dot training - gmr marketingfleet.gmrmarketing.com/dot_training_512.pdf · • keep your windshield...

© GMR Marketing 2009

DOT Training

GMR Marketing // May 2009

4 Hours

CONFIDENTIAL

Review of DOT agenda:

Morning:• Welcome

• Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)

• GMR Driving Standards

• Alcohol and Drug Policy

• Driver Fatigue

• Vehicle Inspections

• Hours of Service and Log Books

• Defensive Driving

• Safety Tips and Practices

• Weigh Stations and DOT Inspections

• Driver Wellness

• Whistleblower Protection

• Review

2

DOT Agenda

©2009 GMR Marketing LLC


Welcome To GMR DOT Training

Welcome To DOT Training


Before Getting Started…

How would you define a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)?


A Commercial Motor Vehicle Is:

A self propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers when the vehicle has a: •GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) or GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,001 lbs. or more

Commercial Motor Vehicle - Defined


Warm Up Exercise – Test Your Knowledge

One the four vehicles is Non-DOT Regulated…do you know which one?

• Semi Tractor / Tractor

• Hauler/Show/ Triple Slide /Stage/Double drop Trailer

• Overall 78’ long

• 13’6” + clearance

• GVW 80,000 Lbs

• Class A CDL required

• Coach/Entertainer/Tour/ Seated/ Sleeper/ Executive

• 45’ long

• 13’6” clearance

• GVW 60,000Lbs

• Chauffer’s or Class A with passenger endorsement


DOT Regulated Vehicle Types

• Class C RV

• 12’6” -13’6 clearance

• 28 -45’ long

• GVW Varies

• Can be a Class B CDL.

• Class A Motor home

• 12’6” clearance

• 35-50’ long

• GVW 19,500 - 33,000Lbs

• Can be a class CDL



• City Van / Isuzu / 16’ Box truck

• 12’6” Clearance

• 25’ Long

• GVWR 19,500Lbs

• May require special endorsement*

• 24’ Box, Straight Truck/ 26’ box

• 12’6 Clearance

• 37’ long

• GVWR 25,950Lbs

• May require special endorsement*



• Chase vehicle with Trailer, bumper pull,

• Length and clearance vary.

• Typical GVW > 10,000 Lbs

• Height and length vary

•Dually/Hauler pulling Goose or fifth wheel

trailer

• Vary, 12’6” & 60’

• GVW typically 40M-50M

• Length varies

• Height 12’6”

• Class A CDL




NON-DOT Regulated Vehicle Types


GMR Driving Standards & Policies


Email Notification Alert On A Common Misconception:

•Air brake restrictions exist ONLY if a driver did not use an air brake equipped truck during his/her test to get the CDL license.

• There is no such thing as an air brake endorsement; only an air brake restriction.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Before Getting Started – Let’s Break For Air Brakes

GMR Driving Standards - Overview

• More than three moving violations in the last three years

• More than one at-fault accident in the last three years

• More than two moving violation and any at-fault accident in the last three years

• Driving while intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs in the last three years

• Current suspension of your license

• Committing a felony or criminal act while operating a motor vehicle or any other serious motor vehicle offense at any time, including, by way of example, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular homicide and similar offenses

In order to qualify to drive a vehicle for GMR, you must be at least 21 years old, and cannot have a history of any of the following:


GMR Driving Standards – Drug & Alcohol Policy

• Pre-employment (drug only)

• Post-accident (0-32 hours after accident)

• Random (performed periodically)

• Reasonable suspicion (trained & certified individuals)

• Return-to-duty (after receiving treatment)

• Follow-up (after returning to work)

What Are The Required Drug / Alcohol Tests?


GMR Driving Standards – Drug & Alcohol Policy

1. Use a controlled substance without medical authorization

2. Test positive for controlled substances

3. Report for or remain on duty performing a safety-sensitive function while having any measurable breath alcohol concentration

4. Use alcohol while performing safety-sensitive functions

5. Be on duty or operate a commercial motor vehicle or other vehicle while possessing alcohol unless the alcohol is manifested and transported as part of the shipment

6. Perform safety-sensitive functions within four hours of using alcohol

7. Use alcohol for eight hours following an accident unless the employee has been given a post-accident test; and refuses to take a required drug or alcohol test

Employees covered by GMR’s DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy shall not:


Movie on Alcohol & Drug Use

Click Black Box Below To Play Movie



Fatigue

Fatigue – Before Getting Started…

What Do You Believe Are The Warning Signs

Of Fatigue?


