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Knowing how to prepare for and drive in any weather is crucial to lowering Commercial Truck Insurance costs. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), “On average, there are over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. Approximately 21% of these crashes - nearly 1,235,000 - are weather-related.”

Bad weather comes in many forms – rain, snow, sleet, fog, wind, etc.; however, any can affect driver capability, vehicle performance, visibility, pavement friction, traffic flow, and more. Approximately 70% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement. Rain causes 46%, snow and sleet cause 18%, icy pavements cause 13%, and fog causes 3% of weather-related crashes, according to the FHWA.

Tips for Safe Driving in Any Weather

Monitor the Weather

Always know what type of weather is predicted and monitor weather conditions, as they can frequently change. This way, you can prepare for whatever comes your way without being caught off guard.

Inspect Your Truck

A pre-trip inspection checklist is crucial (and is the law for CDL vehicles) to your safety at any time, but it is particularly vital in bad weather. According to Smart Trucking, the minimum DOT Pre-Trip Inspection requirements include the following:

• Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
• Parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

Prepare Your Truck

In addition to the pre-trip inspection, take steps to prepare your truck if you know there is a good chance that you are heading into bad weather. For example, chains for your tires, anti-gel for your fuel tank, balancing the load correctly, etc., can decrease the risk of accidents or other issues in treacherous weather.

Watch Your Speed

“The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 23 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were traveling too fast for conditions,” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA recommends that you “reduce your speed by 1/3 on wet roads and by 1/2 or more on snow-packed roads (i.e., if you would normally be traveling at a speed of 60 mph on dry pavement, then on a wet road, you should reduce your speed to 40 mph, and on a snow-packed road you should reduce your speed to 30 mph).”

Allow for Adequate Stopping Distance

“The average stopping distance for a loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph (in ideal conditions) is 196 feet, compared with 133 feet for a passenger vehicle,” according to the FMCSA. On slippery surfaces, a truck needs even more stopping distance. Therefore, to avoid collisions, you must adjust the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you based on weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic.

Improve Visibility

Rain, fog, snow, etc., can significantly decrease visibility. Do what you can to improve visibility and ensure other drivers can see you by clearing your windshield and windshield wipers, cleaning off and turning on your headlights, etc. Blind spots are always a concern for truck drivers, but bad weather conditions can make it even harder to see vehicles in your blind spots. Therefore, be even more careful when changing lanes in poor visibility.

Carry a Survival Kit

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst! A survival kit can help keep you safe and/or get you back on the road. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to survival kits. Think about emergencies you may run into, and consider what you or your truck may need. Here are some suggestions:

• Nonperishable Food
• Bottles of water
• Extra clothing
• Winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, etc.
• Blankets
• Medication
• Warning flag
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Jumper cables
• Portable phone charger
• Ice cleats
• Toilet paper
• Hand and feet warmers
• Safety vest
• Cash
• Wheel chocks

How to Save More on Truck Insurance

At American Insuring Group, we go beyond providing you with affordable truck insurance. We carefully analyze the needs and risks associated with your business and match you up with the best trucking insurance policy by carefully analyzing many competing insurance companies.

The result? You get high-quality Commercial Truck Insurance coverage at a very affordable price. Get a free quote today by calling (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Driver fatigue could be costing your company higher Commercial Truck Insurance costs and so much more. Why? Because fatigued drivers mean more accidents (see below), and the average cost of a large truck crash with a fatality is $3.6 million, and a crash with injuries is $200,000, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

So, if you want to lower Truck Insurance and other administrative costs, retain good drivers, and make our roads safer for everyone, you need to address the issue of fatigue with your drivers.

What is Fatigue?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “Fatigue describes the feelings of tiredness, sleepiness, reduced energy, and increased effort needed to perform tasks at a desired level.”

