Penske Truck Leasing

Holiday Road: 8 Tips for Staying Safe in a Shorter Season

Professional drivers, when it comes to the 2024 holiday season, the calendar is not on your side.

A late Thanksgiving has compressed the holiday rush, meaning more traffic, tighter schedules and heightened risks heading into Christmas Day. Plus, many parts of the country have already seen their first snowfalls, creating treacherous driving conditions.

The best way to stay safe amid the holiday hustle and bustle is to give yourself the gift of patience. Follow these eight tips:

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Prepare Now For Severe Weather

Extreme weather conditions can create unexpected mechanical issues, safety concerns and possible delays, but proactive weatherproofing can help keep equipment running and protect drivers.

“Servicing and maintaining critical vehicle components ahead of severe weather can help prevent breakdowns, control costs and improve overall efficiency,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing.

Electrical and Air System Checks

Electrical and air systems are the two areas most affected by cold temperatures. Proactive electrical system maintenance is critical to limiting electrical system issues. It is also essential to test batteries, replace them if needed, and clean battery terminals and cable connections. Any corrosion or buildup can inhibit electrical flow.

Batteries can fail under the high starting load they face in cold weather, so it is important to limit parasitic draw when trucks are parked. “Unplug driver convenience items such as coolers, TVs or other add-on items anytime a unit sits idle for a day or longer,” Hough said.

Air drier desiccant filters need to be changed regularly to maintain air system health. Hough also recommends drivers take time daily to ensure the vehicle's air system is water-free. Moisture in the tanks can freeze, affecting braking systems and other critical components.

Pre and Post-Trip Inspections

Drivers' pre and post-trip inspections are always necessary, and some items need extra attention in the winter. Hough recommends drivers inspect the wiper blades to ensure they are not torn or damaged, and double-check the windshield solvent level and top off if they are low.

Drivers should check to ensure all lighting is free of snow and ice buildup and clean as necessary, drain the air tanks often, and always ensure the truck's safety equipment is present. “Triangles and a fire extinguisher are two examples,” Hough said.

As vehicle safety technology evolves, there are more and more sensors on the vehicle, which can malfunction if blocked. “If the front radar sensor becomes covered with ice or snow, the driver may receive a system notification from the dash cluster that the ‘Radar sensor is blocked,’” Hough said.

To help prevent the issue, drivers can use a broom or small brush to dust off the ice or snow during pre-trip inspections. If drivers are already on the road, Hough recommends they find a safe place to pull off the road, inspect the radar then remove the ice or snow. “The windshield area in front of the camera must also be free of snow and ice,” he added.

Block Heaters

Plugging in block heaters when a unit is parked can help ensure vehicles start up again. Vehicles operating in cold regions are typically spec’d with a cold-weather package with pre-installed block heaters.

“Most of today's block heaters are thermostat-controlled and will only draw electric power when the coolant temperature drops below a preset set temperature,” Hough said. “The thermostatically controlled heater system decreases the energy required to maintain the correct coolant/oil temperature.”

Winterized Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel can gel as temperatures drop, clogging a diesel fuel line and preventing trucks from starting. Penske pretreats fuel at most of its locations with additives that prevent gelling. Treatment typically begins on Nov. 1 and goes into March.

Plus, Penske’s fueling locations are full service, so drivers can remain in the cab, which can be an added convenience in cold weather. Penske's employees also walk around the tractor and trailer and check for maintenance issues, such as mud flaps, headlights or taillights that need repair.

If drivers cannot fuel at a Penske location and are in an area where ambient temperatures are expected to drop below the cold filter plugging point of the fuel, they can treat vehicle saddle tanks with one bottle per saddle tank of RED ALERT™. The driver should allow the vehicle to run long enough for the product to circulate through the fuel system before being shut down for the night. RED ALERT will also re-liquefy gelled fuel, if necessary.

Tire Conditions

Tire condition is also essential for performing in icy and snowy conditions. Tread depth should be a minimum of 5/32 inches for winter driving. Air contracts as temperatures drop, and cold weather can reduce tire pressure, decreasing traction. Tire pressures should be checked regularly and adjusted as needed.