Fatigue

Warning Signs of Fatigue:

• Eyes losing focus

• Yawning

• Lost concentration

• Highway Hypnosis (forgetting the last few minutes while driving)

• Weaving out of the traffic lane

• “Micro sleep” lasting 1-5 seconds

Fatigue can be fatal…

Studies show that fatigue affects a person’s ability to react, make judgments and comprehend!


Tips for Reducing Driver Fatigue

• Plan your routes ahead of time to minimize driving and allow time for breaks

• Operate your vehicle smoothly: cut down on rough shifting, hard turns and sudden braking

• Avoid caffeine on the road – it’ll pick you up for awhile, but it’ll leave you even more tired than before

• If you wear glasses, make sure your prescription is current; use sunglasses in sunny weather

• Keep your windshield clean

• Look for healthy meals on the road

• Get plenty of sleep

• Manage stress, because stress can cause fatigue

• Open windows to keep plenty of fresh air in the vehicle

Tips For Reducing Driver Fatigue



Vehicle Inspection


Vehicle Inspection – What To Look For…

GMR’s Perspective on Vehicle Inspection:

Before and after driving a CMV, drivers must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition.

Start from the same place with every inspection and make it a habit!

Vehicle Inspection – What To Look For…

What To Look For In Pre Trip & Post Trip Inspections:

• Service brakes, parking brake & brake connections

• Steering mechanism

• Lighting devices & reflectors

• Tires: Look for cuts, objects stuck in the tire like nails or other visual damage, mismatched sizes, and tread separation

• Horn, windshield wipers, and rear vision mirrors

• Coupling devices

• Wheels: Look for damaged rims; Missing lugs are dangerous

• Emergency equipment



Importance• It’s your responsibility to assure your

vehicle is always in proper operating condition

• IT’S THE LAW!

Consequence• Your vehicle may be put Out Of

Service

• Minimum of 10 hours (parked)

Vehicle Inspection


Hours of Service & Log Book

Hours of Service – Test Your Knowledge

11 Hour Rule

14 Hour Rule

70/8 Hour Rule

34 Hour Rule

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Do You Know The Following Hour Of Service Rules?


CMV driver may drive 11 hours after 10 hours

off-dutyr

CMV driver may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on-

duty, following 10 hours off-duty

CMV driver may not drive

after 70 hours on-duty in 8

consecutive days

11 Hour Rule

14 Hour Rule

70/8 Hour Rule

A driver may restart

an 8 consecutive day

period after taking 34

or more consecutive

hours off-duty

34 Hour Rule

Hours of Service – Effective January, 2004



Log Book Defined

What Is A Log Book?

The DOT Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to make and maintain a driver’s

daily log (record of duty status)

Log Books

Key Points For Completing Log Books:

• The log shall be prepared in duplicate:

• The original to be turned back in to GMR

• The copy is to be retained by the driver

• When on-duty, drivers must have the log for that day and the previous

seven days

• Keep logs current at each change of duty status

• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE DAY TO COMPLETE!

• “Driver Statement of On-Duty Hours” form to be completed at this time



Sample Log Book

• Section #1 = Information

• Tractor # = (Unit # on vehicle key tag)

• Driver’s ID = (Employee #)

• Driver’s Signature = (your signature)

• Co-Driver Info (If applicable) = (passenger info)

• Shipper/Commodity = (Program #)

• # of days off = (If applicable)

• Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Signed = (Mark boxes for each driving day)

• Section #2 = Duty Grid

• Mark hours spent in each duty as a horizontal line

• Document each change in duty status with a vertical line

• Section #3 = Remarks

• Include: City, State and activity (what’s being done)

• Example: New Berlin, WI / Pre-Trip Inspection


Completing the Log Book


When are logs due?

What days of the week make up the log book

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Pop Quiz!



