You've asked for it, and now you have it.  Vogel Safety now has two segments of online training available through our website.

The required training on "Supervisor's Drug & Alcohol, including Reasonable Suspicion" is one of the new topics, and Hours-of-Service/Log Book training is the other.

There will be more topics available soon, such as Defensive Driving, Driver Qualification Files, Maintenance Files, Surviving the DOT Audit, etc.

Big News:  I have seen an increase of the number of DOT Compliance Reviews lately, and nearly half of which end up with an Unsatisfactory safety rating, for no good reason.  A Difference Between Satisfactory & Unsatisfactory.

One of the main reasons companies are assigned an overall rating of Unsatisfactory is because of Factor six of the audit being unsatisfactory. 

Being in the Transportation Safety Industry for over 15 years, I still do not fully understand why some companies allow violations to safety regulations and best practices, and, in turn, allow people to die.

Everyone knows that being able to see where you are on the road, where you are going, and what is around you while driving is important to your safety.  What many people may fail to recognize as equal importance is the fact that in addition to you being able to see......You must also be seen by others.  It it extremely important for others to know that we are present and what our intentions are.  This is why we have brake lights, clearance lights, back-up lights, turn signals, horns, etc.

May is "National Youth Traffic Safety Month"

Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in the U.S. and summer is typically the most deadly time of year for teen drivers. In fact, nearly 6,000 youths die each year in vehicle crashes in this country, which is an average of 16 deaths every day.

Vehicle crashes take more lives of our youth than alcohol, drugs, violence and suicide.

Steps can be taken to help protect the youth we know and love. We can and must encourage them to stay safe on the roads.

Who is required to have a Drivers' Qualification file?

It is often thought that the Drivers' Qualification (DQ) file is only necessary if the driver has a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This is a misperception that has created confusion for many carriers across the nation.

It's Back, and for good reason. To help ensure our fleets are conducting business safely, this years' RoadCheck is set for June 3-5. Make sure your drivers and vehicles are prepared for these official inspections.

You may consider enrolling in a DOT Compliance Seminar prior to June, to make certain your company is ready for such an event. Your fleet safety program may need enhancement in order to meet compliance.

DOT Compliance or True Fleet Safety

As you read the title of this article you may ask "What exactly do you mean, Steve, 'DOT Compliance or True Fleet Safety'?  You mean there's a difference, and I can choose between the two?"  As a matter of fact........Yes!

Important Websites for Safety & DOT Compliance

We know that there are many ways to obtain information on your company, and your clients or vendors.  It is inportant to know what information is available, and whether or not it is correct.

The websites listed below are from the most current list, provided to us from the DOT.  We hope they become a useful tool for you.

What is the official website for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?