The CSA Unsafe Driving Basic

Additional Training to Assist Drivers of Premium Transportation Logistics LLC

© 2002 - 2013 The Premium Group/Premium Transportation Logistics LLC

What is the goal of this training program?

The ultimate goal is SAFETY, another goal is to reduce Premium Transportation Logistics' score

in the CSA Unsafe Driving Basic, and then maintain this Basic at an acceptable level.

UNSAFE DRIVING DEFINED

• According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Unsafe Driving basic refers to the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) by drivers in a dangerous or careless manner.

• Examples of roadside safety inspections that may cause a motor carrier to rank poorly in this Basic include speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change and inattention.

As of May 24, 2013 – this is the current Unsafe Driving Basic score for Premium Transportation Logistics LLC

83.5% is well over the 65% Threshold.

What is the cause for this Basic to be above the acceptable level?

The Answer: … the Unsafe Driving violations received by PTL drivers!

Possible patterns of noncompliance of PTL LLC drivers:

Speeding

Lane restriction violations

Failure to obey traffic control devices

Following too close

Seat belt usage

Notice in the previous slide that a single violation like speeding in a construction zone can adversely affect our CSA scores.

SPEEDING

Since August of 2011, drivers from Premium Transportation Logistics have been “awarded” 8 speeding violations. Six (6) of these violations were for speeds 6 to 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit.

The solution: SLOW DOWN! Expedited freight should never be that time sensitive that you disobey speed limits. If you are dispatched on a run with unreasonable time constraints please inform the dispatcher the time you feel you can safely and legally get the load delivered. Remember – shippers, receivers and dispatchers will not pay your tickets, and they will not be there to help you when you have lost your ability to earn a living because your driving history has made you unemployable!

Recall also that Premium Transportation Logistics has a graduated disciplinary policy which will be strictly adhered to.

Sammy Hagar can’t drive 55, BUT…you, the professional driver, should operate at or below posted speed limits at all times, especially in construction zones!

Picture from Google.com

LANE RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS

Since October 2011 PTL Drivers have had 3 major lane restriction violations which have negatively affected the CSA Unsafe Driving Basic. Two of these violations were in Michigan and one in North Carolina.

The solution: Keep right and pass left. Pass only when necessary.

States which have well written and frequently enforced Lane Restriction laws are: IN, MI UT and WA.

States which have well written Lane Restriction laws are: AZ, CT, CO, FL, KY, MO, NC, PA, SC, TX, and VA.

States with very specific Lane Restriction laws:UT - all vehicles having GVW > 12,000 lbs. – commercial or not.CA – must use very most right lane except if more than 4 lanes in same direction then may use two most right lanes.

Q: Are semi trucks allowed to travel in any lane on the freeway, or are they restricted to the right lanes?

A: The answer varies by State. Most states restrict CMV travel to the right lane. To be safe, always keep to the very right lane unless directed otherwise by signage or for emergency vehicles.

Photo from http://enumclaw.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/ask-a-trooper-what-lanes-are-semi-trucks-allowed-to-u13a94dca48

FAILURE TO OBEY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

Traffic control devices are markers, signs and signal devices used to inform, guide and control traffic, including pedestrians, motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists. These devices are usually placed adjacent, over or along the highways, roads, traffic facilities and other public areas that require traffic control. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Picture from cppj.net

Since November of 2012 Premium Transportation Logistics drivers have been cited for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices twice.

The solution: pay attention to, and obey, all road signs, stop lights and other traffic control devices. This includes the speed signs at truck Weigh Stations!

Photo from http://reedallabouttrucking.blogspot.com

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE

Two violations of Following Too Close have been issued to PTL drivers since August of 2011. These violations have a violation weight of 5 and adversely affected the CSA Basic score.

Solution: Increase following distance.

When should you increase following distance? When roads have deteriorated due to weather, When visibility is poor, In heavy, or stop and go traffic, When approaching an area of merging traffic like an entrance ramp, When approaching a “split” or off-ramp. When driving behind an impaired or distracted driver

How do you increase stopping distance – take foot off accelerator!

http://crimsonconcrete.unst.pdx.edu/website/?page_id=454

SEATBELT USAGE

Though PTL drivers received only one violation for failing to use seatbelt while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle in roadside inspections, there have been numerous drivers that have received tickets for this violation without an inspection. Not wearing a seatbelt can and will prompt a Law Enforcement Official to stop your vehicle to seek out other violations.

The solution: Buckle Up each and every time you enter your vehicle. Never operate your truck or your car without wearing your safety belt.

More reasons to wear your seat belt:• You would like to keep your money in your wallet, not the coffers of a state

agency!• Your family needs you to be there for them, even if you have an accident.• Again, not wearing your seat belt will prompt LEO’s to take another look at

you!

Picture from Google and NJ.com

MAKE SAFE DRIVING YOUR TOP PRIORITY!

Thank you PTL Drivers for the great job you do.

We do appreciate you very much!