“In addition to the dangers of falling asleep behind the wheel, drowsiness has serious effects on a driver’s attention, judgment, decision-making, coordination, vigilance, and reaction time,” according to the Sleep Foundation. “Drowsy drivers may find themselves weaving back and forth between lanes. They may have trouble maintaining the right speed and keeping an appropriate distance from other vehicles and may be unable to react in time to avoid an obstacle. A significant proportion of drowsy driving accidents involve a single driver driving off the road or into another lane at high speed.”

Statistics on Driver Fatigue

If you don’t believe driver fatigue is an issue, consider the following statistics:

• According to the Truck Safety Coalition, 65% of truck drivers report that they often or sometimes feel drowsy while driving, and nearly half of truck drivers admit that they had fallen asleep while driving in the previous year.
• According to Fatigue Science, the principal cause of 13-40% of trucking accidents is fatigue.
• “In the United States alone each year, there are approximately 100,000 fatigue-related motoring accidents per year, resulting in 71,000 injuries and 800 tragic, largely preventable deaths,” Fatigue Science states.
• Fatigue Science states, “The total cost of trucking accidents involving driver fatigue is approximately $20 billion per year. This includes costs such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity.”

Causes of Driver Fatigue

Time of Day – According to the NSC, “People are physiologically programmed to sleep at night and be awake and active during the day.” Therefore, it’s no surprise that drowsy driving crashes typically occur at night or early morning.

Driving Long Hours – Our ability to focus on a task is limited. Driving for long periods can cause fatigue and affect performance.

Sleep Deprivation – Experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Not getting enough sleep can cause a lack of alertness, excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired memory, and more.

Sleep Disorders – The Sleep Foundation reports “50 million to 70 million people have ongoing sleep disorders. The most common among them are insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.” Sleep disorders cause daytime impairment in functioning and more.

Medications – Many medications - such as antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure, and anti-anxiety medications - can make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive safely.

Lifestyle Factors – Certain lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, etc., can contribute to fatigue.

Medical Conditions –Lyme disease, HIV, heart disease, emphysema, depression, MS, Type 2 diabetes, and more can contribute to fatigue. 

Tips to Minimize Driver Fatigue

• Get enough sleep
• Get screened for sleeping disorders
• Try not to drive for more than eight to ten hours a day
• Take regular breaks every two hours
• Eat healthy and avoid heavy meals and fatty foods that can make you feel drowsy
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol and medications that make you drowsy
• Avoid driving between 12 and 6 am and between 2 and 4 pm if possible
• Maintain good posture
• Stay hydrated
• Take a nap if possible. Even ten minutes can make a difference.
• Recognize the signs of fatigue – headache, blurred vision, frequent yawning, etc.
• Don’t rely on “tricks,” such as turning on loud music, smoking, or opening the windows, which may give you a temporary boost but won’t fight fatigue in the long run.

Lower Commercial Truck Insurance Costs

Understanding and minimizing the risk of driver fatigue will help reduce the risk of accidents and help lower Commercial Truck Insurance and other costs. Another way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance Costs is to work with one of the experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group. We compare rates among competing insurance providers to get you the right policy at the best price.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

We focus a great deal of time on safety to lower Truck Insurance because, as you know, accidents involving heavy trucks typically have serious consequences. And the more accidents and resulting insurance claims you file, the higher your insurance premiums.

One of the most vulnerable groups on the road is pedestrians, who have no protection when an accident occurs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,388 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2021 – a 13% increase from 2020 – and more than 60,000 pedestrians were injured. Therefore, pedestrian safety should be a part of any driver training.

10 tips to increase pedestrian safety for Commercial Truck Drivers

1. Start Safe
   Before you begin driving, check your vehicle, clean headlights, windshield, windows, and mirrors, adjust the seat and mirrors, know your route, and identify areas you are more likely to encounter pedestrians.
   
