Page 108 - USX Driver Handbook

U.S. XPRESS, INC. DRIVER HANDBOOK U.S. XPRESS, INC. DRIVER HANDBOOK
Accident Prevention

GOOD DRIVING RECORDS ARE NOT A MATTER OF LUCK.
Good driving records come from always driving defensively and
thinking ahead to avoid dangerous situations. Here are some common
causes of accidents and what you may do to avoid them.
• DRIVER DISTRACTION: Don’t let your guard down. Know
what is around you at all times. The slightest distraction can
cause an accident.
• EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS: If you have any reason to feel
that your equipment is not operating safely and may create a
dangerous situation, SHUT IT DOWN until the problem is
corrected.
• DRIVER FATIGUE: An exhausted driver is a dangerous driver.
Leave early enough, take your proper breaks and get the sleep
needed to drive safely. Remember, you are responsible for your
actions.
• USE OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES: Illegal use of controlled
substances (and/or possession of drug paraphernalia) will result
in AUTOMATIC TERMINATION. THIS INCLUDES
LAYOVERS.
• ALCOHOL: Driving while under the influence of alcohol will
result in TERMINATION. You are expected to refrain from
alcohol consumption at any time you are in charge of Company
equipment and/or available for dispatch. THIS INCLUDES
LAYOVERS.
• BACKING: Whenever possible, avoid backing. NEVER back
across an intersection without proper spotters. Remember that
smaller vehicles and people may be behind you and NOT
VISIBLE in your mirrors. You MUST get out and look. Don’t
depend on someone else to make sure your path is clear. Once
you have inspected the area behind you, go immediately back to
the cab of your truck, activate your warning flashers and sound
you’re air horn to alert others in the area that you are about to
begin backing. You should also make sure that you are aware of
the location of your co-driver at all times when you are backing
the truck, as well as any other people who are in the area. Keep
these people in your field of vision, and STOP backing if you
lose sight of them. If a co-driver or someone else is assisting
you, be sure that you have clear hand signals worked out
before beginning the maneuver as to when to stop. But, even if
someone else is assisting you, it is still YOUR responsibility to

PAGE 106