Jun. 05, 2024
Semi Trucks & Tri-Axle Dump Trucks: Safe Stopping Distances
No matter what type of large truck you drive, safety is always a top priority. These large trucks include cement mixers, tractor trailers and dump trucks.Numerous truck accidentsoccur each year, and many are from trucks failing to stop in enough time to avoid plowing into the vehicle in from of them. The size and weight of the truck has a great deal to do the distance it takes to come to a complete stop. For semi trucks, information about the stopping distance (also known as braking distance) is plentiful, but what about dump trucks, namely tri-axle dump trucks? Some may put this type of dump truck in the same category as semi trucks because of their weight class (over 35,000 lbs.). However, there are differences in stopping distances between the two vehicles.
To understand the stopping distance, we must first understand the other types of distances involved with safe driving. The first is perception distance. This is the distance your truck travels from the time you see the hazard in front of you to when your brain recognizes it. The second distance is reaction. This is the amount of time it takes for you to react to the hazard by stepping on the brake. This should not be confused with stopping distance, which is the distance your truck travels from time the brakes are applied to when the truck comes to a complete stop. The safe stopping distance for a semi truck isapproximately 525 feet(travel speed at 65 miles per hour and under ideal driving conditions). There are other factors that can affect stopping distance, such as road conditions and the weight of the trailer. For a tri-axle dump truck, the safe stopping distance is approximately 400 feet (travel speed 55 miles per hour and under ideal road conditions). Also, passenger cars traveling too close to a large truck can be distracting, which reduces the perception and reaction distances.
DoT Regulations for Dump Trucks: Compliance Requirements
Everyone’s been there: that dreaded moment when you have to face a DOT inspector. From truckers, tocontractors and material producers the industry has to comply with these DOT dump truck regulations in order to make the heavy construction industry as safe as possible.
When you’re thinking about how to best go about making sure your dump truck is DOT compliant, you need to make sure you’re fully aware of what the dump truck DOT requirements are. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to ensuring your dump truck is ready to go. DOT inspectors respect owners and drivers who care about safety regulations and DOT requirements for dump trucks.
Tip #1: Know What Authority You Need
Depending on the state, you may need different levels of authority. Always check with your state first. A best practice, however, is to apply for and receive your federal DOT number and authority.
Federal DOT allows you and your customers to track your company’s safety record and compliance.
Motor Carrier Authority, which identifies the kind of trucking business you operate and other details like which materials you’re permitted to haul.
You could get both numbers by registering your company to theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You must complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) and Safety Certification Application in order to acquire these numbers. You’ll receive both of them after the application is filed. However, don’t jump the gun yet. Your application will still need to be reviewed by the FMCSA. This review includes a dispute period when your application is posted to the Federal Register for 10 business days. This is to check-in with anyone who’s contested with your application for authority.
Tip #2: Performing a Daily Inspection
To ensure uptime and avoid small issues that can tie you up in a DOT Inspection, perform a good daily walk-around inspection. If items are found to be deficient during a DOT inspection, it can cost you thousands of dollars and put your safety rating in jeopardy. Things happen while your truck sits idle, so don’t be surprised during an inspection. Do your walkarounds every day. There’s no real way to know unless you are running through your truck DOT inspection checklist daily and ensuring each point is crossed off.
A sample inspection list of your daily walk-around could look like:
Tip #3: Listen to Your Truckers
It’s likely that while they’re on the road, your drivers are monitoring the performance of your dump truck. Who else knows it better? Drivers take pride in knowing how the dump truck is functioning and they have a vested interest in it operating safely. If they’ve expressed concern to you, listen to them when they speak up. They’re looking out for you and everyone on the road.
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