   
2. Eliminate Distractions
   “71 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when the truck driver was doing something besides driving the truck,” according to the NHTSA. “Staying focused on driving can help keep you, and other road users, safe on the road!” They recommend the following tips:

• Don’t text while driving
• Don’t use a dispatching device while driving
• Don’t dial a handheld phone while driving
• Don’t read, write, or use paper maps while driving
• Avoid eating and drinking when driving
• Don’t let objects outside of your truck distract you

3. Be Vigilant
   Constantly scan for pedestrians on the street, sidewalks, exiting vehicles, etc., especially in congested areas or areas where pedestrians are more likely to be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, on roadway locations away from intersections (where higher speeds might occur), and at night.”
   
   
4. Be Patient
   We understand that you have deadlines you need to meet. However, an accident will only delay you more, so be patient with pedestrians, especially older adults or those with disabilities.
   
   
5. Assume Pedestrians Are Unaware of Truck Blind Spots
   You know where your blind spots are, but you may be surprised how many pedestrians do not. Many pedestrians also don’t know how your trailer will behave when you make a turn. Assume that pedestrians will not know to avoid risk areas and blind spots.
   
   
6. Consider Driving Conditions
   Weather and road conditions can affect how quickly you can stop. Poor lighting or a nasty storm can make it harder to see pedestrians. Use extra caution and reduce your speed when driving conditions are less than optimal.
   
   
7. Exercise Extra Care at Intersections
   Scan several times for pedestrians as they are sometimes easy to miss. Slow down as you approach an intersection, and be prepared to come to a complete stop. Make eye contact with pedestrians and give them the right of way.
   
   
8. Don’t Block Crosswalks
   Whether the crosswalks are marked or not, going around your vehicle can put pedestrians in the path of moving traffic.
   
   
9. Notice Distracted Pedestrians
   Just like drivers, pedestrians can easily be distracted. Watch for pedestrians using handheld devices, wearing headphones, with children, etc. They may walk slower, ignore traffic, be unaware of hazards, etc.
   
   
10. Remember – You are the Best Line of Defense
    Driver error is the cause of many large truck accidents. Therefore, as the driver, you are the best line of defense when it comes to protecting pedestrians.

Lower Your Truck Insurance Costs

Minimizing accidents and the resulting claims is just one way to lower Truck Insurance costs. American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, so we can ensure you have the right coverage at the best price. As independent agents, they will compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

One way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance and other operating costs is to minimize risks. One way to minimize risk is to hire safe drivers. You’ve probably heard the adage that goes something like this: “Employees can be your most valuable asset… your competitive advantage.” Most business owners/managers would agree, but many would add that employees can also be your greatest liability.

However, the ongoing shortage of drivers is probably creating additional challenges when it comes to hiring employees who become valuable assets rather than your greatest liability. The good news is that according to experts, “The number of unfilled driver jobs slid to nearly 78,000, down about 4% from a record 81,258 in 2021.” The bad news is that slight improvement is expected to be temporary, which may have you thinking that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. NOT at the expense of your business! Hiring the safest drivers available is crucial to your business’s success.

Unsafe drivers increase operating costs, increase turnover rates, and can damage your business reputation. Data shows that “the best drivers can reduce costs by more than 12%, but the worst drivers can increase costs by more than 13%.” Taking the time now to evaluate candidates and hire the best drivers available to lower costs and minimize additional headaches down the road makes good business sense.

8 Tips for Hiring Safe Drivers

1. Set Standards – Set specific standards, such as the minimum number of driving years required, the maximum number of moving violations, etc.
   
   
2. Create a Culture of Safety – A safety culture is “an [organizational] culture that places a high level of importance on safety beliefs, values, and attitudes—and these are shared by the majority of people within the company or workplace. It can be [characterized] as ‘the way we do things around here.’ A positive safety culture can result in improved workplace health and safety (WHS) and [organizational] performance.”
   
   
3. Review Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – An MVR will include basic information, the candidate’s driver’s license number, their license classifications, and their license status. It will also disclose any traffic citations, license suspensions, DUI convictions, and accident reports. Drivers with serious moving violations or accidents on their record may not be good candidates.
   
   
4. Contact Previous Employers – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that “you verify an applicant’s safety performance history with their past employers for at least the past three years.” Plus, this simple step can save headaches and costs down the road.
   
