Your job, as a professional driver, comes with many responsibilities. As well as knowing how to safely operate your vehicle, you are expected to handle a variety of other duties ranging from handling cargo to passenger safety to customer service.

In order to handle all of these responsibilities, it is important that you understand the importance of operating safely, being a qualified driver, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the agency that regulates the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMV), mandates training for entry-level drivers.

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Think about using a blank medical examination report to cover the physical exam procedures.

NOTE: If a driver breaks arm, leg, etc. s/he needs to be medically re-certified before returning to driving function.

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Driver disqualification comes from the state of CDL issuance.

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Leaving the scene of the accident

Questions for discussion: Did Bob do the right thing? Has he committed any disqualifying offenses? What could happen if he is convicted for leaving the scene of the accident?

Solution: No, Bob did not do the right thing. Leaving the scene of an accident is a disqualifying offense. If convicted, Bob faces a disqualification period of one year.

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Refusal to undergo testing

Questions for discussion: Has Mary committed a disqualifying offense by refusing the test? If this is a disqualifying offense, how long is the disqualification period? What would happen if Mary was convicted of another disqualifying offense within three years?

Solution: Yes, Mary has committed a disqualifying offense by refusing the test. If convicted, Mary faces a disqualification period of one year. If Mary were convicted of another disqualifying offense within three years, she would be disqualified for three years.

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Originally created over 60 years ago, the hours-of-service regulations were designed to keep tired drivers off the road. These regulations, located in Part 395 of the FMCSRs, limit the number of hours you can drive, as well as the number of hours you can be on duty. They also require you to maintain a record of duty status.

Driving time. All time spent behind the wheel is considered driving time. After 11 hours of driving time, you must have 10 consecutive hours off duty before you can drive againdrive again.

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Answers:1. D2. True

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On-duty time. You cannot drive after your 14th consecutive hour on duty. You cannot drive again until you have 10 consecutive hours off duty. Lunch breaks or other off-duty time do not extend the 14 hour period. The 14 hours are consecutive from the time you start your tour of duty.

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60/70 hour limit. Under this requirement, you cannot drive after having been on duty for 60 hours in any 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in any 8 consecutive days.Keep in mind that consecutive days does not mean a week (Sunday through Saturday) or a “work week,” it means any 7- or 8- consecutive day period. You don’t start over when counting total hours. The oldest day’s hours drop out of consideration as each new day’s hours are added.

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34-hour restart. The regulations include an optional “restart” provision. This allows you to “restart” your 60 or 70 hour clock after having at least 34-consecutive hours off duty. You may not use the 34 hour restart if you have exceeded the 60/70 hour 2 limit and must continue to calculate hours available under the 60/70 hour rule.

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Record of duty status. You are required to keep a record of your duty status (log) for each 24-hour period. Your record of duty status must include a graph grid with a remarks section and the following information:

* Date;* Total miles driven today;* Truck or tractor and trailer number;* Carrier's name; Carrier s name;* 24-hour period starting time (selected by your home terminal);* Your signature/certification;* Main office address;* Co-driver's name (if you have one);* Total hours in each duty status (at end of grid); and* Shipping document number(s) or shipper name and commodity.

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Extend 14 hr rule to 16…A driver can drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty, but not after the 16th hour, IF he or she:· Was released from duty at the normal work reporting location for the previous 5 duty tours, and · Returns to the normal work reporting location and is released from duty within 16 hours andwithin 16 hours, and · Has not used this exception in the previous 6 days, except following a 34-hour restart, and · Does not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

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395.1(m) - (m) Construction materials and equipment. In the instance of a driver of a commercial motor vehicle who is used primarily in the transportation of construction materials and equipment, any period of 7 or 8 consecutive days may end with the beginning of any off-duty period of 24 or more successive hours.

395.2 Transportation of construction materials and equipment means the transportation of construction and pavement materials, construction equipment, and construction maintenance vehicles, by a driver to or from an active construction site (a construction site between mobilization of equipment and materials to the site to the final completion of the construction project) within a 50 air mile radius of the normal work reporting location of the driver. This paragraph does not apply to the transportation of material found by the Secretary to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations issued to carry out such sectionsection.

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1. TRUE2. TRUE

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Fatigue is a generic term used to describe anything from being sleepy to exhausted. In extreme cases, fatigue can cause an uncontrolled and involuntary shutdown of the brain.