Drivers should also ensure tire chains are in proper condition and they have working flares and triangles.

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Roadside Emergency Kit: What Drivers Should Pack

What hazards will this winter bring to commercial motor vehicle drivers? While nobody knows for sure how bad each winter may be, the Farmer’s Almanac indicates that the winter of 2024-25 will be wet and cold in most locations, with little downtime in between rapid-fire storms.

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Use Leasing To Transform Your Safety Program

Safety is critical in the trucking industry. A robust safety program not only keeps drivers and cargo safe but also reduces the risk of an accident, ensures compliance with regulatory standards and keeps operations running efficiently. Leasing can be a cost-effective strategy to enhance a company’s safety program.

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Save Time and Increase Uptime With Mobile Maintenance

Keeping equipment running is essential for fleets, and mobile maintenance services can increase efficiency by performing on-site services, repairs and inspections at a fleet's location. Bringing the shop to the equipment can save time and make scheduling preventive maintenance and needed repairs easier. A robust maintenance program increases safety and reduces the risk of breakdowns or unscheduled repairs, which keeps equipment moving and boosts driver satisfaction.

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Safe Rules of the Road: Rural, Urban & Highway

As a professional driver, you might travel new routes every day. But the rules of the road can change depending on the landscape and road conditions around you.

Urban routes require lots of starting and stopping. Rural roads can get isolated and tricky. Highways offer their own unique challenges. And if you haven’t driven on one of these types of routes for a little while, adjusting can be tricky.

Prepare yourself by knowing the biggest risks and following these top safety tips for each type of road.

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9 Ways To Park Safe and Smart This Holiday Season

With holiday traffic volumes expected to be at increased levels this year, professional drivers can expect to share the road with millions of motorists nationwide. But the highways won’t be the only crowded place. Truck stops and rest areas will be jam-packed, too!

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Brake for the Bus: Back-To-School Safety Tips for CMV Drivers

Summer is winding down, which means school will be back in session soon. As school buses and their precious cargo – children and teenagers – return to the roads, professional drivers should proceed with extra caution. These five areas bring the biggest challenges and require your utmost attention:

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Top 5 Dangerous Driving Behaviors To Avoid

Summertime doesn’t just make the temperature soar. Other drivers on the road get short-tempered in hot weather, too, increasing the risk for dangerous and aggressive driving behaviors.

The best way to keep your cool is to avoid aggressive driving at all costs by being a defensive driver and avoid reckless, careless and otherwise dangerous driving. What does that mean?

Reckless driving is driving with willful or blatant disregard for the safety of people or property.

Careless or dangerous driving is driving without reasonable consideration for other motorists or people on the road or otherwise driving in an unsafe manner placing yourself and others at risk of injury.

Whenever law enforcement personnel see the signs of reckless, careless or dangerous driving, they’ll pull you over. Last year, a total of 5,756 warnings and 4,494 citations were issued during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Operation Safe Driver Week.

Don’t run the risk of a citation or accident. Avoid these top 5 dangerous driving behaviors:

1. Speeding: Always drive at or below the posted speed limit. Slow down even further during storms or while driving on rain-soaked roads.

Speeding was a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2018, killing 9,378 people. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, NHTSA)

2. Distracted driving: Avoid anything that takes your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel, even for a second! This includes talking or texting on a phone, using dispatch devices, eating, reading, adjusting the radio, or looking at passing billboards, buildings or people.

Distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. (NHTSA)

3. Drunk or drugged driving: Never operate any vehicle, including CMV’s, while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other banned substances. When you get caught, you will be disqualified from driving.

Drunk driving claims the lives of 1 person every 52 minutes. (NHTSA)

4. Following too closely: Maintain a following distance of one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length. Add a second if you’re driving over 40 mph.