   
5. Review DOT Safety Performance - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) allows you to obtain a 3-year history of an applicant’s DOT inspection and violation history and a 5-year history of DOT-recordable crashes for a nominal fee.
   
   
6. Conduct a Pre-Employment Drug Testing – Instituting a pre-employment drug testing program can help keep unsafe drivers off the road.
   
   
7. Require a Road Test – A driving test is one of the best ways to discover a driver’s temperament, driving skills, and how safe a driver they will be.
   
   
8. Document – Keeping detailed records can help provide a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications, making it easier to compare candidates. Furthermore, the DOT requires that you maintain a driver qualification file for all employees who operate a commercial vehicle that includes information such as your inquiry to previous employers, inquiry to state agencies, inquiry about drug and alcohol tests, etc.

Call for a Truck Insurance Quote Today!

American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, and as independent agents, we compare the cost of your insurance among multiple carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Call (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 for a FREE QUOTE or connect with us online.

When we think about factors that increase Commercial Truck Insurance costs, we often think about accidents. And, yes, preventing accidents should be a priority if you want to lower insurance costs. Still, there is another often-forgotten factor that can also increase truck insurance costs – drivers being sedentary and staying in one position for hours on end.

Not many jobs are more sedentary than driving a truck, and sitting in one position can cause several issues, from stiff muscles to back pain and more. In fact, the National Library of Medicine reports, “The prevalence of low back pain in truck drivers was 59%.”

One simple solution can help reduce the frequency of these issues - stretching before, during, and after a trip and during regular workouts. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” according to the Harvard Medical School. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

6 Stretching Tips for Truck Drivers

Before beginning any workout routine – including stretching, it’s always best to consult with a physician. Here are six tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid stretching cold muscles
2. Understand the difference between dynamic and static stretching
3. Stretch your whole body
4. Breathe with your stretches
5. Stretches should not be painful
6. Hold your static stretches

And remember, it may have taken you months or even years to get to the point you’re at now, so don’t expect one five-minute stretching workout to work miracles. You need to continue to stretch regularly over time to achieve flexibility, relieve tension, reduce fatigue, and improve your posture. In addition, you need to continue stretching to maintain the benefits achieved.

17 Stretches for Truck Drivers

Once you’ve consulted with your physician, the following stretches can be done before you begin driving, during breaks, after you’re done driving, or during your regular workout. Hold each stretch for five to thirty seconds and do five reps at a time. If you don’t have time to do all the stretches, focus on the areas that feel the tightest.

Click here for detailed instructions and a video demonstrating each stretch.

            LEG STRETCHES

1. Toe Raises
2. Hamstring Stretch
3. Calf Stretch
4. Thigh Stretch

       BACK STRETCHES

5. Back Extension
6. Knees to Chest Stretch

SHOULDER STRETCHES

7. Simmer’s Stretch
8. Stretch Across
9. Butterfly Stretch
10. Reach for the Sky

NECK STRETCHES

11. Chin Tuck
12. Upper Trap Stretch

ELBOW STRETCH

13. Triceps Stretch

HAND STRETCHES

14. Open/Closed Fist
15. Thumb Stretch
16. Wrist Flexion/Extension
17. Prayer Stretch

And remember, these stretches should not cause pain. If you feel pain, you may be stretching too deeply or too soon. If you feel pain, ease off the stretch and keep stretching without pushing the muscle too hard. Over time, as you become more flexible, you should be able to stretch more deeply without feeling pain.

Get Affordable Commercial Truck Insurance

American Insuring Group is committed to providing affordable truck insurance. We analyze your specific risks and needs and provide savings and safety tips (like the stretching information in this blog). Furthermore, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage with multiple insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium for the right coverage.

▸ Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online!

Unfortunately, many experienced drivers become immune to hazards affecting Commercial Truck Insurance costs. Therefore, drivers and management must be regularly reminded of common driving hazards, the consequences of ignoring them, and how to avoid them. 

