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Safety:
Safety Thursdays
> October
Now is the time to prepare for all of the weather situations you may encounter this winter, such as snow, ice, rain, fog or clear bright weather. They all affect your ability to safely control and stop your vehicle. Make sure you adjust your speed and allow more space to stop when conditions are poor. If weather conditions are unsafe, it may be necessary to pull off the road into a safe area until conditions improve.
To maintain a safe following distance:
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Scan
the road ahead as far as you can see. Watch for unexpected brake lights, traffic signal changes, pedestrians, and other vehicles entering the roadway.
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Listen
to your CB radio and local traffic reports to stay informed on changing road conditions ahead.
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Plan
to avoid rush hour traffic and unfamiliar roadways at night. Avoid inclement weather; shut down if necessary. If you must travel, slow down and be watchful.
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Adjust
your driving to changing conditions. Be ready to stop if necessary.
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Do Not Ignore It
it when drivers brake in front of you. Don’t assume that the situation will clear or that you will have time to react at the last minute.
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Understand
the concepts that determine stopping distance and remember the rule of proper speed and space management.
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The art of handling a skid lies in removing the factors responsible for causing loss of traction. If you suspect poor conditions ahead, slow down, increase your following distance and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. If you do lose control, remember:
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If your trailer is sliding, don’t take your foot off the gas. Instead, maintain or slightly increase power to keep the trailer in position.
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If the tractor drive wheels are sliding, depress the clutch pedal to cut power to the wheels.
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If the brakes are causing the skid, release the brake pedal, depress the clutch and look for an out.
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Also, know your vehicle and its capabilities. Many different factors affect a skid, including speed, road surface, tires, wind speed and direction, the weight of the load and its center of balance.
For more information, please contact us at:
safety@landstar.com
or 800-872-9496.
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