4/1/21
Being installed in every truck to bring attention to the recklessness of the American highway system!
Everything you need to know about truck dashcamsKeepTruckin — November 17, 2020
Truck dashcams are small video cameras mounted on the dashboards of trucks and semi-trucks. These dashcams can be road-facing or road-facing and driver-facing.
The main purposes of these dashcams are to increase truck and driver safety, improve driver behavior, and use the video footage as evidence in case of driver exoneration. Moreover, fleets that use dashcams can experience increased visibility, enhance fleet safety, and improve driver accountability.
Aside from the dashboards of trucks and semi-trucks, these video cameras are often installed on the inside of the windshield or other optimal spots.
Truck and semi-truck dashcams are generally powered by the vehicles’ electrical systems. They can be manually turned on and off, or automatically activated when the ignition switch is placed in the “on” position.
Safety and fleet managers can get a holistic view of fleet safety with a combination of dashcams and fleet management software, including information such as hard braking, collision detection, hard cornering, rapid acceleration, speeding, etc.
Being installed in every truck to bring attention to the recklessness of the American highway system!
Everything you need to know about truck dashcamsKeepTruckin — November 17, 2020
Truck dashcams are small video cameras mounted on the dashboards of trucks and semi-trucks. These dashcams can be road-facing or road-facing and driver-facing.
The main purposes of these dashcams are to increase truck and driver safety, improve driver behavior, and use the video footage as evidence in case of driver exoneration. Moreover, fleets that use dashcams can experience increased visibility, enhance fleet safety, and improve driver accountability.
Aside from the dashboards of trucks and semi-trucks, these video cameras are often installed on the inside of the windshield or other optimal spots.
Truck and semi-truck dashcams are generally powered by the vehicles’ electrical systems. They can be manually turned on and off, or automatically activated when the ignition switch is placed in the “on” position.
Safety and fleet managers can get a holistic view of fleet safety with a combination of dashcams and fleet management software, including information such as hard braking, collision detection, hard cornering, rapid acceleration, speeding, etc.
3/19/2021
Home | The Smith5Keys®
What are The Smith5Keys®?The Smith5Keys are designed to provide drivers with the knowledge and skills to create three important things while driving:
Key 1. Aim High In Steering®
All Rights Reserved. No part of these course materials may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means. Each of the Smith5Keys and all knowledge derived from “The Smith System,” (Space-Visibility-Time) “Space Cushion Driving,” (G.O.A.L.), are registered, copyrighted and trademarked by Smith System for the use of Smith System Driver Safety Training.
Home | The Smith5Keys®
What are The Smith5Keys®?The Smith5Keys are designed to provide drivers with the knowledge and skills to create three important things while driving:
- Space to maneuver their vehicle away from conflict
- Visibility to detect danger and the potential for conflict with another vehicle or fixed object early
- Time to react to volatile and complex driving environments
Key 1. Aim High In Steering®
- Our eyes are designed to work for us at walking speeds.
- The average person has not adjusted visually or mentally to the higher speeds of motor vehicles.
- Look ahead to where you will be at least 15 seconds into your future.
- A 15-second eye-lead time provides advanced warning and gives you an additional margin of safety.
- Use improved eye-lead time for more efficient and economical driving.
- While scanning ahead, do not forget the sides and rear.
- Consistently update your information.
- Check at least one of your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.
- Do not focus attention on insignificant objects.
- Stay alert to the relevant information that can assist you in making well-informed decisions.
- Eliminate visual barriers by establishing proper following distance.
- Stay far enough behind other vehicles to obtain the visibility necessary to make your own decisions.
- Focusing on any object for too long diminishes your peripheral vision.
- Scan all intersections before entering them.
- Keep your eyes moving every 2 seconds.
- Eye activity stimulates the brain. An active mind is better able to resist the effects of fatigue.
- Avoid distractions in your vehicle and your thinking.
- Recognize and avoid drivers who seem distracted.
- The safest position in traffic is with few or no vehicles around you.
