Truck Rollover crashes: How & why?

How do large semi-trucks lose control and how can these accidents be prevented? According to the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, "When a truck travels along a curved path, centrifugal force causes it to lean away from the direction of the curve. The result can be a “rollover” in which the truck overturns. Tractor-trailers are particularly vulnerable because of the trailer’s high center of gravity and frequently unstable loads."

Some more factors that could possibly contribute to these rollover accidents are, the driver's lack of staying awake, paying attention, steering, and distraction. Rollovers are the "deadliest crashes, occurring with particular frequency on freeway ramps and inclines and suggested the use of sensor activated warning signs that detect unsafe approaches."

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HOS is slowing the rate increases for trucks

"An uneven flow of freight volume combined with the still-uncertain impact of changes to hours of service (HOS) regulations that went into effect July 1 are retarding the ability of carriers to win significant rate increases, at least for the moment."

 According to Jonathan Gold, vice president of the National Retail Federation, told Fleet Owner than many of the group’s members are “still trying to figure out” what alternations they’ll need to make to their supply chain operations due to HOS changes. Gold went on to add, "Many are still trying to ascertain what changes will be needed, it’s all part of evaluating their supply chain needs.” What does this mean for the industry? It means that U.S. economic growth should continue to strengthen and thus boost freight demand and hopefully things can get to a consistent growing level again. 

Curtosey of Fleet Owner

What every driver needs to stay connected

Sometimes technology fails, so it is good to have a back up plan when out on the road. According to Drive Smart, here are three gadgets that can come in handy when you are on that long trip and need a reliable technology backup.

1. Electric Power Inverter:

This is the least costly way to make sure you have constant usability of your gadgets. While on the road, it’s essential to access GPS and your phone at all times. Having a backup power supply, such as an electric power inverter, gives some leniency of your power.

2. Portable Solar Panel:

While they don’t carry as great of a charge as an electric power inverter typically does and take a bit longer to charge, they can keep your essentials ready to access whenever you need them.

3. Mobile Wireless Internet:

With the availability of mobile wireless Internet packages, these inconveniences are only optional. As connectivity becomes a greater concern for an increasingly connected industry, it’s crucial for drivers to have a contingency for when they lose availability for an extended period of time.

A shout out to truck drivers

As I drive daily on the highway, I notice more and more how friendly truck drivers are. They are curtious of you switching lanes and tend to honk the horn when you signal the hand motion (as you probably did when you were a kid). Truck drivers lay it on the line daily to get to one place to another and sacrifice time with family or friends. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all you guys do! 

Healthy snacks for those long drives

Do you tend to crave more junk food in between meals when you are driving for a long period of time? Sometimes we reach for sugary unhealthy snacks and that are not good for our hearts and not to mention our overall health. Below is an article that provides some viable options that can be satisfying and convenient.

www.thehealthytrucker.net