The two major causes of fatigue are sleep loss and changes to the body’s internal clock (called circadian rhythms).

Sleep loss Sleep like food and water is necessary for human survival DeprivingSleep loss. Sleep, like food and water is necessary for human survival. Depriving your body of sleep is like starving yourself or not drinking water.

Generally, most adults need 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel well rested. The same amount of interrupted sleep isn’t as effective.

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Occasionally, the human body can function well on fewer hours of sleep, but after a couple of days of sleep loss, a sleep debt can develop.

For example, if you need 8 hours of sleep to feel completely alert and rested, but only get 6 hours of sleep, you would have a 2 hour sleep loss. If this sleep loss continued for 4 days in a row, you would accumulate an 8 hour sleep loss. That’s one night’s worth of rest.2 hours x 4 days = 8 hours (1 night)2 hours x 4 days = 8 hours (1 night)

Sleep loss of as little as 2 hours can affect alertness and performance.

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Circadian rhythm. A circadian rhythm is, in simple terms, your body’s biological or internal clock. Most people’s clocks run on a 24-hour basis with some high points and low points in that time span.

Time cues keep your body clock set to a certain schedule. Time cues include sunlight and your work/rest schedule.

If your body’s internal clock is moved to a different schedule (change in time zonesIf your body s internal clock is moved to a different schedule (change in time zones, changing from day to night shift), your body needs time to adjust. During the transition, disruption in your internal clock can produce the same effects as sleep loss.

No matter what shift you work or what sleep pattern you follow, most everyone’s clock is set for two low points. One is between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The other is between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The more dangerous of the two low points for drivers is between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Most people are programmed to sleep when it is dark, and fighting fatigue is difficult.

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Fatigue's Danger SignsGet off the road if:•You are weaving in your lane, drifting across lines •Your eyes play tricks on you •You lose mental focus and can’t concentrate •Your eyelids feel heavy and close by themselves •Your head falls toward your chest

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The following are a few ways you can fight fatigue:

* Get a solid 8 hours of sleep before starting a trip;* When on the road, try to get as much sleep as you would at home;* Try to establish a regular schedule or routine – go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day;* When possible, schedule trips so the bulk of the driving is done during usual waking hours;waking hours;* Avoid driving during your body’s “down time;”* Exercise regularly and eat properly; and* Take a nap.

Ways to Reduce FatigueG l f l•Get plenty of sleep

•Schedule trips so the bulk of the driving is done during waking hours •Establish a regular routine including set sleeping and waking hours •Avoid eating heavy meals •Take part in light to moderate exercise A id ff i

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•Avoid caffeine •Schedule breaks every 2 to 3 hours

Establishing good sleep habits can improve your quality of sleep. This includes:

* Sleeping in a dark, quiet room;* Making your sleeping area as comfortable as possible; and* Having a bedtime routine.

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Sleep disorders can also affect work performance. One of the more common sleep disorders is sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief pauses of breathing during sleep. When this happens, the sleeper gasps for air, wakes up enough to get back into a normal breathing pattern, then falls back to sleep. Often, this happens in such a short period of time, the person sleeping doesn’t realize what just occurred.

This process can repeat itself up to 600 times a night. Though the person suffering from sleep apnea doesn’t fully wake up during these breathing episodes, his/her sleep pattern is disrupted enough that the sleep period isn’t refreshing, causing daytime sleepiness and poor concentration.

Early detection and treatment for sleep apnea is important because it may be linked with serious medical conditions including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

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A healthy driver is an alert and safe driver. Developing healthy habits can help you achieve better health, more energy, and a sense of well being. Healthy habits include: (slide topics).

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Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance in your blood, and if you have too much of it, it forms a brittle substance called plaque that can build up and cause your blood vessels to narrow. This can restrict blood flow to organs like your heart and brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

There are two kinds of cholesterol, LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol that causes buildup, and HDL, which is the “good” cholesterol that removes buildup.

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It’s best if your total cholesterol is under 200, your LDL cholesterol is under 130, and your HDL cholesterol is over 50.

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Your blood pressure should be below 140 over 90 to be in the healthy range. A healthy lifestyle can assist in keeping your blood pressure within the healthy range.

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Overweight: leads to cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, back pain, dangerous joint stress, makes you tire more easily.

Watching your weight is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself health.

Eating right is one of the key components to maintaining a healthy weightEating right is one of the key components to maintaining a healthy weight. This includes eating at least three meals a day.