- When possible, surround your vehicle with space.
- Choose the proper lane and adjust speed accordingly to maintain your space cushion.
- If you lose part of the cushion, work to keep at least the front and one side open.
- Avoid tailgaters. When one is present, the collision potential is high.
- Detect the presence of potential danger early.
- Send your warning signals as soon as you think they will be recognized not too soon or too late.
- Seek eye contact by using the warning devices on your vehicle.
- Do not take eye contact for granted. Be sure your warnings are heeded.
- Eye contact is valuable but it is no guarantee against the unexpected.
All Rights Reserved. No part of these course materials may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means. Each of the Smith5Keys and all knowledge derived from “The Smith System,” (Space-Visibility-Time) “Space Cushion Driving,” (G.O.A.L.), are registered, copyrighted and trademarked by Smith System for the use of Smith System Driver Safety Training.
1/6/2020
FMCSA seeks to clarify definition of ‘yard moves’By
Ashley
-
January 4, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is planning to issue new guidance on “yard moves” and how they should be logged by commercial vehicle drivers.
On January 4, the FMCSA issued a notice of proposed regulatory guidance and a request for public comment on how yard moves should be defined and logged as part of a driver’s records of duty status.
The purpose of the proposed guidance is to provide more clarity on the types of properties that can be considered a “yard” where drivers should record their moves as “on-duty not driving time.”
From the FMCSA:
FMCSA proposes to clarify when a driver may record time performing “yard moves” as on-duty not driving time by providing examples of properties that qualify as yards. Therefore, the movement of a CMV on these properties would qualify as a “yard move” and be recorded as on-duty not driving time.
According to the FMCSA’s proposed guidance, the types of properties that could be considered yards could include (but are not limited to) the following:
1. An intermodal yard or port facility.
2. A motor carrier’s place of business.
3. A shipper’s privately-owned parking lot.
4. A public road, but only if and while public access to the road is restricted through traffic control measures such as lights, gates, flaggers or other means. For example, if a driver must operate on a public road briefly to reach different parts of a private property, the movement may be considered a yard move if public access is restricted during the move.
Examples of properties that do not qualify as yards, include, but are not limited to:
1. A public road without the traffic control measures listed above.
2. Public rest areas.
The FMCSA is seeking comment from the public on the proposed guidance and asks commenters to respond specifically to the following questions:
1. Would defining “yard moves” in the Agency’s regulations provide necessary clarification and therefore benefit carriers and drivers?
2. Are there other properties or situations where drivers may be in a “yard move” status that should be included as examples in this guidance?
3. Would adding examples of “yard moves” be beneficial for this guidance (e.g.,moving a CMV for maintenance)? If so, please provide examples for consideration.
4. How should “yard” be defined for the purposes of this guidance?
lIYHs7EI
FMCSA seeks to clarify definition of ‘yard moves’By
Ashley
-
January 4, 2021The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is planning to issue new guidance on “yard moves” and how they should be logged by commercial vehicle drivers.
On January 4, the FMCSA issued a notice of proposed regulatory guidance and a request for public comment on how yard moves should be defined and logged as part of a driver’s records of duty status.
The purpose of the proposed guidance is to provide more clarity on the types of properties that can be considered a “yard” where drivers should record their moves as “on-duty not driving time.”
From the FMCSA:
FMCSA proposes to clarify when a driver may record time performing “yard moves” as on-duty not driving time by providing examples of properties that qualify as yards. Therefore, the movement of a CMV on these properties would qualify as a “yard move” and be recorded as on-duty not driving time.
According to the FMCSA’s proposed guidance, the types of properties that could be considered yards could include (but are not limited to) the following:
1. An intermodal yard or port facility.
2. A motor carrier’s place of business.
3. A shipper’s privately-owned parking lot.
4. A public road, but only if and while public access to the road is restricted through traffic control measures such as lights, gates, flaggers or other means. For example, if a driver must operate on a public road briefly to reach different parts of a private property, the movement may be considered a yard move if public access is restricted during the move.
