CMV Safety
Whether you’re a new driver or a road warrior veteran, your training and testing has prepared you with the special skills and knowledge to safely operate a CMV on public roads. You are held to a higher standard as you make your way on the roadway delivering the essentials that make our economy and personal lives possible. Safe behaviors and procedures (CMV Safety) are key to keeping you in the driver seat including:
Driving Focused – Driving distracted is dangerous. In fact, 80% of drivers identified distracted driving as a top factor contributing to traffic deaths and injuries in Utah. Avoid texting, eating, adjusting the radio, seat, or temperature as well as other distractions that take your eyes and focus off the road.
Speed Management – Understanding speed and stopping distance, surface conditions, the shape of the road, visibility and traffic flow of your vehicle to operate it safely in a variety of conditions.
Proper Load Securement – Cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage (loose materials used to support and protect cargo) or dunnage bags (inflatable bags intended to fill space between articles of cargo or between cargo and the wall of the vehicle), shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination of these. Review the Cargo Securement Rules (Source: FMCSA)
Backing Safely – Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle, backing is always dangerous. When you have to back, follow the safety rules of checking your clearance, back slowly and back to the driver’s side to put your vehicle in the best position and help you see better.
Driving Sober – No driver shall be on duty and possess, be under the influence of, or use, any of prescribed medications or illegal drug, alcohol or other substances that renders the driver incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. For your safety and the safety of those that share the road around you, don’t drive impaired.
See more CMV safe driving information and real-world videos from FMCSA
