding is a leading cause of work zone crashes.
- Don’t tailgate: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone accident.
- Stay clear of workers and equipment: Give crews and machinery plenty of space.
- Pay attention to signs: Warning signs guide you safely through the work zone. Follow them until you’re outside the zone.
- Obey flaggers: Road crew flaggers direct traffic for everyone’s safety. Ignoring their instructions can result in a citation.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions: Focus on the road and avoid using phones or adjusting the radio while driving in the zone.
- Keep up with traffic flow: Merge early to maintain steady movement—don’t wait until the last minute.
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time for your trip and check traffic updates before you leave. Expect delays during construction season.
- Be patient and stay calm: Work zones are there to improve the roads for everyone. A little patience helps keep workers and drivers safe.
Question of the Week
While doing my pre-trip inspection, I noticed a cut in the sidewall of one of my tires. Is this an out-of-service violation?
Answer: It is an out-of-service violation if the sidewall is cut, worn, or damaged to the extent that the ply cord is exposed. (393.75(a))
Tire Safety
Tire safety is essential for every driver’s daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Improper tire inflation is one of the main causes of accidents. Since fuel and tires are two of the biggest expenses for trucking companies, making sure your tires are properly inflated saves money and lives.
The right tire pressure not only keeps drivers safe but also extends tire life and improves fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can quickly lead to more wear and tear and lower gas mileage.
Always use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires. It’s the only way to know the exact air pressure.
Here’s a practical exercise for your next safety meeting: Inflate three tires to different pressures—one at the correct level, one 10 pounds under, and one 20 pounds under. See if your drivers can tell which tire is properly inflated. This simple test helps reinforce good inspection habits.
Never check tire pressure by hitting the tire with a hammer. There was a case where a driver tried this and the hammer bounced back, breaking his jaw.
When inspecting tires, look carefully at wear patterns and tread depth. FMCSA rules require at least 4/32” tread on steer tires and at least 2/32” on all other tires, including trailers.
Take care of your tires—they’ll take care of you, mile after mile on the road.
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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