One such hazard is driver distraction. Of course, every driver knows that texting is dangerous, but it’s easy to forget or discount this fact when facing all the challenges of driving a truck. 

A driver might think, “Two seconds. That’s all I need—two seconds to let my wife know that I’ll be late tonight. If I take the time to pull over to send the text, I will be even later. I’m just going to send a quick text.” It seems innocent enough, but drivers must be reminded of the studies and research showing how even one quick text (or other driving distraction) can instantly change their lives. 

What is Driver Distraction?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines driver distraction as “the diversion of attention from activities critical for safe driving to a competing activity.” Distractions can come from inside – texting, eating, adjusting the radio, etc. - or outside – billboards, unusual sights, etc. If anything takes your eyes off the road, it is a distraction. If anything takes your mind off driving, it’s a distraction. If anything forces you to take your hand or hands off the wheel, it’s a distraction.

 The Potential Consequences of Distracted Driving

The most obvious and significant potential consequence of distracted driving is an accident, which can result in death, injuries, property damage, higher operating costs, litigation, and more. A severe accident can change a driver’s life, his family’s lives, and the lives of others forever! 

However, if the fear of an accident isn’t enough to persuade someone from driving distracted (it’s too easy to think, “It won’t happen to me.”), then the potential legal ramifications of certain distractions need to be considered. 

The FMCSA restricts the use of all handheld mobile devices by CMV drivers while operating a commercial vehicle.

 The FMCSA states, “This rulemaking restricts a CMV driver from holding a mobile device to make a call or dialing by pressing more than a single button. CMV drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only use a hands-free phone located in close proximity.” Furthermore, “Using a handheld mobile phone while driving a CMV can result in driver disqualification. Penalties can be up to $2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require drivers to use a handheld communications device while driving.” 

And finally, “Multiple convictions for texting while driving a CMV can result in a driver disqualification by FMCSA. Multiple violations of State law prohibiting texting while driving a CMV that requires a CDL is a serious traffic violation that could result in a CDL driver being disqualified for up to 120 days.” 

The Most Dangerous Distractions

An FMCSA study found that text messaging is the most dangerous distraction. Texting increases the chance of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) by 23 times. For example, if you’re driving 55 mph, writing a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds, and in those five seconds, you travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.

 Other “complex tertiary tasks” that increase your risk of an accident include the following:

• Other complex tasks, such as cleaning a side mirror or rummaging through a grocery bag – 10.07 times
• Interacting with or looking at a dispatching device – 9.93 times
• Writing – 8.98 times
• Using a calculator – 8.21 times
• Looking at a map – 7.02 times
• Dialing a cell phone – 5.93 times
• Reading – 3.97 times

 Other tasks that are less risky but can still distract a driver include the following:

• Using other electronic devices, such as cameras and two-way radios
• Personal grooming
• Eating
• Reaching for something
• Talking or listening on a hands-free phone

Fortunately, most distractions are avoidable.

Here's How to Lower Your Truck Insurance Costs

Reminding drivers of distractions and other hazards will minimize the risk of accidents and help lower your Truck Insurance premiums. In addition, the independent agents at American Insuring Group can help reduce all your insurance costs. We compare policies and prices among competing insurance carriers to get you the right truck insurance at a great price.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online!

The more accidents you have, the higher your operating and Truck Insurance costs; therefore, it makes sense to avoid accidents whenever possible. Large trucks are bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles and can cause more severe injuries and damage in an accident. In 2020, there were approximately 415,000 accidents involving large trucks, 4,444 were fatal crashes, and 101,000 were injury crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

Many accidents are the result of skidding - when tires lose their grip or traction on the road – and understanding the leading causes of skidding can help drivers minimize the risk of skidding. Skids are typically caused by one of the following:

• Over-Braking – slamming on the brakes, which locks the wheels (the most common cause of skids)
• Over-Steering – turning the steering wheel more sharply than the truck can turn
• Driving Too Fast – Driving too fast based on the road conditions
• Over-Accelerating – Applying too much pedal pressure too quickly

4 Tips to Avoid Skidding in Commercial Trucks

Brake Correctly

It’s no surprise that over-braking is the most common cause of skids. If the car in front of you suddenly stops or something darts in front of you, the first instinct for most people is to slam on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, this can cause one or more of the duals or the steering axle brakes to lock up. If this happens, you can end up skidding or sliding sideways. 

