Did you know?
As of June 2021, all Canadian carriers operating Federally are required to implement an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) in their commercial vehicles. However, the one year educational period with no enforcement remains in effect until June 12, 2022.
“All Federally regulated carriers who are currently required to do paper records of duty status (HOS Logs) will be required to comply with the new Canadian ELD mandate,” explains Rob Cyr, Transportation Insurance Expert and Senior Account Executive at Rogers Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network.
Transport Canada has established tight controls on what ELD devices can be used, Cyr adds. “It’s highly recommended that companies check in with their ELD provider to establish their compliance status and date,” he advises.
Since Commercial Motor Vehicle operators are regulated and required to perform due diligence, best practices dictate specific rules to alert other motorists of road situations, Cyr explains.
“As a motor carrier, it’s important to ensure you train your drivers on what to do when an equipment failure occurs, or another emergency forces your driver to pull off the roadway.”
Cyr offers the following risk management tips that truck drivers need to keep in mind when making emergency stops. “Ensure your drivers follow the regulations and meet compliance requirements in order to protect yourself and help keep all drivers safe on the roads,” Cyr adds.
ESSENTIAL TRANSPORT RISK MANAGEMENT TIPS: EMERGENCY STOPS
- HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS
After stopping, truck drivers should activate the hazard warning lights before placing the external warning devices (i.e. warning triangles, fuses or liquid-burning flares) around the truck. “Hazard lights must remain on while picking up the warning devices and moving the vehicle. Hazard lights aren’t a substitute for placing warning devices around the truck,” Cyr advises.
- PLACEMENT OF WARNING DEVICES
Except for necessary traffic stops, warning devices should be placed around the truck within 10 minutes of stopping. “It’s best to refer to specific regulations and best practices for a list of special rules regarding placement of warning devices,” Cyr adds.
- ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES
- If you experience a medical emergency all 911.
- Wear reflective gear when working outside the truck. If you don’t have a reflective vest, carry the reflective triangles near your chest when walking around the vehicle.
- Use a flashlight at night or in dark road conditions to make yourself more visible and watch for slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Avoid walking near the roadway, walk along the side of the truck opposite the moving traffic lanes.
Find Canadian ELD mandate information:
- Consult the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators’ Commercial Vehicle Safety page for more information on the technical standards and provincial enforcement directive.
- For information on certified ELD’s visit Transport Canada’s ELD page.
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