Plow Truck Safety
With cooler temps and winter weather, it is important to stay prepared and safe on the road. While you also want to keep your truck in top shape it is important to focus on your health! The following will go over snowplow safety and heart health tips!
In this issue:
- Heart Tip of the Month.
- International Roadcheck May 12-14, 2026
- The 2026 Idealease/NPTC Safety Seminars are Being Planned!
Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.
Keep well back from snowplows
Plow drivers typically have an obstructed view and experience frequent stops. Keep a safe distance behind a snowplow; this will protect your vehicle from potential accidents and from sanding material that plows spread on slick roadways.
Know where the snowplow is on multi-lane highways
The plow could be in either lane or on the shoulder. Watch for snowplows on interstate ramps and "authorized vehicle only" turnarounds.
Never drive through a snow cloud or whiteout conditions
When visibility is reduced by snow clouds or whiteout conditions, it can be difficult to determine whether the cause is crosswinds or a nearby snowplow. Remain patient—snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to let vehicles pass.
While snowplow operators prioritize safety, your cooperation is essential. Maintain a safe distance so they can clear the road efficiently and safely. Avoid risky maneuvers and never crowd the plow.
Heart Month Tip
Eating healthy foods can help with your hypertension.
Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium. Eat less saturated fat, trans fat, and total fat.
Limit the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re overweight, losing even 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
Increase physical activity.
Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Getting up and being active will help you feel better physically and mentally.
Limit alcohol.
Even if you are healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Drink in moderation. It is suggested no more than one drink a day for women and two a day for men.
Don’t smoke.
Tobacco damages your blood vessels and accelerates the hardening of arteries. If you smoke, seek assistance—your doctor can provide resources and support to help you quit.
Manage your stress.
Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy coping techniques, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Get plenty of sleep.
International Roadcheck — May 12–14, 2026
International Roadcheck is a yearly three-day event where inspectors check commercial trucks and buses for safety. It is the largest safety inspection event of its kind, with about 15 inspections happening every minute across North America.
Since 1988, over 1.8 million inspections have occurred during International Roadcheck. The event also helps inform drivers and the public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations.
International Roadcheck is organized by CVSA, with support from government agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
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.
Upcoming Spring seminars confirmed:
- 4/23/2026 - Mobile, AL
- 4/28/2026 - Pleasanton, CA
- 5/28/2026 - Tampa, FL
- 5/7/2026 - Madison, WI
- 5/28/2026 - Tampa, FL
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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