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Trucker Safety infographic

Picture graphic shows different types of vehicles considered large trucks, such as fire trucks, dumpster trucks, ambulance, flat beds and large pick ups)and explains that large trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.

Many Different Vehicles are Considered Large Trucks

Large trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating of mnore than 10,000 pounds

  • Fire truck
  • Dump truck
  • Ambulance
  • Tow truck
  • Tractor trailer rig
  • Dump truck

SOURCE: Federal Highway Administration.

Infographic

Not Using a Seat Belt is Related to Other Risks

Of the 6% of truck drivers who NEVER used a seat belt:

  • 15% often drove 10 mph or more over the speed limit
  • 27% had at least 1 moving violation in the past year
  • 32% worked for employers without a written safety program
  • 37% lived in a state without a primary belt law

SOURCE: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) survey, 2010.

Three Big Risks to Truck Driver Safety

NOT USING A SEAT BELT

  • Using a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent injuries or deaths in a crash.
  • Employers can increase seat belt use by requiring that truck drivers and passengers buckle up on every trip.

DROWSY DRIVING

  • Getting good sleep each day is important to truck drivers’ safety and health. Sleep-deprived people do not recognize how poorly they are performing: they tend to think they are doing better than they are.
  • Employers can schedule truck drivers with enough time for adequate rest.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

  • Distracted driving occurs any time a driver takes his or her eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving.
  • Employers can include elements in safety programs to ban text messaging or use of handheld cell phones while driving.

SOURCES: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 2009 and 2014; Accident Analysis & Prevention, 2011.

Types of Distractions

VISUAL: Taking your eyes off the road Examples: Reading or sending a text message, rubbernecking in
traffic, or looking at a map.

MANUAL: Taking your hands off the wheel Examples: Talking on a handheld cell
phone, connecting to music, or eating.

COGNITIVE: Taking your mind off driving Examples: Talking to your dispatcher, thinking about your next appointment,
or arguing with a passenger.

TEXT MESSAGING while driving is especially dangerous; it combines all three types of distractions.

SOURCE: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2013.

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