Safety Resources
Practical safety topics for owner-operators and small fleets, with links to official sources.
Pre-Trip Inspections
Walk-around every day: brakes, tires, lights, coupling devices, steering, mirrors, leaks, and emergency equipment. Review the last DVIR and confirm defects were repaired.
Hours of Service Basics
Know your daily driving limit, duty window, 30-minute break, and weekly limits, and keep accurate records of duty status.
Cargo Securement
Use enough tiedowns with adequate working load limits, protect straps from edges, and re-check the load after the first miles and at every stop.
Weather & Winter Driving
Slow down, add following distance, carry chains where required, and stop when conditions are unsafe. Federal rules require extreme caution in hazardous conditions.
Fatigue
Get adequate sleep, watch for drowsiness signs, take a real nap rather than relying on coffee or the radio, and avoid drowsy medications.
Distracted Driving
No texting and no hand-held phone use while driving a CMV. Use hands-free, one-touch calling with the phone mounted within reach.
Post-Accident Steps
Secure the scene and call 911 if needed, set out warning devices, photograph everything, exchange information, notify your carrier/insurer, and check whether post-accident drug & alcohol testing applies.
49 CFR 390.15 – Accident register (eCFR)
49 CFR 382.303 – Post-accident testing (eCFR)
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Official FMCSA, Clearinghouse, and DOT testing resources in one place.
ELD & Paper Logs
When paper logs are allowed, what to do if an ELD breaks or gets revoked.
General safety information only. Always follow current FMCSA regulations and your company policies.