Examples of properties that do not qualify as yards, include, but are not limited to:
1. A public road without the traffic control measures listed above.
2. Public rest areas.
The FMCSA is seeking comment from the public on the proposed guidance and asks commenters to respond specifically to the following questions:
1. Would defining “yard moves” in the Agency’s regulations provide necessary clarification and therefore benefit carriers and drivers?
2. Are there other properties or situations where drivers may be in a “yard move” status that should be included as examples in this guidance?
3. Would adding examples of “yard moves” be beneficial for this guidance (e.g.,moving a CMV for maintenance)? If so, please provide examples for consideration.
4. How should “yard” be defined for the purposes of this guidance?
lIYHs7EI
12/18/20
FMCSA updates CDL, CLP and Medical Card Extensions
December 18, 2020 9:59 AMBrandon Moree (Administrator)Yesterday, FMCSA posted on their website another extension of the CDL/CLP/Medical Certificates waiver that was set to expire on December 31st. FMCSA has cited that the extension was needed due to the potential backlogs that exist at some State Driver’s License Agencies (SDLA) across the country. In addition, the Agency noted a resurgence of stay-at-home orders and other emergency measures that may cause further economic and logistical disruptions.
This waiver becomes effective on January 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2021. Please read the specific provisions below, as the dates and applicability vary. Please note, SDLAs have the authority to exercise discretion in extending these dates, consistent with the outline below. Carriers and drivers should check with the SDLA to confirm their states expiration periods.
For CDL/CLP Drivers, the waiver will:
For State Driver License Agencies (SDLA):
FMCSA updates CDL, CLP and Medical Card Extensions
December 18, 2020 9:59 AMBrandon Moree (Administrator)Yesterday, FMCSA posted on their website another extension of the CDL/CLP/Medical Certificates waiver that was set to expire on December 31st. FMCSA has cited that the extension was needed due to the potential backlogs that exist at some State Driver’s License Agencies (SDLA) across the country. In addition, the Agency noted a resurgence of stay-at-home orders and other emergency measures that may cause further economic and logistical disruptions.
This waiver becomes effective on January 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2021. Please read the specific provisions below, as the dates and applicability vary. Please note, SDLAs have the authority to exercise discretion in extending these dates, consistent with the outline below. Carriers and drivers should check with the SDLA to confirm their states expiration periods.
For CDL/CLP Drivers, the waiver will:
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CDL validity for CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020;
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CLP validity for CLPs that are due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, without requiring the CLP holders to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests;
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the requirement that CLP holders wait 14 days to take the CDL skills test;
- This notice will waive, until February 28, 2021 the requirement that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance that were issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after September 1, 2020.
- This notice will also waive the requirement that, in order to maintain the medical certification status of “certified,” CDL or CLP holders provide the SDLA with an original or copy of a subsequently issued medical examiner’s certificate and any required medical variance, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after September 1, 2020.
For State Driver License Agencies (SDLA):
- This notice waives, until February 28, 2021 the requirement that the SDLA change the CDL or CLP holder’s medical certification status to “not certified” upon the expiration of the medical examiner’s certificate or medical variance, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after September 1, 2020. Additionally, the notice waives certain requirements with regards to SDLAs downgrading a drivers CDL or CLP upon expiration of the medical examiner’s certificate or medical variance, provided the SDLAs have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after September 1, 2020.
12/30/20 About the new equipment 2021- Trucks are Kenworth T680 full owner spec. For more information call Kyle.
11/1/2020Honey Locust is in partnership to feed America.
Strengthening the Nation’s Nutrition Safety Net and Supporting American AgricultureThe Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP.
Strengthening the Nation’s Nutrition Safety Net and Supporting American AgricultureThe Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP.
11/12/2020
Help PMTA fight against Tolls in Pennsylvania
On November 12, 2020, PennDOT's Public-Private Partnership (P3) Board approved the Major Bridge P3 initiative that will institute tolls on certain interstate bridges across the commonwealth. You can read the full press release from PennDOT here.
