The Hazmat Permit in your truck’s yellow permit book is set to expire on June 30, 2024.
If you park at the terminal the shop will put the new permit in your truck. If you do not park at the terminal you will be receiving the new permit in the mail. Please make sure you place it in your permit binder before July 1st in order to ensure compliance.
We will also upload the new permit to the Resource Library in the Drive MK app.
If you have any questions or will not be home before July 1st to get the permit please let us know.
Situational awareness is a crucial skill for truck drivers, as it impacts safety, efficiency, and overall performance on the road. At its core, situational awareness involves looking ahead and being fully conscious of your surrounding environment, understanding how various factors interact, and anticipating potential hazards before they become imminent threats. For professional drivers, this means constantly monitoring traffic patterns, road conditions, weather changes, and the behavior of other drivers to make informed decisions that ensure safe and smooth travel.
Knowing and implementing the Smith5Keys provides more space for the vehicle, visibility for the driver, and time to make and act on decisions.
Key 1: Aim High In Steering
Learning to look farther down the road (at least 15 seconds minimum) to see what’s ahead gives you the advantage of planning your next move rather than just reacting to situations around you.
Key 2: Get The Big Picture
Staying alert to relevant information, such as what the vehicles around you are doing, gives you the ability to make safe, well-informed decisions. By checking at least one mirror every 5 to 8 seconds helps create a circle of awareness around your vehicle.
Key 3: Keep Your Eyes Moving
Not only is an active mind less likely to become fatigued, but it is better able to process information. As you are looking farther down the road and using your mirrors to monitor what’s going on around you, you’ll see changes as they happen and be able to adjust your driving plan accordingly.
Key 4: Leave Yourself An Out
By surrounding your vehicle with the most space possible, you’re leaving “yourself an out” to change lanes and change your driving position, as the traffic around you shifts. Avoid traveling in traffic clusters. The safest position in traffic is the one with the fewest vehicles around you.
Key 5: Make Sure They See You
Make eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians. Make sure they know you’re there, and watch what they do so you can avoid sudden, unplanned movements that could turn into a crash. Your ability to keep an eye on how they’re reacting to conditions, and to make sure they know you’re there, can help keep everyone safer.
Remember to use the Smith System Keys to maintain a high level of situational awareness and to execute appropriate actions to mitigate over-the-road risks. Situational awareness is not just about personal safety; it also contributes to the safety of other road users and the timely delivery of goods, which is vital to the economy and community well-being.
