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Prepare for Winter Driving Conditions


Navigating the world of trucking means staying up to date on evolving safety regulations and programs that affect your daily operations. One such program is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP). As of last year, the FMCSA expanded the CPDP, introducing new crash types eligible for review and refining how preventability is determined. But what exactly does this mean for carriers and drivers? In this post, we’ll break down the latest changes to the CPDP, what evidence is required for a successful review, and what these determinations mean for your safety record and liability. Whether you’re a fleet manager or a professional driver, staying informed about these updates is essential for protecting your business and reputation on the road.

In this issue:​​

  • Winter Tips to Follow Concerning the Vehicle.
  • FMCSA Finalizes Changes to Crash Preventability Determination Program.
  • Have You Prepared Your Terminal Facility for the Upcoming Holidays?

Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.​​​​
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.​​​​

Step 1: Ensure your truck is prepared for winter driving.
Tires play a crucial role in maintaining control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. Ensure the drive axle(s) are equipped with traction tires that have sufficient tread depth for optimal performance. The tread depth and condition of the steer axle tires are also essential for steering control. If you operate in areas with chain laws, verify that your chains are in good condition and ready to install if necessary. Finally, keep all mirrors and glass clean for maximum visibility.
Step 2: Turn on your headlights to enhance your visibility to other drivers.
Step 3: Avoid using cruise control on snowy or icy roads, as it can reduce your ability to react quickly to changing conditions.
Step 4: Bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads.
blue bridge
Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled roads, as these surfaces freeze before others. Even when temperatures are above freezing, wet conditions can cause icy patches in shaded spots or on exposed structures such as bridges.
Step 5: Do not "pump" the brakes. If your truck has ABS brakes, maintain steady pressure rather than pumping them.
Step 6: Drive slowly.
Excessive speed is a leading cause of winter accidents. Even if you are driving a large truck with a heavy load, you are not immune to dangerous conditions. Drive slowly and with extra caution on snow- and ice-covered roads.
Step 7: Pay attention.
Maneuvering is more challenging in snowy conditions. Always plan your next move ahead of time and allow yourself plenty of space for turning and stopping.
Step 8: Don't tailgate.
Tailgating is dangerous in any situation, but it becomes especially hazardous during winter weather. Stopping distances increase significantly on snow and ice, so always maintain a safe gap between your truck and the vehicle ahead. As a guideline, leave at least four vehicle lengths for every 10 mph of speed.
Step 9: Brake before making turns.
Steering is more challenging when braking in snowy conditions. To maintain control, gently apply the brakes to reduce your speed before entering a turn. After safely rounding the corner, you can accelerate again.
Step 10: Drive smoothly.
winter
Snowy and icy roads are far less forgiving than dry pavement. Avoid making sudden turns or stops, as these actions can easily cause your vehicle to lose control and skid.
Step 11: Be familiar with your vehicle.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's handling characteristics, especially when driving in snow or ice. Pay attention to your truck's weight, as changes in load can significantly impact how the vehicle responds in wintry conditions.
Step 12: Learn how to control skids.
Ideally, practice skid control in a driving school or on a closed course to prepare for real-world situations. If your vehicle begins to skid, resist the urge to brake hard or steer away from the skid—instead, turn into the skid and accelerate gently. This shifts your vehicle’s weight to the rear wheels, often helping you regain control.
The FHWA's website at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm  contains links to information on weather and road conditions, and the availability of travel websites and 511

Winter Tips to follow concerning the vehicle:

  1. Use blended fuel or add a diesel supplement to the fuel tanks as temperatures drop below 32°F.
  2. Plug in block heaters when the unit is not in use during winter months.
  3. For initial start-up each day:
    1. Unplug the block heater before starting.
    2. Turn the ignition to the “on” position.
    3. Start the unit.
    4. Once running, allow the unit to reach operating temperature before driving.
  4. If equipped with air brakes and air tank pull cords or drain orifices
    1. Purge tanks daily.
    2. Ensure the air system reaches 120 psi.
    3. Listen for the air drier to purge moisture from the system.
  5. Check and top off all fluids, including window wash and any additional fluids such as “Wet Kits.”
  6. Ensure wiper blades are functional, all glass and mirrors are clean, heated mirrors (if equipped) are working, and headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are free of snow, ice, and salt and fully operational.
  7. After driving in snow, ice, or slush, lightly apply the brakes before parking at the end of your shift. This dries off shoes, drums, rotors, and pads to prevent the brake pads from freezing to drums or rotors.
  8. Keep all steps and grab handles clean, secure, and dry to prevent slipping.
  9. If operating in a state that requires chains onboard, ensure chains are the correct size, properly secured, clean, and not broken for easy application when needed.
Not sure what your state's chain laws are go to:  http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/laws.html
10. Most importantly, dress warm with self-wicking clothing and have extra clothing in the event the unit may break/shut down to avoid hypothermia
FHWA's web site at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm contains links to information on weather and road conditions, and the availability of travel web sites and 511

FMCSA Finalizes Changes to Crash Preventability Determination Program

Last year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration made changes to its Crash Preventability Determination Program. Under the CPDP, motor carriers and drivers may submit requests for data review (RDR) to FMCSA to determine the preventability of commercial motor vehicle crashes.
After review of public comments on its proposal, the FMCSA notice added four new crash types to be eligible for review:
  1. CMV was struck on the side by a motorist operating in the same direction.
  2. CMV was struck because another motorist was entering the roadway from a private driveway or parking lot.
  3. CMV was struck because another motorist lost control of their vehicle. The Police Accident Report (PAR) must specifically mention loss of control either in the citation, contributing factors, and/or PAR narrative.
  4. Any other type of crash involving a CMV where a video demonstrates the sequence of events of the crash.
There are now 21 types of crashes eligible for review under the CPDP.
FMCSA declined to change its process to proactively review crashes for preventability; carriers or drivers must still submit requests.
The burden remains on the submitter to provide compelling evidence that a crash is eligible and not preventable. Supporting documents—such as videos, photos, or court records—are encouraged.
Crash data submitted to FMCSA via the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) is limited; FMCSA does not have direct access to Police Accident Reports (PARs) or all supporting documentation. Preventability determinations require more information than is available in MCMIS alone.
Preventability is determined by whether a driver using normal judgment and foresight could have foreseen and avoided the accident without risking another type of mishap.
FMCSA will determine a crash as "Preventable" if there is evidence that the driver or carrier could have prevented it, or was prohibited from operating the CMV at the time. This includes out-of-service violations, license issues, and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse prohibitions.
Crash preventability determinations do not affect a carrier’s safety rating or operating status. FMCSA will not issue penalties or sanctions, nor do these determinations impose legal obligations on motor carriers or influence enforcement decisions.
FMCSA emphasizes these determinations do not establish legal liability, fault, or negligence. Legal liability is determined in civil or criminal proceedings, not by preventability determinations. Under 49 U.S.C. 504(f)s preventability findings may not be used as evidence in civil actions for damage.
*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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