COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES

A CMV is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the public highways in commerce to transport passengers or cargo, if such vehicle:

- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more

- Is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver

- Is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE & CDL ENDORSEMENTS

• Class A: Combination 26,001 pounds or more towing a trailer 10,001 pounds or more

• Class B: Power unit 26,001 pounds or more, trailer under 10,001 pounds

• Class C: Any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs which is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or to be used in the transportation of Haz-Mat, which would require the motor vehicle to be placarded.

9 WAYS TO LOSE YOUR CDL

1. Traffic violations that lead to a fatality

2. Using a vehicle to commit a felony

3. Excessive speeding, more than 15 miles per hour above the posted speed limit

4. Certain traffic violations such as, reckless driving, improper lane change, or following too closely

5. Leaving the scene of an accident

6. Driving a commercial vehicle without having a CDL, the proper class of commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit or without the proper endorsement

7. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

8. Texting while driving / distracted driving / using a mobile phone while driving

9. Refusing a test to detect drugs or alcohol use

*This is not a complete list. There are additional ways drivers can lose their CDL.

CHECK YOUR BRAKES, TIRES & VEHICLE COMPONETS

Drivers should check the safety of their vehicle before and after each trip. This includes checking brakes, tires, air pressure, lights and turn signals.

Breaks used for heavy hauling or driving in stop-and-go-traffic wear more quickly.

Drivers need to check tire tread. Tires with low tread are at risk of blowing up when hitting debris. Uneven wear can be a sign of low air pressure. The minimum tread depth should be 4/32 of an inch in each tread groove on a commercial vehicle.

Check the air pressure of each tire before every trip. You can refer to the vehicle placard or the owner’s manual for the correct air pressure.

If other vehicle components, such as lights, turn signals are not in working order they need to be fixed immediately before your next load.

SECURE YOUR LOAD
Make sure when you are carrying a large load that you secure it properly. Tie down with rope or consider covering with sturdy tarps or netting.

AVOID OVERLOADING
Trucks are meant for carrying heavy loads but overloading puts stress on the vehicle which can lead to problems in the vehicle’s components.

BE SAFE ON THE ROAD
When driving a CMV make sure you are as safe as possible. This mean watching for blind spots when changing lanes, passing safely, avoiding distractions and maintaining your vehicle properly.

Click here to download our flier in English and in Spanish