Chauffeur Talk A NORTHLAND INSURANCE RISK CONTROL PUBLICATION ISSUE 1/2016 Inside 1 Don t be blindsided by blind spots 2 Look, listen, cross staying safe on the tracks 3 Tips for safer speed and space management 4 What to do before, during and after a crash 5 Three reasons why your health matters 6 Northland Insurance Risk Control Services Don t be blindsided by blind spots Most vehicles have blind spots where other vehicles can disappear from view. For large passenger vans, stretched limousines and buses, these blind spots can be substantial. It is important to manage these blind spots to avoid lane-change, turning and other collisions. Here are techniques to help you. Most importantly, check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes by looking over your shoulder. Track vehicles as they enter and leave your blind spot. Accelerate or slow down a little to allow other motorists to move out of your blind spot. Good mirror adjustment can also help. If your mirrors are not adjusted right, you might be making the problem worse. Adjust your mirrors to maximize the view to the sides of your vehicle. If your mirrors are pointed too far in, you will be seeing too much of your vehicle, which isn t helpful. If they are pointed too far out, you might be missing the vehicles close to you. If you are driving an unfamiliar vehicle, make it a habit to adjust the mirrors before you begin driving. You can increase your field of view by changing the angle at which you look at your mirrors. You can do this by changing the position of your head and upper body as you scan your mirrors. Driving in the right lane also has several advantages. It eliminates the risk of having another vehicle disappear in your right-side blind spot. It also can help limit the need to change lanes if you plan to exit. The right lane provides quick access to the shoulder if you need space to avoid a hazard. You can avoid the problem by reducing how often you change lanes. On a multilane road, find the best lane where you can travel at a safe speed without having to change lanes. Driving in another motorist s blind spot can also be dangerous. Trucks and buses, for example, have large blind spots on both sides of the vehicle and to the rear. Lingering in these blind spots can be dangerous. The general rule is: If you can t see the driver in his or her side-view mirror, they might not be able to see you. Avoid lingering in these blind-spot danger zones.
Look, listen, then cross staying safe on the tracks According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than 2,000 highway-railroad crossing accidents occur each year. That might not seem like a big number compared to other types of crashes, but when they occur, they can be serious, especially if you are transporting passengers. Motorists can fail to see approaching trains despite their imposing size. They may also be fooled by the illusion that the train is farther away and moving slower than it really is. Keep in mind that a train traveling at 60 miles per hour may take a mile or more to stop. If you are not certain whether there is enough time to safely cross the tracks, don t take the risk! Many types of vehicles are required by law to slow or stop at railroad crossings. Federal rules and many states require regulated commercial vehicles transporting passengers to stop at least 15 feet, but not more than 50 feet, from the tracks. The driver must listen and look in each direction along the tracks for an approaching train and should only proceed after determining it is safe to do so. The probability of having an accident at a railroad crossing increases during adverse weather or low visibility. Trains can be hard to see, especially at night, because they are often dark colored and lack reflective surfaces or lights. Under these conditions, it is a good idea to slow down or stop at all railroad crossings to look and listen. Some railroad crossings are located on elevated grades that may not offer enough undercarriage clearance for longer, stretched vehicles. Drivers need to make sure they won t be stranded on the tracks. If your vehicle does become stuck on the rails, it s important to act quickly. Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately. Move a safe distance from the railroad tracks. Contact emergency response personnel. Find the railroad s emergency phone number and the DOT crossing identification number posted near the crossing. Report that a vehicle is on the tracks and provide the location, crossing number and name of the road or highway that crosses the tracks. Also call 911. Safety experts recommend the following simple, life-saving tips to help avoid confrontations with trains: Any time is train time. Typical rush hour schedules do not apply to trains Warn others that you are slowing down by using your four-way flashers as you prepare to slow down or stop at a crossing Look both ways several times Never race a train to cross the tracks Roll down your windows, turn off the radio and listen for whistles or bells Where there are multiple tracks, always make sure that all tracks are clear before proceeding Always yield to flashing lights and crossing gates Never assume railroad-crossing lights and gates are working properly. Always check for an approaching train Above all, be patient. Waiting for a train to clear the tracks only takes a few minutes. That is a small price to pay to avoid a serious collision. 2 Chauffeur Talk Issue 1/2016
Tips for safer speed and space management Driving too fast for road or weather conditions, tailgating, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way contribute to many vehicle crashes. They all boil down to one thing: poor speed and space management. Here are five ways you can be a safer driver by using good speed and space management skills. 1) Scan the road ahead. Pay attention to the geometry of the roadway, upcoming intersections and traffic signs and signals. Be aware of traffic entering and leaving the roadway. Monitor traffic for brake lights or other clues that there is a problem ahead. Watch for stopped or disabled vehicles that may be blocking the roadway or causing traffic to slow down. Scanning the road ahead can help give you the extra time you need to react safely. 2) Use caution during bad weather. Slow down during poor road and weather conditions. Your ability to control and stop your vehicle decreases when roads are wet, especially if there is enough water on the road to cause you to hydroplane. If visibility is a factor, slow down to give yourself extra time to see and react safely. Be careful just after it begins raining. Oily deposits on the road, when mixed with water, can create slippery conditions. 