When are logs due?

What days of the week make up the log book

Every Tuesdayr

Sunday - Saturdayr

Pop Quiz Answers:



Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving - Overview

• Making effective safe and legal driving choices

• Creating a safe and stress free personal driving space inside and around your vehicle

• Driving to your destination without a ticket, collision or compromising other driver’s safety

• Practicing courtesy, compassion, common sense and cooperation

• Understanding the risks of hazardous driving conditions & behaviors

What Is Defensive Driving?


What Are The Stats?

• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of all work

related fatalities

• Vehicle collisions are avoidable with good defensive

driving habits

Defensive Driving - Stats



Movie on Driving the CMV


Defensive Driving - Backing & Clearance

Key Points On Backing:

• Avoid putting the vehicle in positions that you will have to back out of

• It is always the responsibility of the driver to avoid hitting things

• Note all obstacles before you begin to back up

• Turn the radio off and roll down your window

• Back slowly and use your mirrors

• If you have any doubt, Get Out And Look!

Key Points On Vehicle Clearance:

• Know and be aware of the height and width of the vehicle you are driving

• Do not try to take your CMV through ANY drive-thru as IT WON’T FIT!


Movie on Backing


Managing Space

• When things go wrong, space gives you time to think and take action This is particularly important for large vehicles Large vehicles require more space for stopping and

turning

• The area ahead of your vehicle is the most important You need the space ahead in the event you must suddenly

stop.

• How much space is enough? One good rule says at least one second for each 10 feet

of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds, you must add one second for safety

To be a safer driver, you need to properly manage space:


Managing Space

• What you can do to manage the space behind you: Stay to the right: Heavy vehicles are often tailgated when they

can’t keep up with the speed of traffic.

Avoid quick changes

Increase your following distance

Don’t speed up - i’s safer to be tailgated at a low speed than a high speed

Commercial vehicles are often wider and take up most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little space they have

You need to keep your vehicle centered in the lane to keep safe clearance on either side



Managing Space

• Be aware that traveling next to others causes two problems:1. Another driver may change lanes suddenly and turn into you

2. You may be trapped if you need to make a lane change Make sure to drop back or pull forward so the other

vehicle is sure to see you Don’t stay in another vehicles blind spots



Keep in mind the following about space overhead:

• Consider the height of your vehicle – hitting overhead objects is a danger.

• Allow a minimum of 9” between vehicle height and posted clearance to compensate for variances such as repaving, packed snow, etc. Do not assume the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct.

• Go slowly if you doubt you have safe space to pass under an object. If you aren’t sure that you can make it, take another route.

• Get out and check for overhanging objects (such as trees, branches, or electric wires) before you back into an area as they can be easy to miss.

• Be aware that some roads can cause the vehicle to tilt. There can be a problem clearing objects along the edge of the road. Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.


Clearances

Photos of clearances gone wrong…


Clearances

Turning & Lane Changes

Space For Turns:

Because of wide turning and off tracking, large vehicles can hit objects during

turns.

Space Needed to Cross / Enter Traffic:

• Because of the slow acceleration and the space large vehicles require, you

may need a much larger gap to enter traffic than you would in a car.

• Before you start across a road, make sure that you can get all the way

across before traffic reaches you.

Key Points For Left Turns:

• Make sure that you have reached the center of the intersection before you

start the turn. If you turn too soon, the left side of your vehicle may hit

another vehicle because of the off tracking.

• If there are two turning lanes, always take the right-hand turn lane. Don’t

start in the inside lane because you may have to swing right to make the

turn. Drivers on the left can be more easily seen.


Turning & Lane Changes

Key Points For Right Turns:

• Turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems.

• If you are driving a truck that cannot make the right turn without swinging

into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn.

• Keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb; this will prevent other

drivers from passing you on the right.

• Don’t turn wide as you start the turn. A following driver may think that

you are turning left and try to pass you on the right and you may hit the

vehicle as you complete your turn.

• If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for

vehicles coming toward you. Give them room to go by or stop. Do not

back up for them as you might hit someone behind you.



Turning Example

Movie on Intersections




Safety Tips & Practices

Loading

Key Points On Loading:

• Improperly loading & incorrect weight distribution can cause

a dangerous driving situation.

