It's the end of the year and time to take stock of everything that has happened over the past 12 months. What would you do differently in the coming 12 months to operate more safely? Here are some important "safety" resolutions for you and your drivers to consider for 2008:

• Focus on safe driving. Most drivers, if they are completely honest with themselves, will admit that they occasionally take risks they shouldn't. In 2008, resolve to be a safer driver by:

• Increasing your following distance

• Slowing down, especially during adverse road and weather conditions

• Avoiding distractions while driving

• Planning ahead to avoid hazards like getting lost, traffic congestion, road construction, bad weather, etc.

• Getting quality sleep

• Comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Now is a good time to review your compliance program. Do you have driver qualification files for all drivers that include employment applications and background checks, motor vehicle records updated annually, copies of each driver's CDL and medical examiner's certificate? These are a few of the important documents you are required to have. Are all drivers being tested for drug and alcohol use according to DOT requirements? Do you regularly audit drivers' hours-of-service records to ensure compliance? Complying with DOT regulations is important not just to avoid fines and other penalties. A good DOT safety record can improve your ability to defend yourself following a serious accident and maintain customer relations. For more information about DOT regulations and compliance, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov, or contact your state motor carrier enforcement agency.

• Review your maintenance program. Neglecting important maintenance items can result in downtime, out-of-service violations, fines, and a diminished safety reputation. It can also lead to accidents. Start each day right by completing a thorough pre-trip inspection. How's your recordkeeping? Your maintenance program should include a systematic process for tracking maintenance schedules and documenting the work conducted on each piece of equipment you operate, ideally all neatly arranged in individual equipment files.

• Review past losses.  Take time to review your past losses to identify trends. Too many turning and lane-change accidents? Maybe fender-mounted mirrors could help. Rear-end collisions a problem? It's time to slow down and increase following distance. Cargo claims? Maybe securement procedures need improvement. Are there losses relating to equipment failure? Take a closer look at your maintenance program.

• Review your DOT Safety Performance Reports. Whether you like it or not, your company's safety performance is being tracked by the DOT. Your results are compiled in two reports that are easily available to anyone with Internet access. They are also good management tools that can help you monitor trends related to DOT-recordable accidents, driver and vehicle out-of-service violations, moving violation and other enforcement action taken against your company. You can view your company's reports by going to the following links:

• www.safersys.org

• http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SafeStat/SafeStatMain.asp?PageN=results

• Improve equipment and cargo security. If you leave your truck or cargo parked and unattended at truck stops, rest areas, and shopping centers, expect trouble. These days, thieves will steal just about anything, and it only takes a couple of minutes to disappear with your truck or a trailer. Don't make it easy for them.  Keep your vehicle and trailer locked, do not leave spare keys hidden on the vehicle, invest in high quality trailer locks (trailer door locks, kingpin locks, air supply locks, etc.), and only leave your equipment in well lit, secure areas.

• Get a physical. If you are healthy, you are more likely to feel good and better able to cope with job demands. If not, your ability to drive safely might be diminished. If you wear corrective lenses, or think you might need them, make an appointment with an optometrist. Make sure your vision is the best it can be.

• Review your insurance coverages with your agent. As your operation and equipment change, so do your insurance needs. That's why it's a good idea to sit down with your insurance representative periodically. Have you added or deleted equipment from your fleet? Is your equipment valued correctly? Does the stated value for your equipment include extras such as electronics, auxiliary power units, grill guards, and other tools and equipment? Is your cargo coverage adequate? All of these things should be discussed with your insurance representative.

• Be prepared for accidents. Keep these basic necessities in your vehicle: accident report form, disposable camera, proof of insurance, and Northland's Claim Reporting Hotline number (800) 328-5972. Motor carrier safety regulations also require commercial motor vehicles to have emergency warning triangles and a fire extinguisher. 

• Take time to appreciate the good things in life. Dwelling on all things negative can make you cranky and less likely to give that four-wheeler a break (even though he might not deserve it). But doing so might be all it takes to prevent an accident that can save you time, money and aggravation.

Get Off to a Safe Start in 2008

Take advantage of the many free safety resources Northland has to offer. One way to access these resources is to go to the Safety Information tab on Northland's website, www.truckinsurance.com. Click here for instructions on accessing materials only available to our customers.

To learn more about ways Northland's Risk Control Department can assist you, call us at (800) 237-9334, Ext. 10527.