3) Follow at a safe distance. What is a safe following distance? That depends on the type of vehicle you are driving and other factors, such as road, weather and traffic conditions. Here are some general standards safety professionals recommend for driving during ideal road and weather conditions: Small Medium Large (Sedans, SUVs & small vans, <9 pass.) (Stretched limousines/suvs & large vans, 9-15 (Super stretch limousines/suvs & buses, >15 pass.) pass.) 3 seconds 4-6 seconds 6-8 seconds To determine if you are maintaining the recommended safe following distance, select a fixed object, such as a telephone pole, by the side of the road. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the pole, begin counting the number of seconds that elapse before you pass the pole. The number of seconds you count should be equal to or greater than the recommended safe following distance. 4) Yield the right-of-way. Managing speed and space means more than monitoring your own driving. The speed other vehicles are traveling and their relationships to you are also important. When crossing an intersection, make sure there is enough space to clear the intersection without impeding traffic. Depending on the size and weight of your vehicle, it could take extra time to turn and completely cross an intersection. Some intersections might be too hazardous to make a safe left turn. Making a series of right turns, or turning at a different location, might be safer options. Be careful when passing other vehicles on two-lane roads. The gap between you and an oncoming vehicle could be closing at more than 100 mph. Also watch for turning vehicles, both the one you are attempting to pass and other vehicles that may be entering the highway from crossroads or driveways ahead. 5) Use caution when turning and changing lanes. Signal your intentions early, and use your mirrors to monitor traffic around you. Be on guard for distracted drivers who might not notice your signal or aggressive drivers who might fail to yield. Avoid driving in another motorist s blind spot, and keep an eye on drivers who move into your blind spot. Although you cannot change the way other motorists drive, you can adjust your driving to lower your risk. Start by following good speed and space management techniques. 3 Chauffeur Talk Issue 1/2016 Need to report a claim? Call 800.328.5972
What to do before, during and after a crash Regardless of who is at fault, you want to respond to accidents quickly and professionally for several reasons. It can help reduce the risk of further injury or property damage. It can help you collect the important information you need so the accident investigation and claim process go smoothly. It also shows others that you, and the company you represent, are concerned about safety. Here are important before, during and after steps to remember so you are prepared: BEFORE AN ACCIDENT: Make sure every vehicle is equipped with Northland s accident report booklet and emergency contact information Every driver should have the ability to take photographs, either with a mobile device or a disposable film camera Provide accident response training to your drivers so they understand what to do at the scene AT THE SCENE: Make sure the scene is secure and emergency personnel have been contacted Take photographs, ideally before any vehicles have been moved, if it is safe to do so. Document as much of the setting as possible, including: Damage to other vehicles, structures and objects Point of impact Debris Skid marks Road configuration Visual obstructions Traffic signs and signals Get contact information for all claimants and witnesses. Obtain police report information (report number, officer s name and enforcement agency) Call Northland s 24-hour Claim Hotline at 800.328.5972. Report all accidents immediately, ideally from the scene, even if you don t believe you are at fault. Even not-at-fault accidents can result in a claim against you that may require a defense. Failing to report the accident promptly can slow efforts to investigate the claim and defend you IN THE OFFICE: Compile a detailed written account of the accident, including the location, time, road and weather conditions, description of how the accident occurred, and any other relevant information. It should also include a diagram of the accident scene. Order Form Please send me Northland s: Accident Scene Handbook (Form N-1725) Quantity: (limit 10) Accident File Folder (Form N3625) Quantity: (limit 10) Name: Company: Policy #: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Fax or mail your completed order form to: Northland Insurance Office Services Department 385 Washington Street, MC-SB03N St. Paul, MN 55102 Fax: 651.310.4070 Or, email your request, along with your mailing address, to: cpucilow@northlandins.com ON FILE: Police report, statements and any other records pertaining to the loss Photographs of the accident scene and the vehicles involved Vehicle damage repair records Maintenance records for the vehicle for six months prior to the loss Electronic data from the vehicle, if available, for the date of loss and 30 prior days Driver s time-card records for the date of loss and 30 prior days Driver s employment and/or qualification file Ideally, the accident file and all pertinent records should be kept for at least one year after the claim is resolved. For regulated commercial vehicles, federal rules and many states require these records to be kept for at least three years. More accident management tools and training materials can be found in the safety resources section at northlandins.com (see instructions on page 6). These free tools include Northland s Accident Scene Handbook and Accident File Folder. You can also order these materials using the order form to the left. Chauffeur Talk Issue 1/2016 4