Instead of slamming on the brake, gently ease pressure on the pedal. Once you’ve reduced your speed, feather the brake by applying light pressure and adjusting the pressure level as needed. 

Feathering allows air to get in between the brakes and the drum and helps cool the system. It does what anti-locking (ABS) is supposed to do. Unfortunately, exposure to the weather can cause erosion to the ABS, which often means it is not working as it should. 

Feathering is particularly crucial on slippery roads and steep hills. Here’s a video that shows how to feather the brake pedal. 

Use the Jake Brake

“As a big rig is working, the air is forced into the engine cylinders as it enters the intake valve. This causes the air to compress, which converts it into energy that can be distributed. Usually, the pistons take that energy and guide it to the rest of the vehicle to produce power,” Matheson explains. “However, when a Jake Brake is activated, that air is pushed out the exhaust valves instead of being used to power the crankshaft and down-stroke. This results in a drag on the crankshaft, slowing the vehicle without any extra friction on the service brakes.” 

Matheson also states, “Because of how a Jake Brake works, drivers should avoid using them when on slippery road surfaces”; however, many experienced drivers find keeping the Jake Brake switch on the lowest position when driving on slippery road surfaces helpful. 

Keep in mind that some areas have prohibited their use due to the noise Jake Brakes makes. 

Allow Enough Stopping Distance

One way to avoid the need for quick stopping is to allow enough stopping distance. The condition of the road, how fast you’re going, and the weight and height of your haul can all affect how much stopping distance is required. However, trucks will always need more stopping distance than passenger cars. 

For Example, the Utah Department of Transportation (UTDOT) states, “A passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour would take 316 feet to stop (nearly the length of a football field). In comparison, a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour will take 525 feet to stop (almost the length of two football fields).” 

Mind Your Speed

We understand many truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines, but safety should always be a priority. The faster you are traveling, the longer it will take to stop your truck, so mind your speed – especially on wet or slippery roads or steep hills or if you are an inexperienced driver. 

Driving at the posted speed limit may not always be safe. Depending on the conditions, going below the speed limit may be wise. ‘In many areas, law enforcement can cite you for speeding if your speed was inappropriate for the road conditions, even if it was lower than the posted speed limit,” DSW states. “It’s better to be safe than sorry and to use your best judgment to determine a safe speed.” 

How to Pay Less for Truck Insurance

Avoiding skids is one way to lower Truck Insurance costs. Another way is to call American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online. Our independent agents will compare the cost of your insurance among competing insurance companies so you will pay less for all of your commercial insurance needs.

A seat belt safety program is a must if you want to keep your drivers safe and your Commercial Truck Insurance costs in check. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that "transportation incidents were the number one cause of on-the-job deaths with 2,460 fatalities out of a total of 5,703 fatal occupational injuries recorded." And "The average cost to a company for each property damage only truck crash is $11,020 (in 2003 dollars); per injury truck crash it is $174,367; and per fatal truck crash, it is $3,469,962. The average cost for all truck crashes per truck crash is $62,613."

Why are Seatbelt Safety Programs Vital to Business success?

First of all, it is the law, and failure to wear a seatbelt can result in state or federal penalties to drivers and employers. Plus, if a driver refuses to wear their seatbelt and receives traffic tickets for it, it could substantially increase your insurance costs or cause your insurance company to cancel your policy.