PMTA believes that the trucking industry already pays its fair share to operate on the roadways in this state and adamantly opposes this decision from PennDOT and the P3 Board.
PMTA's Course of Action
On November 20, Senator Michele Brooks and Senator Scott E. Hutchinson issued a memo to the rest of the State Senate stating that they would be introducing a Concurrent Resolution to rescind the approval of the transportation projects adopted at the Nov. 12 P3 Board meeting. On Nov. 23, PMTA emailed all of it's members asking them to contact their representatives and let them know that they support the Concurrent Resolution to Rescind the P3 Board's Approval to Toll Bridges. PMTA encourages all impacted parties do the same and you can find out who your representatives are and how to reach them here.
On December 7, PMTA Interim President Joe Butzer sent this letter to every legislator in the Pennsylvania General Assembly voicing the Association's opposition to the decision to toll bridges and implored legislators to support the Concurrent Resolution proposed by Senators Brooks and Hutchinson.
On December 11, Butzer met with representatives of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Alliance for Toll Free Interstates (ATFI), PMTA's lobbyists Milliron & Goodman and other invested parties to discuss plans continue this fight against tolling. PMTA remains in constant communication with Milliron & Goodman and is committed to fight against this measure with every available resource.
The Association is only as strong as its members and it thanks those of you that are already members. For those of you that are not, sign up today and help us defeat bridge tolling in Pennsylvania.
Help PMTA fight against Tolls in Pennsylvania
On November 12, 2020, PennDOT's Public-Private Partnership (P3) Board approved the Major Bridge P3 initiative that will institute tolls on certain interstate bridges across the commonwealth. You can read the full press release from PennDOT here.
PMTA believes that the trucking industry already pays its fair share to operate on the roadways in this state and adamantly opposes this decision from PennDOT and the P3 Board.
PMTA's Course of Action
On November 20, Senator Michele Brooks and Senator Scott E. Hutchinson issued a memo to the rest of the State Senate stating that they would be introducing a Concurrent Resolution to rescind the approval of the transportation projects adopted at the Nov. 12 P3 Board meeting. On Nov. 23, PMTA emailed all of it's members asking them to contact their representatives and let them know that they support the Concurrent Resolution to Rescind the P3 Board's Approval to Toll Bridges. PMTA encourages all impacted parties do the same and you can find out who your representatives are and how to reach them here.
On December 7, PMTA Interim President Joe Butzer sent this letter to every legislator in the Pennsylvania General Assembly voicing the Association's opposition to the decision to toll bridges and implored legislators to support the Concurrent Resolution proposed by Senators Brooks and Hutchinson.
On December 11, Butzer met with representatives of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Alliance for Toll Free Interstates (ATFI), PMTA's lobbyists Milliron & Goodman and other invested parties to discuss plans continue this fight against tolling. PMTA remains in constant communication with Milliron & Goodman and is committed to fight against this measure with every available resource.
The Association is only as strong as its members and it thanks those of you that are already members. For those of you that are not, sign up today and help us defeat bridge tolling in Pennsylvania.
11/1/20
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF SAFE DRIVINGPosted on November 28, 2012 by platdrive_admin • 9 CommentsMake the roads a safe place by employing the same methods we use with our drivers. The Smith System states that following these five rules can dramatically reduce the risk of major accidents on highways and roads.
1. Aim High
The first rule for this method is “Aim high in steering”. Staying alert of the dangers and traffic ahead not only avoids rear-end collisions, but it also alerts other drivers behind your vehicle to slow down. The driver should steer and focus their attention high, so as to view the road as whole and not just a few feet ahead.
2. The Big Picture
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times” may seem obvious to say, but distracted drivers are just as dangerous as intoxicated ones. Erratic and angry drivers take up a large portion of the traffic we see daily, so avoid major accidents by noticing how other drivers behave on the road. Having the whole picture means that you are doing your part to keep your vehicle as safe as possible while moving 1000ft a second. There are a variety of hazards between your own vehicle and other drivers, and a keen awareness of these dangers will reduce these risks.