Rear-end crashes account for 29% of all crashes. (NHTSA)

5. Not wearing a seat belt: Federal law requires CMV drivers to always wear seat belts. They remain one of the cheapest, easiest ways to protect yourself behind the wheel.

Seat belts saved 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. (NHTSA)

A few other risky driving behaviors to avoid: Changing lanes frequently, not using turn signals while changing lanes, disobeying traffic signs, cutting off other motorists and falling asleep while driving.

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Wake Up! 7 Ways To Beat Fatigue Behind the Wheel

It typically begins with a simple yawn. Next thing you know, your eyes feel heavy. You find yourself turning up the radio or opening a window. Then you realize you forgot the last few miles you drove and wonder how you traveled so far without realizing it.

What’s happening? It’s fatigue, and it’s one of the most common and dangerous safety risks for professional drivers. About 65% of truck drivers say they feel fatigued while driving, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. What’s worse, fatigue plays a role in 31% of all deadly truck crashes, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The good news is that staying more alert while driving is well within your control. Try one or more of these seven smart strategies to beat fatigue behind the wheel. You may just save a life!

1. Take your breaks. Always follow Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and take a minimum of 30-minute breaks every 8 hours. Try to find your own rhythm. For example, you may be more alert if you take shorter breaks every two-to-three hours instead of “saving” your break for that eighth hour on the road.

2. Get your sleep. Aim to sleep for seven to eight hours every night. If possible, avoid or limit driving mid-afternoon (between 2 – 4 p.m.) or overnight (between midnight – 6 a.m.), times when the body is naturally drowsy.

3. Watch what you eat and drink. Skip fast food, vending machines, and other types of food that lack nutrition. Instead, pack healthier meals. Choose fruits, vegetables, nuts or string cheese for snacks. Don’t eat a heavy meal right before bed. But don’t go to bed hungry, either. Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks. Choose water instead so you can stay hydrated.

4. Stay active and fit. While you can’t exercise while driving, you can add some physical activity during your breaks and during your off time. Take a brisk walk. Do some stretching exercises. Aim for 20 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week. Being physically fit lowers your chances of fatigue.

5. Check your medicines. Sleeping pills, allergy medications and cold medications can make you drowsy. Avoid or limit them whenever possible. Always ensure you discuss any medications and their side effects with your doctor.

6. Avoid the traps. Many drivers think that they can fight fatigue by smoking, turning up the radio, or opening a window. Those activities may refresh you for a few seconds, but they won’t keep you alert for the long haul. If tired, do the right thing, pull to a safe area, and take a break!

7. Don’t tough it out. If you start yawning, making sudden lane changes or start to grow irritable, it’s a good bet you’re tired. Find a safe, legal place to park, such as a truck stop or well-lit rest area, and take a break.

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Brake Safety: 10+ Tips to Pass an Inspection

When you press the brake pedal on your truck, you expect an instant response. Yet any number of issues can cause your vehicle’s braking systems to fail, increasing your risk of a serious accident while putting you and your cargo in danger. That’s why maintaining your truck’s braking system is so important and a major part of your Pre-Trip Inspection.

To ensure brake safety every day of the year, here are 10 tips to help ensure your brake linings and pads are ready for the road:

1. Inspect all the parts of the brake linings and pads that you can see during pre- and post-trip inspections.

2. Check for signs of missing or damaged brake lining, such as grooves in the drum from rivet contact.

3. Look at the shoe-to-drum clearance and ensure that there is adequate lining on the shoe.

4. Try to find any signs of leaks from the hub or other components that may contaminate the lining or pad surface.

5. Look for any missing lining blocks.

6. Scan for visible cracks or voids in the lining block.

7. Check for any exposed rivets or lining blocks that look loose on the shoe.

8. On disc brakes, pay close attention to the condition of the rotor. Look for either metal-to-metal contact or heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface on either side.