The FMCSA reports that safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities and the cost of operating large trucks:

• More than 1 in 3 truck drivers who died in crashes in 2012 were not wearing seat belts (CDC).
• Buckling up could have prevented up to 40% of these deaths (CDC)
• Of the 168 drivers who died as a result of being ejected from their trucks in 2007, almost 75 percent of them were not wearing safety belts (FMCSA)
• 51% of truck-occupant-fatalities in large trucks involve rollovers. In a rollover, a truck driver is 80% less likely to die when wearing a safety belt (FMCSA)

And yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013, one in six drivers of large trucks didn't wear seat belts.

Why Are Seat Belts Effective?

Here are some of the reasons seat bests are effective, according to the FMCSA:

• Seat belts spread the stress and impact forces of a crash along the stronger and broader areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, thereby limiting injuries.
• Seat belts hold you in place while the vehicle absorbs the crash's impact and decelerates.

• In a crash, a seat belt keeps the driver in place behind the steering wheel and in control of the vehicle, thereby avoiding or reducing the consequences of an accident.
• Seat belts can keep you from being knocked unconscious, improving your chances of escape. In less than 5% of fatal large truck crashes, fire or submersion occurs.

Tips for Creating a Seat Belt Safety Program

The FMCSA suggests the following tips to create a seat belt program:

1. Lead by example.
2. Assign a program coordinator from each department to lead the effort.
3. Allow employees to take an active role in safety decisions.
4. Develop a seat belt training program.
5. Evaluate your seat belt program.
6. Promote your successes.

Training should include information about safety requirements (federal, state, and company-wide), the high cost of truck accidents, how and why seat belts are effective, and how to ensure proper seat belt fit and maintenance.

Lower Your Truck Insurance Costs the Easy Way!

Another way to lower Truck Insurance costs is to call one of the Truck Insurance experts at American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

We provide quality Truck Insurance at affordable prices by comparing policies among competing insurance companies and finding the right one to meet your needs!

More accidents mean higher Truck Insurance, so it's crucial that all truck drivers understand potential hazards and how to avoid them. One hazard common to all drivers is deer and other animals. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there was an upward trend in deaths from collisions with animals from 1975 to the mid-2000s, which has leveled off in the past few years.

In 2020 there were 202 deaths from collisions with animals, reaching costs as high as $1 billion annually in damages nationwide. While smaller vehicles often experience more damage when colliding with large animals, commercial trucks are not immune. Collisions with animals can result in injuries or death, damage to trucks and cargo, lost time, and loss of revenue.

Sometimes collisions with deer and other animals are unavoidable, but there are steps truck drivers can take to minimize the risk and the damage caused by these collisions.

Know where there is higher risk.

Deer sightings can occur just about anywhere, but there are certain areas and times that have a higher risk.

• According to the Insurance Information Institute, the top five states in 2021-2022 for the likelihood of animal-involved claims from a collision are West Virginia (1 in 35), Montana (1 in 44), South Dakota (1 in 51), Michigan (1 in 51, Wisconsin (1 in 54), and Pennsylvania (1 in 57). Therefore, drivers in these states should be more vigilant.
• Watch for the yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer, which indicates an area of high-level deer activity. When you see one of these signs, you should be extra alert.
• According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, deer are most active during the dusk to dawn hours.
• Autumn (November – the peak, October, and December) are a deer's breeding season, and they may be less aware of their surroundings.
• In May and June, one-year-old deer begin to disperse to new areas.
• Less populated states and regions tend to have higher animal populations.
• Long stretches of isolated highways tend to have a higher risk of an animal darting in front of a truck.
• Rural highways built along creeks, rivers, and lakes attract deer.
• Heavily forested areas have higher animal populations.
• Areas where farmers are harvesting crops, can cause deer to run onto a road.
• During hunting season, deer are more likely to bolt in front of an oncoming vehicle.
• If you travel a route regularly, watch for a pattern of areas with higher activity of deer and other animals.
• Deer tend to travel in packs, so if you see one deer, chances are there are more nearby, and you need to remain on high alert.