• For optimum handling, your trailer must be properly loaded

and balanced. Keep the center-of-gravity low for best

handling.

Approximately 60% of the cargo weight should be in the front

half of the trailer/box and 40% in the rear.

• Keep in mind that luggage for several people can easily add

hundreds of pounds to the load. Do not set it inside the back

door of the trailer.

• Check the GVW on the trailer before adding components.

Overloaded trailers are dangerous & may be detained or

subject to fines by the DOT.

• If you have questions about weight and distribution, be sure

to contact Fleet.


Movie on Cargo



Lift Gates

LIFTGATE DO’S LIFTGATE DONT’S

• Make certain area in which the platform will open and close is clear before opening or closing platform

• Operate the lift gate with the control switches only

• Inspect (visually) the lift gate frequently and keep it in adjustment

• Allow the lift gate to be used by people that are not familiar with its operation

• Overload the lift gate (refer to the capacity chart for proper capacity of the lift gate)

• ONLY EM or SBA are permitted to operate Lift gates – NO TEMPSC



Pop Quiz – Air Brakes

True or False?

• Big rigs use hydraulic brakes – true or false?

• Air brakes use high pressure air – true or false?

• Trucks, because of their size, have the best brakes – true or false?

• Big rigs do not use hydraulic brakes, they utilize air brakes.

Most automobiles utilize hydraulic brakes. When you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid pressure is generated in a master cylinder that is transmitted to the actuators (the wheel cylinders and caliper pistons throughout the brake lines thus applying the brakes).

• Air brakes use high pressure air which is supplied by an engine driven air compressor.

This air is stored in tanks on the tractor. When the brakes are applied, the air comes from the tanks at about 100 psi (pounds per square inch) and is forced into an air chamber in the brake drum.

• Because trucks are big, does NOT mean they must have the best brakes.

Large trucks cannot stop nearly as quickly as a passenger vehicle. A car driving at 55 miles per hour can stop in about 225 feet with its hydraulic brakes. However, a truck traveling at the same 55 mile per hour speed will take more than 400 feet to stop.


Air Brakes

• Flammable materials should not be transported.

• Follow this rule:

Buy it, use it, then dispose of what’s left. Don’t keep it in the truck!

• Examples of flammable materials: Goo-Gone or WD-40

Choose a non-flammable version of these products, whenever possible.

• Example of why flammables should not be transported:

A fire was caused in a Ryder truck by cleaning supplies + paper towel + heat in truck

• Gasoline needs to be stored in a sealed, DOT approved gas container


Cell Phone Use

Anti-Harassment

•Cell phone use, while driving any GMR vehicle, is prohibited.

•Drivers who are distracted by talking on a cell phone or dialing numbers while they are driving are causing more and more accidents

•Some municipalities have banned using cell phones while driving because it has become a major problem.

•To avoid collisions arising from the use of cell phones:Turn the phone off before you start driving. Let callers leave a messageIf there are passengers in the vehicle, let one of them take or make the call If you're expecting an important call, let someone else driveIf you have to make or receive a call, look for a safe opportunity to pull over and park

•Studies confirm that the reaction time of cell phone users slows dramatically, increasing the risk of accidents and tying up traffic in general

Separate research supports the conclusion that hands-free cell phone use causes driver distraction, as well Cell phone distraction causes approximately 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year

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Movie on Distractions



Accident Procedures

Who Do I Call?

• Emergency Assistance, if necessary

• GMR’s Legal Department - for insurance purposes

• GMR’s Fleet Department – for DOT documentation (within 24 hours)

Photographing An Accident Scene

• Make sure you start with distance shots, and move in

closer as you take the photos.

• Take photos at different angles to show the

relationship of objects and minute and/or temporary

details.

• Take panoramic photos.

• Take notes on each photo. They will be included in

the appendix of the report with the photos.

• Identify the type of photo, date, time, location,

subject, weather conditions, measurements, etc.

• Place an item of known dimensions in the photo if

hard-to-measure subjects are being photographed.

Accident Procedures



Weigh Stations & DOT Inspections


Weigh Stations

Weigh Stations

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Do You Know The Four Types of Scale Houses?