9. Make any repairs in accordance with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.

10. Note any brake lining or pad-related issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier.

In addition, always check for these brake-related items during pre- and post-trip inspections:

Any missing, non-functioning, loose or cracked parts
Audible air leaks coming from around the brake components and lines
Slack adjusters that are different lengths
Air pressure below 90-100 psi
Rust holes or broken springs in the brake housing section of the parking brake
Malfunctioning ABS warning lamps

Remember, a properly conducted pre-trip inspection will go a long way toward passing a brake inspection — and keeping you and those around you safe.

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Brake Selection and Care is Critical for Safety

The brake system on a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must perform constantly and under all conditions. While both air disc brakes and S-cam drum brakes can get the job done, many manufacturers have made air disc brakes standard and the adoption rate for air disc brakes is increasing.

“The biggest difference between air disc brakes and S-cam drum brakes is disc brakes have a shorter stopping distance and you eliminate several components, so there are less maintenance items on air disc brakes,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing.

For example, air disc brakes do not need a slack adjuster, but S-cam brakes do. Kerri Wirachowsky, director of inspection programs for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), said brakes out of adjustment is the number one violation drivers receive.

“Generally, when a vehicle is put out of service for brakes being out of adjustment, it is because the automatic slack adjuster did not adjust correctly. It could be because it was not maintained or because it failed,” Hough said.

Additionally, air disc brakes don’t experience brake fade, or result in stopping power, after repeated use. At higher speeds, disc brakes have a better response at higher temperatures.

Initially, the adoption of air disc brakes was slower because they were more expensive and roadside service didn’t always have parts, Wirachowsky said. “As more and more get introduced into the market, the more the price comes down and the more familiar technicians get with them and can do roadside repair. I think over the course of time, we’re going to see more go that way,” Wirachowsky said.

Penske Truck Leasing made air disc brakes standard on tractors within its rental fleet in 2017, and Hough expects to see increased adoption on trailers as well. “Over time, as technology continues to improve and air disc brakes become more economical, which they are, we’ll probably see the industry transition to air disc brakes on trailers,” Hough said.

Brake Maintenance

When maintained and installed correctly, both brake types meet required safety standards, but maintenance is critical for all systems. Disc brakes are sometimes erroneously characterized as being maintenance free and they are not, and brake systems, whether they are disc brakes or drum brakes, require attention.

Hough said brakes must be checked at every preventive maintenance inspection and drivers should regularly check brakes during pre- and post-trip inspections. Plus, brakes need to be lubricated or greased at set intervals and slack adjusters on S-cam drum brakes have to be tested.

“During a PM inspection, we measure the applied brake stroke. With the foot pedal applied, we measure the total distance the slack adjuster is traveling so we know it is working correctly,” Hough said. “They’re dependable, but from time to time, one will fail.”

Hoses and tubing have been an important focus area for CVSA inspectors for several years because brake hose chafing is another common violation. “You could have belly hoses on the trailer that are rubbing or the gladhand hoses are too long and they rub on the catwalk,” Wirachowsky said. “That is what we look for, and drivers should be looking for that during their inspection.”

If a hose rubs up against something until it punctures the liner of the hose, it will leak air. “If it is leaking air, the brakes won’t work correctly,” Hough said, adding that some hoses are difficult for drivers to inspect during pre- and post-trip inspections. “That is why it is so important during a PM inspection to check for any type of chafing.”

Overall Safety

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) latest Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report, the brake system was the third most cited vehicle-related factor in fatal commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle crashes, highlighting the critical safety role brakes play in transportation.

Additionally, brake-related violations accounted for eight out of the top 20 vehicle violations in 2022, according to FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System. Plus, brake-related violations make up the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections, CVSA reported.

Additional Information

CVSA has several brake sources available:

FAQs on Brake Systems: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/faqs-brake-systems-and-inspections/

Information for Drivers and Mechanics: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/resources-drivers-mechanics/

Operation Airbrake Inspection Procedures: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/operation-airbrake-inspection-procedure/

Brake Safety Campaign Results: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/brake-safety-campaign-results/

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A Proactive Approach to Lighting Can Minimize Roadside Violations

Lighting is one of the most common roadside violations as well as one of the biggest challenges fleets face.

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