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DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK!
During the week of Aug 21 thru Aug 25, DHE paid tribute to all drivers, whom we
 recognize for their important contribution—not only to our company— but to the industry as a whole.
We served breakfasts, lunches, and BBQ’s to the drivers at each DHE location. In addition, each driver was presented with a carry/tote bag and DHE hat as a token of our appreciation. As you can see, everyone had a great time, especially with supervisors and staff doing the cooking!
This is just one way we show our appreciation to the drivers that move our company freight, so thank you once again, to all our drivers.
NEW STATE LAW AFFECTS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Federal statutes hold commercial drivers to a higher set of standards than other drivers, because they are professional drivers. The statutes impose strong sanctions on commercial drivers who receive moving violations, whether the commercial license holder is driving a personal vehicle or a commercial vehicle.
The Federal Government also required all states to comply. Here is a rundown on the new law:
» 1. Drivers who fail or refuse to take a drug test on more than one occasion can be banned from commercial driving privileges for life.
» 2. When driving any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using motor vehicle to commit a felony, or failure to submit to sobriety test will result in disqualification of CDL for 1 year.
» 3. When convicted of a serious traffic violation involving a non-commercial vehicle which results in suspension of license, the driver may not operate a commercial vehicle for 60 days.
» 4. If convicted of driving after an out-of-service violation involving a non-commercial vehicle, the driver may not operate a commercial vehicle for 180 days, or 3 years if it is a second offense.
» 5. Holders of class A or B license can not attend traffic school to remove the points from his record, even for a violation received while driving a personal car.
DID YOU KNOW?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System.
» The longest stretch of highway in the United States is the I-90 which totals 3,020 miles between Seattle and Boston.
» The shortest stretch is I-878 in New York and is 7/10 of a mile long or 3,696 feet.
» The interstates make up less than 1% of the total highway miles in the USA, but carry more than 24% of the travel including 40% of total truck miles traveled.
A MESSAGE FROM SAFETY: DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
When I was just learning to drive my father used to tell me “don’t just drive your car, learn to drive everyone else’s car too.” What he was telling me was to anticipate every one else’s moves. Basically, he was teaching me how to drive defensively defensive driving.
By driving defensively, you can avoid getting yourself in a situation that may result in an accident.
» Look ahead – what is traffic doing 4, 5, or even 6 cars in front of you? While driving, always look at least a 1/2 mile ahead.
» Observe the situation. Are there any unusual circumstances?
» Recognize potential hazards, debris in road, sunlight glare, slowing traffic, a lot of people changing lanes.
» Decide on an appropriate response.
» Carry out the plan.
Use the “What-If” scenario:
What if that car doesn’t stop? What if the car on my left starts to change lanes? Is it going to be a tie with the car coming onto the freeway? What if that pedestrian doesn’t look before he steps off the curb? What would I do? How do I react to each of these what-if’s?
» Ask yourself the following questions as well:
» What plan do I have to deal with each of these?
» Do I have an out, or escape route?
» Is there room to maneuver?
» Is there enough room for me to stop without getting rear ended?
Remember the old saying “keep ahead of the situation.”
The best defense is a good offense. Have a plan. Drive Defensively!
Wayne Carson
Director Safety and Security
YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
» Smokers die up to 4 times more often than non-smokers from ruptured aneurysms.
» Eat a healthy diet to avoid cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
» Regular physical exams can decrease the risk for aneurisms and other health problems.
» Commit to daily exercise to get your heart pumping and keep blood vessels open and working. Be sure to consult your doctor before any new exercise programs.
DRIVING IN THE REAL WORLD: OUT OF SERVICE ORDERS
Put yourself in this situation:
The coast is clear. It's late afternoon, prime driving time. You come up on an open scale. The officer asks to see your log book, and discovers it isn't current. As a result, he issues an out-of-service order, forcing you to take a full 10-hour break right then and there. An hour later the scale closes and everyone leaves. There you are, all alone with no witnesses. Are you really going to sit there for another seven hours? Would any other driver?
The penalties for violating an out-of-service order are severe. It is not an option! Fines for violating out-of-service orders range from $1,100 - $2,750 for drivers, and $2750—$11,000 to employers.
Section 391.15(d) Disqualification for violation of out-of-service orders states: A driver who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order is disqualified for the following period of time:
» 1st violation: 90 days to 1-year.
» 2nd violation: 1 year to 5 years if convicted of 2 violations within a 10 year period. $750 -$11,000 for employers.
» 3rd violation: 3 years to 5 years if 3 convictions with a 10 year period.
As you can see, it is very important to keep your logs current and accurate.
Your career, your employers’ bottom line, and the safety of others are at stake!
For more information about becoming a DHE Truck Driver, call 1-888-4DHE-NOW, or 1-888-434-3669
Interested in becoming a DHE Truck Driver? Truck Driver Application
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