Three reasons why your health matters and what you can do to improve it You might not realize it, but as a professional driver, you face health challenges many other people don t. Spending hours behind the wheel each day can make it hard to stay fit. Driving in traffic can be stressful and exhausting. Healthy meal options can be hard to find. Irregular schedules and customer demands can make it hard to get enough quality sleep. Over time, these factors can affect your well-being, your career and your safety. Those are three good reasons why you should care about your health and make it a priority. Well-being. Good health can make your life better: Being healthy allows you to enjoy life more, without physical limitation that can keep you from pursuing a hobby or joining in activities with family and friends. Regular exercise and eating healthy can boost your energy and improve your mood. It can also improve your physique, which might make you feel better about your appearance and improve your self-esteem. You might live longer. Research shows that a healthy lifestyle can add years to your life. The opposite is also true. Unhealthy habits, such as smoking, not exercising and eating unhealthy foods, can shorten your life. It can help you save money. Avoiding chronic health conditions can help you save money on prescription drugs, doctor visits and medical procedures. Career. Driving a commercial vehicle requires skill, good judgment and constant alertness. That s why many professional drivers must undergo regular medical examinations to determine if they are healthy enough to drive safely. Common health conditions that can lead to disqualification include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea. These conditions can be improved, or avoided altogether, by living a healthy lifestyle. The bottom line: staying healthy is important to keep your medical certification and your driving career on track. Safety. Your health can impact safety. To be safe, it s important to be focused and alert at all times while driving. Your level of alertness can depend on how well you have slept. But if you are one of the estimated 10 percent of professional drivers who experience moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may not be getting the sleep you need to feel completely rested and alert. 1 Obesity is a risk factor associated with sleep apnea, which means keeping a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea. 1 A Study of Prevalence of Sleep Apnea Among Commercial Truck Drivers, FMCSA Tech Brief, July 2002. Tips for getting on the road to better health Staying healthy isn t always easy, but considering the impact it can have on your life and career, it s important. Focus on the key steps to living a safe and healthy life: Eat healthy. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetable and whole grains every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol. Be active. Be active at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rate and strengthen your muscles. This can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke and cancer. Quit smoking. People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and early death. Get adequate sleep. Most people require 7-9 hours of sleep each day to feel fully rested and alert. See your doctor. Ask how you can lower your risk for health problems. Ask about exams, tests and shots you need and when you need them. Source: Tips for a Safe and Healthy Life, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov/family/tips Although there are many resources for information about healthy living, few are intended for professional drivers. That s why Northland Insurance and Travelers sponsor drivinghealthy.org, a website created by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) dedicated to professional driver health and wellness. At drivinghealthy.org, you will find tips for: Eating healthy while on the job or at home Ways to exercise and stay healthy Tackling conditions, such as smoking or sleep apnea, that can get in your way of living and feeling healthy You will also find resources to help you understand the driver medical screening and qualification requirements, as well as links to dozens of organizations that provide guidance on healthy living. 5 Chauffeur Talk Issue 1/2016
A Northland Insurance Risk Control Publication Issue 1/2016 Risk Control Services 385 Washington Street, SBO3N Saint Paul, MN 55102 Chauffeur Talk YOUR SOURCE FOR SAFETY AND LOSS PREVENTION INFORMATION Visit northlandins.com, a Northland Insurance website for public auto owners, and one of the industry s most comprehensive resources for insurance and safety. It s free! Northland Insurance Risk Control Services northlandins Our goal is to save you time and money by helping you manage your fleet loss exposures. The following is a brief summary of the services and materials available to you as a Northland customer. For additional information, call our Risk Control department at 800.237.9334. Select option 1, then dial extension 10527. Local risk control consultants. Our experienced staff is available to answer your questions about transportation safety best practices, regulatory issues and Northland s risk control services. Loss prevention and DOT compliance materials. Access Northland s wide selection of free safety management, regulatory compliance and driver safety training resources on our website, northlandins.com. Here s how: 2016 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. 59803 New 6-16 Texas Customers: Insurance provided by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company, administered by Northland Insurance Company. Step 1: Locate your 10-digit Northland account number on your Chauffeur Talk newsletter mailing label. You can also obtain your Northland account number by calling 800.363.2242 and selecting Option 2 (available 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT on normal business days) or by emailing us at: agencyautomation@northlandins.com. Step 2: Locate your Northland Insurance policy number (e.g., PT123456) on your insurance policy. Step 3: Go to northlandins.com and select the Services tab. Click on Risk Control and follow the link to Northland s Risk Control Customer Portal. Step 4: Select the link for Public Auto customers. If you are accessing our site for the first time, you must create a User ID and Password by completing a quick registration process. Select the Create User ID link. Then follow the instructions to create your personal User ID and Password. Save your User ID and Password for future use when accessing the site. Need to report a claim? Call 800.328.5972 The content of this publication is only for the informational use of the reader. Information contained herein is not intended as, nor does it constitute, legal or professional advice, nor is it an endorsement of any source cited or information provided. In no event will Northland, Travelers or any of their subsidiaries and affiliates be liable in contract or in tort to anyone who has access to this publication for the accuracy or completeness of the information relied upon in the preparation of this publication or for the completeness of any recommendations from cited sources. Readers should consult source articles for more detail. This publication does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Northland or Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law.