Rail Crossings, Roadcheck, and Health

July 28th, 2014

Roadcheck 2014.  The PUCO and Ohio State Highway Patrol joined motor carrier inspectors across North America to participate in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s “Roadcheck 2014” last month. Inspectors worked around the clock performing roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles while emphasizing hazardous material safety. Safety inspectors completed 1,754 inspections for Roadcheck 2014.  A total of 376 vehicles and 61 drivers were placed out of service for various safety violations - many that could have been prevented. M.C. Tank Transport can boast that all of the in spections during this 72 hour campaign were clean sheets.   Furthermore, 62% of all of the roadside inspections performed this year have been clean sheets.  The vehicle OOS rating for the company is less than ½ of the national average for vehicles; slightly over ¼ of the national average for drivers and we have had zero HAZMAT OOS write ups this calendar year.  Well done folks!

Rail Crossings.   Title 49 CFR Part 392.10 requires that cargo tank vehicles (loaded or empty) which are used to transport HAZMAT, stop within 50 feet of and no closer than 15 feet of the tracks.  The only two exceptions to this rule are:

    1. Abandoned crossings that are identified with a sign “Abandoned” or “Spur Line”.
    2. Railroad grade crossing marked with a sign reading “Exempt”.

According to 49 CFR 392.11, even under these exceptions and when not transporting HAZMAT, you are required to travel at a rate of speed that is slow enough to stop before you reach the tracks.  This will also require you to alert other motorists by using your four-way warning lights before you slow down on your approach of the rail crossing.  Drivers who are cited for failing to observe these regulations are subject to being disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle.  First time convictions are for a period of no less than 60 days; a second conviction within three years will result in a disqualification of no less than 120 days; and a third and subsequent convictions will result in a disqualification of no less than one year.

Healthy Lifestyles.  Life on the road is difficult at best when it comes to where to eat; when to eat; and what to eat.  Retardants seem go to extremes of “all you can eat” to low carb and small portions.  Then there’s that horrible (to some) exercise.  Diet and exercise are two major components that promote a healthy lifestyle. 

According to many dieticians your daily diet should include:

Grains (6-11 palm-sized servings)

Vegetables (3-5 palm-sized servings)

Fruits (2-4 palm-sized servings)

Milk (2-3 8 oz. servings) and

Meats, beans, and nuts (2-3 palm-sized servings)

You don’t have to be a gym rat or purchase and expensive machine to get exercise.  Walking at a brisk pace for 20 minutes daily, provides adequate cardio vascular exercise.  Don’t forget to strengthen your arms and abdomen with 20-30 repetitions of sit ups and push ups.  Many back issues can be remedied by strengthening your abdominal muscles.  Not only will these exercises strengthen your muscles, it will also help your dealing with the stress of work.

Teenage Drivers.  A couple years back, I read an article that stated that the summer months are the most dangerous and most deadly months for teenagers.  The article went on to identify the dangers due to their inexperience in driving; being tempted by their friends to drive irresponsibly; experimenting with alcohol or drugs; being distracted by passengers; and distractions from cellphone including texting while driving.  If you have a teenager do what it takes to keep them safe and get them back to school in September.