Onboard safety: avoiding distractions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports show that "driver distraction is a primary contributing factor in 25% to 30% of crashes." The FMSCA report FMCSA-RRR-09-042 further indicates that "most transportation researchers believe the actual percentage of distraction-related crashes may be higher than 25% to 30%." According to a U.S. Department of Transportation-funded study by
Collision Avoidance: Measuring the benefits of onboard safety systems
In an effort to further its goal of reducing the number and severity of large truck crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has summarized the costs and benefits for three types of commercial motor vehicle onboard safety systems. In its reports, FMCSA defines and quantifies key financial metrics for commercial motor carriers, such
Tires designed for fuel efficiency
When it comes to optimizing fuel economy for your fleet, think about buying the right tires. To date, EPA has verified a number of low rolling resistance tires produced by 19 different tire manufacturers.
Beware of scams when improving fleet fuel economy
It’s gratifying to see regulators finally shift their focus from reducing NOx emissions to reducing global warming, because global warming can be reduced by improving efficiency. Improved fleet fuel economy can significantly reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint. But beware. When fuel economy becomes an issue, charlatans come out of the woodwork. During commercial fuel economy
Stability control: rules, technology and benefits
The potential for regulation for commercial vehicle stability control moves into the Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in mid-2011.
FCCC’s all-electric walk-in van spotlighted in Odyssey Week finale
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.’s new body styling of its plug-in MT-EV all-electric walk-in van was presented at National Odyssey Day. The WIV is the first in the North American industry to be completely all-electric, including its HVAC system. Its cab interior is built of lightweight, durable composites that are completely recyclable.
Collision avoidance technologies
Collision avoidance technologies could prevent nearly half of all rear-end, run-off-road and lane change crashes.
LEDs as headlights: a possibility?
Although white LEDs are still too expensive to be used for forward lighting, that situation will soon be changing.
‘No Texting’ labels deliver important safety message
“No Texting” labels from Labelmaster can be prominently displayed on the visor, dashboard or windshield of motor vehicles to remind all drivers of the dangers of texting while driving. The labels, printed in bright red and black ink on a white background, are available in durable PVC-free vinyl in 4×6-in. and 2×1-in. sizes, 3-in. diameter heavyweight coated paper and 2.5×2.5-in. cling vinyl.
Not your daddy’s brakes
Technology advances allow for shorter stopping distances and the
development of stability and collision avoidance systems, but there is
a need for good maintenance.