DVIR, Fatique, Headlamps, and Security
DVIR. Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) are only as effective as the person performing the inspection. According to the Program Manager at the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, nearly 75% of all defects discovered during roadside inspections could have been caught by the driver during a DVIR. Keep in mind that every violation counts against the company and many violations also count against the driver. One of the commonly overlooked items in the DVIR is the emergency equipment. This includes the fire extinguisher and the triangles. Not only does the fire extinguisher need to be serviceable it also needs to be properly secured. Additionally, there must be three serviceable reflective triangles.
Fatigue. Fatigue rightfully continues to be a hot topic in the transportation industry. It can reduce your reaction time and your judgment. Fatigue can also affect your concentration. You can avoid a fatigue related accident or incident by recognizing the signals that your body gives you and taking appropriate action. The following are typical symptoms of fatigue:
- Yawning.
- Drowsiness.
- Lack of alertness.
- Poor memory recall.
- Trouble focusing your eyes.
- Intermittent/erratic shifting.
- Lane deviation.
The appropriate action is getting quality sleep. There is no substitute for sleep. Get a solid 8 hours of sleep before starting a trip. Use white noise if necessary to create a good sleeping environment. Exercise regularly and take naps when needed. Avoid foods that tend to make you drowsy. Don’t over eat. This is tough for the truck driver. A wise veteran driver told me “it is better to pull over and sleep than to sleep and roll over”…think about it.
Headlamps. Have you noticed that your headlights are dim? There is a good chance that the headlamp lenses are covered with road grime. Take time to clean them off during your pre-trip, after loading, un-loading, and after taking your 30 minute break.
Transportation Security. As we are approaching the 1st anniversary of the terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon I am reminded that terrorism is still around and apparently still fixed on instilling fear and panic. Security folks recommend:
- Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Try not to appear to be vulnerable.
- Know the current Threat Level.
- Do not deliver a shipment to an address other than the one that is on the Trip Report.
- Lock the doors:
- when operating it in urban areas;
- when operating it in rural stop and go traffic;
- when parked;
- when unattended.
- Do not discuss the product you are transporting or its destination with strangers or where the conversation could be overheard.
- Do not stop to assist disabled vehicles or motorists.
- Observe the no passenger rule.
- Beware of being tricked into a different route, delivery location, or being hi-jacked.
- Report any questionable activities or personnel immediately to the legal authorities and your first line supervisor.