Studies have shown that drivers using cell phones, and especially when trying to text and drive, are as impaired as if they have had several drinks.  Hands-free devices are a start, but not a final solution, because the real impairment comes from the fact that the driver’s MIND is not on the road (and, in the case of texting, neither are his EYES!)

Employers should take a strong role to ensure that mobile workers are using their cell phones safely and not putting their life or that of others at risk due to cell phone usage. Employers can create cell phone safety policies to outline situations and repercussions for those who fail to follow the policies. Polices can be created with input from both management and remote workers to help ensure that there is a fair balance and that the policies are realistically workable and enforceable.  Goals: (more…)

Any time you are “playing a game,” it is always helpful to know the rules of the game. The same is true when dealing with government regulatory agencies like the FMCSA.

Several months ago, one of our staff members suggested that we try to obtain a copy of, or access to, the electronic version of the “Field Operations Training Manual” used by FMCSA’s field staff. Risk Consultants filed a request for this document under the Freedom of Information Act.

I am happy to report that the government complied with this request and made this document available on the FMCSA website. (more…)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has answered the Court and its critics, crafting an hours-of-service regulation that leaves all of the current requirements intact.

The final rule, published in the November 19, 2008, Federal Register, continues to allow property-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers to drive up to 11 hours within a 14 hour, non-extendable window, following at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. The rule also allows motor carriers and drivers to continue to restart calculations of the weekly on-duty limits after the driver has at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. (more…)