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These locations will weigh your vehicle and ensure that you have the proper permits. New Mexico, for instance, you will just show

them that you have a NM card as you pass by the window. If you do

not have the permit you may go into the building and purchase one. Other states may have you bring in

your paperwork and show what type of cargo you are carrying. r

In this type you will pull up in front of the scale house and stop. There will be a stop sign or

traffic lights and a speaker. This type scale may be a platform

where the entire vehicle fits on it, or it could be a type where

each axle is weighed individually. Be sure to listen to the directions

of the Scale Master.

These are scales that can be set up anywhere.

This is popular in Pennsylvania.

The DOT will set up a portable scale at a rest area to weigh and do DOT

checks.

Port of Entry

Fixed Scale

Portable Scale

You will roll over the scales that are built into the pavement and you will see 2 traffic lights with either a red X or a green arrow. Follow the green arrow. Make

sure that you center your vehicle over the scale otherwise you will

be pulled into re-weigh.

Rolling Scale

Weigh Stations



Key Points On Weigh Stations:

• BE SURE YOU KNOW THE GVWR AND THE ACTAL WEIGHT OF THE

VEHICLE YOU ARE DRIVING!

• Watch for signs

• When approaching the scale:

Turn your radio off and roll down your window to go through the weigh

stations.

At night, turn your headlights off as you approach the scale house

Be sure to slow to the posted speed on the exit ramp. Your speed is monitored

in the scale house and they will pull you in for exceeding their speed limit

Before you get to the scale house all information on your vehicle is processed

by the numbers they get off of your vehicle

• At the scale, you may be asked to “Pull around and bring in your

paperwork.” This means to bring your logbook, registration, permit book

and license (Be sure to keep your Medical Card with you at ALL times).

Weigh Stations

DOT Inspections

DOT Inspections

• DOT inspections can be done/requested at anytime,

anywhere or any place.

• Maintain a positive attitude – don’t argue.

• The inspectors will go over every component of your

vehicle, including you Driver’s Logs.

• If you or your vehicle is placed OOS, fines are usually

assigned. Fines are to be paid by YOU, the driver, as

it is your duty to keep your logs up to date & your

vehicle in proper operating order.

• Our DOT Safety Rating is affected negatively by each

of these occurrences, therefore, consequences will

result.


Driver Wellness


Driver Wellness

It Is Critical To Maintain A Healthy Diet for Overall Driver Wellness…

The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy dietas one that:

•Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products

•Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts

•Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars


Key Points For Maintaining A Healthy Diet:

• Make smart choices from every food group.

• Find your balance between food and physical

activity.

• Get the most nutrition out of your calories.

• Avoid excessive use of alcohol.

Driver Wellness

FOOD PYRAMIDorange – grains

green – vegetablesred – fruits

blue – milk and dairy productspurple – meat, beans,

fish and nutsyellow – oils


Whistleblower Protection

What Is Whistleblower Protection?

This is the right of an employee to question the safety practices of an employer without the

employee’s risk of losing a job or being subject to reprisals simply for stating a safety concern

Whistleblower Protection


Review

What are the due dates for log books?

When are you to perform vehicle inspections?

Are you allowed to use drive-thru lanes with your DOT vehicle?

What is the allowable BAC for a DOT regulated driver?

How many consecutive hours are needed off-duty before you are eligible to drive again?

What should you do if you feel fatigued behind the wheel?

What is the proper weight distribution for trailers and box trucks?

Test Your Knowledge…


Review

What do you do if you can’t see what’s behind you when backing up?

Are you allowed to take exit ramps at the posted speed limit?

How do you maintain a healthy diet?

Is there a maximum weight capacity for lift gates?

When making a left turn, which lane do you use?

What’s the proper procedure for changing lanes?

Who should receive your keys upon completion of your program (return to GMR New Berlin)?

If hard-to-measure objects are being photographed, what should be included in the picture?

Test Your Knowledge…


Questions / Concerns

Any Questions?

Contact Jason Rush @ [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

dot training - gmr marketingfleet.gmrmarketing.com/dot_training_512.pdf · • keep your windshield...

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