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
The third standard of the Smith System asks drivers to remain alert. Energy drinks can only do so much before they cause the body to crash, and any repetitive motion sends us into a trance. Consistent eye movement prevents your body from entering the trance state, keeping you alert to every driving condition ahead of you.
4. Leave Yourself an Out
The fourth principle of the Smith System states to leave yourself a way out. This means ensure that other drivers do not box you in while selecting their lanes. Do not follow other vehicles too closely, and always anticipate what choices other drivers make.
5. Make Sure They See You
The worst thing a driver can do is assume. Assume other drivers can see them, assume other drivers are not dangerous, or even assume that they will just get to their destination safely. The final rule for the Smith System is “Make Sure You Are Seen”. This rule prevents accidents by removing assumptions made behind the wheel. As a driver, make sure that other drivers can see you and anticipate your move. If you feel you are coming into another driver’s blind spot, use the horn to get their attention.
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF SAFE DRIVINGPosted on November 28, 2012 by platdrive_admin • 9 CommentsMake the roads a safe place by employing the same methods we use with our drivers. The Smith System states that following these five rules can dramatically reduce the risk of major accidents on highways and roads.
1. Aim High
The first rule for this method is “Aim high in steering”. Staying alert of the dangers and traffic ahead not only avoids rear-end collisions, but it also alerts other drivers behind your vehicle to slow down. The driver should steer and focus their attention high, so as to view the road as whole and not just a few feet ahead.
2. The Big Picture
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times” may seem obvious to say, but distracted drivers are just as dangerous as intoxicated ones. Erratic and angry drivers take up a large portion of the traffic we see daily, so avoid major accidents by noticing how other drivers behave on the road. Having the whole picture means that you are doing your part to keep your vehicle as safe as possible while moving 1000ft a second. There are a variety of hazards between your own vehicle and other drivers, and a keen awareness of these dangers will reduce these risks.
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
The third standard of the Smith System asks drivers to remain alert. Energy drinks can only do so much before they cause the body to crash, and any repetitive motion sends us into a trance. Consistent eye movement prevents your body from entering the trance state, keeping you alert to every driving condition ahead of you.
4. Leave Yourself an Out
The fourth principle of the Smith System states to leave yourself a way out. This means ensure that other drivers do not box you in while selecting their lanes. Do not follow other vehicles too closely, and always anticipate what choices other drivers make.
5. Make Sure They See You
The worst thing a driver can do is assume. Assume other drivers can see them, assume other drivers are not dangerous, or even assume that they will just get to their destination safely. The final rule for the Smith System is “Make Sure You Are Seen”. This rule prevents accidents by removing assumptions made behind the wheel. As a driver, make sure that other drivers can see you and anticipate your move. If you feel you are coming into another driver’s blind spot, use the horn to get their attention.
10/15/20
Thanks to the Trump administration we are now picking up food that would find it's way to the landfill and into the hands of those impacted by COVID 19.
The Emergency Food Assistance ProgramThe United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, makes commodity foods available to State Distributing Agencies. States provide the food to local agencies that directly serve the public (food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc.). The local organizations distribute the food to eligible recipients for household consumption, or use them to prepare and serve meals in a congregate setting. Recipients of food for home use must meet income and household eligibility criteria seen below.
Eligibility RequirementsTotal Household Income (based on 150% of Poverty)
Effective July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
Thanks to the Trump administration we are now picking up food that would find it's way to the landfill and into the hands of those impacted by COVID 19.
The Emergency Food Assistance ProgramThe United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, makes commodity foods available to State Distributing Agencies. States provide the food to local agencies that directly serve the public (food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc.). The local organizations distribute the food to eligible recipients for household consumption, or use them to prepare and serve meals in a congregate setting. Recipients of food for home use must meet income and household eligibility criteria seen below.
Eligibility RequirementsTotal Household Income (based on 150% of Poverty)
Effective July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
