Drivers of large vehicles such as semi-trucks and buses, have to undergo specialized training to receive a commercial driver's license (CDL). This training serves to increase the safety margin for both the commercial driver and the motoring public at large. Commercial drivers operate in a dangerous environment and the hazards they face come from several fronts:

• Other drivers, who don't respect the limitations of large vehicles and often force the commercial driver to take emergency evasive measures; in crashes between large vehicles and smaller motor vehicles, the driver of the smaller vehicle is at fault more than 75% of the time;
• Pressures to get the cargo to market on time; some commercial drivers, who feel the need to make delivery schedules, may push themselves and their vehicle beyond safe limits; and
• The operating environment of the vehicle itself; large tires that over-heat and come apart, large blind spots, high fuel prices, etc.

Most holders of CDL licenses are true professionals trying to operate safely in a hazardous environment however, just like in any other industry, there are a small number of drivers, whose driving behavior get all the attention and make the rest look bad.

There are several technologies that are being used by commercial transport companies to help the safe drivers increase their safety margin and to monitor those drivers who might not be so safe:

GPS – GPS provides benefits to commercial vehicle operators in several ways: GPS can help a driver plan the best route and prevents a driver from getting lost, resulting in greater fuel conservation. GPS is also used by the trucking companies to monitor their driver’s behavior. Reviewing GPS records can show whether or not a driver is obeying the speed limit laws or if the driver is pushing him or herself and not getting the required amount of rest. Tired drivers who are pushing to meet a deadline are a big hazard on the road. GPS can also help the trucking company plan more reasonable routes and realistic delivery times.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) – You may have noticed large pieces of tires scattered about the interstate. Truck tires are subjected to a very harsh environment with heavy loads and high heat generated by long distances. When the tire fails and comes apart, the results can be catastrophic for other drivers in the vicinity. TPIS systems relay real-time tire pressure information to the driver either by a gauge, display, dedicated cameras, or a simple low-pressure warning light. They allow the driver to monitor the tires and to stop and take action if pressure readings fall out of the normal range.

Rear vision cameras or back-up cameras – Large vehicles have very large blind spots. The blind spot behind a large semi can reach up to 200 feet. Back-up cameras eliminate those blind spots and allow a driver to watch behind the vehicle; providing an even better view than what could be seen in a rearview mirror.

Use of these technologies shouldn't be limited to large commercial vehicles; any company with a fleet of vehicles should consider using these devices for planning, safety, and driver monitoring. Obviously, the primary safety device in the vehicle is a professionally trained and safe driver but it is nice to have a back-up just in case.

Read more about New Rules for Truckers Require Electronic Monitoring of Driver’s Hours

Labels: cdl license, commercial drivers license, rearview cameras, texas cdl

Texas: 26.5% of "Roadchecked" Commercial Vehicles Put Out of Service

During the recent Roadcheck 2011 program, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) along with other Texas law enforcement agencies inspected 7,993 commercial vehicles. After the inspection, 26.5% of the vehicles were put out of service for safety violations.

TX DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers, noncommissioned inspectors, specially trained Highway Patrol troopers and officers from other agencies inspected vehicles, safety equipment, driver log books, driver licenses and CDL endorsements.

2.6 percent of the drivers (212) were put out of service for reasons such as improper hour tracking and driving with suspended, expired or canceled licenses. Four drivers were put out of service for drug and alcohol infractions. Troopers issued 17 tickets for seat belt violations.

Of the 7,993 vehicles inspected, 26.5% were put out of service until the proper repairs or fixes can be made for safety violations that may include issues with the braking systems, tires, lights and safe loading.

The annual Roadcheck program, sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is designed to reduce commercial vehicle-related highway accidents through increased vehicle safety. The CVSA has reported a significant decrease in commercial-vehicle-related accidents since the program was introduced in 1988.

Vehicles that passed the inspection are issued a CVSA decal exempting them from inspection for a 90-day period, unless they have an obvious safety defect. Troopers were able to issue 2,515 decals during this year's Roadcheck.

Labels: commercial drivers license, commercial vehicle inspection, roadcheck, texas cdl, texas dps, tx dps

Nowadays in Texas, driver's licenses are used for more than proving proff that one is capable of driving, but also as a primary source of a citizen's identification. Meaning that the process of getting a Texas Driver's License entails several requirements that need to be presented and a process that needs to be undergone.

First off, an applicant must know what kind of license he/she is applying for. The first classification is an instructional permit. This is for first-time drivers as young as 15 years old to be able to legally operate a vehicle, if accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years old. This is the first step that drivers need to take before they could apply for their license. This type of driving permit entails a period of in-car training.

The second type is a provisional license. This is almost the same as an instructional permit, for drivers who are under 18 years old. It can be renewed annually, and is valid for up to 6 years. As part of the Texas GDL program, the provisional license removes several restrictions, but is still not a full unrestricted license.

The third kind is a classified/commercial driver's license (Texas CDL License). This is for drivers who are going to be driving commercial vehicles that need a CDL license.

Here are the steps to getting a Texas Driver's License:

• Gather the necessary requirements: 1 primary form of identification, and one secondary + two supporting documents or two supporting documents of identification, proof of residency, social security number, medical status/history, and any valid out-of-state driver's license (if any) and money for the fees.



• Fill out the application form from the nearest Driver's License Office. This step must be done in person.



• Taking a scheduled Texas driver's license test. Applicants of the ages 15-18 are exempt from this examination if they can provide a Texas Drivers Education Certificate. This consists of a knowledge test, a vision test, and then followed by a driving skills test.

After these steps, a driver will legally be able to operate a vehicle in Texas. Always drive carefully, and take note of restriction changes that might affect how a certain classification of license may change in restrictions.

Labels: commercial drivers license, texas cdl, texas drivers license