Skipping meals isn’t healthy and it makes weight loss difficult. In order to stimulate your metabolism and burn more calories, you need to eat regularly. Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than a few large ones.

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Physical activity is also an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Before starting any exercise program, consult with your physician. He/she can make recommendations and help you start an exercise plan that is appropriate for your health and lifestyle.

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Driving, drugs, and drinking are a deadly mix. Alcohol or drug use can interfere with your ability to safely operate a CMV.

Alcohol or drug use can decrease your skill and thinking abilities. It can:

* Reduce coordination; * Slow your reaction rate; and * Dull mental processes Dull mental processes.

Certain substances can remain in your body and affect your behavior, physical abilities, and job performance long after they are consumed.

You should never use alcohol or drugs to help you stay awake or remain alert. Part of being a professional driver is knowing when it is safe to drive. If you are tried or stressed, remember alcohol or drugs aren’t the cure to your problem.

Comply with applicable drug and alcohol regulations as well as your company’s drug and alcohol policy.EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL & DRUGSAlcohol use can:

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•Reduce coordination and reflexes •Impair vision and judgment •Lower inhibitions •Reduce memory•Cause drowsiness

When stress occurs, your body releases hormones which:

* Accelerate your breathing and heart rate; * Increase your blood sugar levels and blood pressure; and * Improve blood clotting.

When this happens, your body gets into a survival mode, readying itself for a physical emergencyphysical emergency.

As stress continues, your body temporarily adjusts to the stress. If stress is removed during this adjustment period, your body returns to normal. However, if stress goes on for prolonged periods of time, your body fails to adjust and wears out, weakening your defenses to disease.

Some stress adds challenge, opportunity, and variety to your life. Too much stress can work against you.

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You can deal with stress by watching for the warning signs. Become aware of when you are under stress. Once you are aware of what stresses you, you can manage your stress by using one or more of the following stress-reduction techniques: (above)

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Here’s an exercise to get the driver’s involved. Similar to Jeopardy. 100:Cholesterol: Q: What is cholesterol?Weight & Ex: Q: What are fruits and vegetables?Fatigue: Q: What is fatigue?Potpourri: Q: What is the healthy range for blood pressure?

200C: Q: What is HDL?W: Q: What is 30?F: Q: What is 7 to 8?P: Q: What are ways to maintain or reduce weight?

300C: Q: What is LDL?W: Q: What is consult with your physician?F: Q: What are signs of fatigue?P: Q: What is stress?

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400C: Q: What is plaque?W: Q: What are examples of moderate physical activity?F: Q: What is a circadian rhythm?P: Q: What is sleep apnea?

1. C: Exercise regularly2. B. False3. D. 7-8

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When addressing this topic, keep in mind that this is a sensitive area for both your company and your drivers. Make sure you handle it as such.

Whistleblower protection laws are in place to protect you from retaliation if you report CMV safety violations to FMCSA. You’re also protected if you testify before FMCSA or if you refuse to operate an unsafe vehicle, drive in conditions that may cause serious bodily injury, or violate a CMV safety law.

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These are Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations (29 CFR Part 1978).

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A compliant filed w/ FMCSA for instance needs to be in writing, contain specifics (driver name, violation, & dates).

FMCSA takes these complaints seriously and will follow-up. FMCSA Compliance Reviews are based on carrier’s status (safer, safestat scores; high profile crash; written complaint; new entrant*).

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If you a CMV safety complaint and it results in termination of employment, demotion, an undesirable reassignment, loss of seniority, loss of personal leave, or any other form of discrimination, you can file a complaint with OSHA, or you can have someone file it on your behalf.

Complaints should be filed with the OSHA Area Director in the area where you live or work. Your can find information online at www.osha.gov. A complaint should be filed within 180 days of when the discrimination occurred However there arefiled within 180 days of when the discrimination occurred. However, there are situations where the time limit will be waived.

There are no special forms to use. Send a letter stating your situation and OSHA will provide a copy of the complaint to your employer, protecting your confidentiality if necessary.

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Questions for discussion: What should Joe do?

Solution: Joe could file a complaint with FMCSA. Under whistleblower protection laws he is protected from retaliation for reporting safety violations to FMCSA.

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Then OSHA will gather data and give your employer 20 days to respond to the complaint. If OSHA finds reasonable cause to believe the violation is valid, they’ll continue to pursue your case until the situation is resolved.

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1. TRUE2. FALSE

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