Drive Safely

• Stay alert.
• Continually scan the road for signs of animals and activities.
• Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Light can reflect off an animal's eyes, revealing its location.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Eliminate distractions.
• Drive the posted speed limit.
• Never drive impaired.
• If driving on a multi-lane road, stay in the center lane to give you more time to respond if a deer runs onto the road.
• Don't tailgate. Allowing space between you and the vehicle in front of you provides a broader field of vision and more reaction time, enabling you to break rather than swerve if a deer runs in front of you or the vehicle in front of you.

Know what to do if a deer does come into your path.

If a deer or other animal crosses your path, try to stay in your lane and avoid the urge to swerve. Swerving can cause you to lose control and increase the chance of colliding with another vehicle or ending up in a ditch. Plus, deer can be unpredictable, and swerving may put the deer right in your path. It's better to hit the deer than risk veering off the road, overturning your truck, or hitting another vehicle.

Sometimes, using your horn can frighten the animal and keep them off the road.

If a collision is imminent, remove your foot from the brake because braking hard may cause the front end of your vehicle to go down, causing the animal to fly over your hood and towards your windshield.

How to Save on Truck Insurance

At American Insuring Group, we go beyond providing you with affordable truck insurance. First, we carefully analyze the needs and risks associated with your business. Then, we match you up with the best trucking insurance policy based on a careful analysis of many competing insurance companies. The result? You get the high-quality commercial insurance coverage you need at a very affordable price.

Get a free quote today by calling (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

The best way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs is to minimize the risk of accidents, including brake failure. A U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study found that the most common vehicle equipment-related cause of truck crashes was brake failure, accounting for 29.4% of all truck crashes in the study. 

Brake failure can result from defects, poor maintenance, or a driver’s actions. For example, overusing brakes can affect brake performance. While not all brake failures are avoidable, many are, which makes a focus on brake safety key to minimizing the risk of accidents.

CVSA Brake Safety Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week - August 21-27 – focuses on brake safety. It is “an annual commercial motor vehicle brake-safety inspection, enforcement, and education initiative conducted by law enforcement jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.” 

According to data from last year’s Brake Safety Week, “brake systems and brake adjustment violations accounted for 38.9% of all vehicle out-of-service violations, the most of any category of vehicle violations.” 

The following are two of the goals of Brake Safety Week. Both can help minimize the risk of accidents and help lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs:

• Encourage proactive vehicle maintenance in advance of the week.
• Remind drivers and motor carriers about the importance of proper brake maintenance and vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections. 

According to CVSA, if you are stopped during Brake Safety Week, inspectors will perform the following checks:

• Look for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system, non-manufactured holes (such as rust holes and holes created by rubbing or friction), and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake.
• Listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines, and ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa).
• Check for S-cam flip-over and measure pushrod travel.
• Check that slack adjusters are the same length (from the center of the S-cam to the center of the clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size.
• Inspect required brake-system warning devices, such as ABS malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices.
• Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer, and inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer.
• Capture and provide data on brake hose/tubing chafing violations – the focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week.

Brake Safety Tips for Owners/Fleet Managers:

1. Ensure drivers receive appropriate safety training
2. Develop a culture of safety
3. Take time to spec the best brakes for your vehicle and drivers’ needs
4. Develop inspection checklists
5. Conduct routine daily, weekly, and monthly inspections
6. Perform regular maintenance on all vehicles
7. Customize maintenance to brake type – hydraulic, air, or exhaust.
8. Properly grease components
9. Monitor mileage on your brake systems
10. Replace brake shoes and other parts regularly
11. Use Telematics Data to detect hard braking, speeding, and other hazardous driving behaviors.

Brake Safety Tips for Drivers:

1. Perform pre- and post-trip inspections
2. Watch air pressure levels
3. Monitor your driving to ensure you are driving at safe speeds and maintaining safe following distances.

Lower Your Commercial Truck Insurance Costs

In addition to ensuring safer vehicles and drivers to minimize the risk of accidents, another way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance costs is to work with one of the experienced independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group.

Not only do we specialize in commercial truck insurance to ensure you have the proper coverage, but as independent agents, we also check with multiple insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for reliable coverage.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.