Study Finds Logger Truck Accidents Decline
Study Finds Logger Truck Accidents Decline A recent study conducted by the state of Washington found that the number of truck accidents involving log trucks has declined by 11 percent even as the number of accidents involving all commercial trucks increased by 15 percent over a two-year period. Commercial truck accidents are considered the most expensive and fatal vehicular accidents that can occur throughout the country. The ripple effects of a commercial truck accident can often be vast and devastating to victims, family members and friends. What are Commercial Trucks, Log Trucks? In the United States, commercial trucks, also commonly referred to as heavy trucks, are those vehicles used to transport cargo and weighing more than 26,001 pounds in which case a commercial truck driver’s license is also needed. Commercial trucks transport a number of goods and products across state lines and throughout the country including food supplies and logs and some are specifically designed for tasks such as mixing and moving concrete as well as transporting light trucks for military use. Researchers have reported that while the construction of commercial trucks continues to improve, the level of quality still remains well below the quality level of automobiles and it has been said that commercial trucks remain well below automobiles in quality due mainly to the fact that nearly 3/4 of all commercial trucks are custom built, causing inefficiencies in steamlining a commercial truck assembly line. However, a lengthy list of popular commercial truck manufacturers remains both worldwide and in America. The list of top manufacturers includes: * American LaFrance * Autocar Company USA * Crane Carrier Corporation * Chevrolet * Colet * Dodge * E-One * Freightliner * Ford * GMC * Hino * Isuzu * Kenworth * Mack Trucks * International * Nissan * Oshkosh * Ottawa Truck * Peterbilt * Pierce * Sterling Trucks * UD Nissan Diesel * Volvo Trucks * Western Star Logging trucks and log truck drivers are no different from commercial trucks or commercial truck drivers, however, the Washington study conducted by the Washington State University found that a small group of log truck drivers are often considered seasoned and experienced drivers of the dangerous profession, which may be attributing to the total decrease of log truck accidents. However, the study also noted that as these individuals begin to retire, not only will the logging industry suffer, but accidents may begin to increase instead of decrease. The study noted that, “rising costs, aging drivers and long hours of service” as well as “other factors that could affect safety and economic viability include the ongoing effects of deregulation, poor driver recruitment” could all become factors responsible for a potential increase of log truck accidents. Protecting Yourself from a Truck Accident Individuals who have been involved in a commercial truck accident are advised to seek medical assistance even if no signs or symptoms of an injury are present. Often, injuries sustained in a vehicular or commercial truck accident can remain unseen and may include internal bleeding or bruising, which could have fatal consequences on a victim if injuries are not immediately assessed and treated. In addition to consulting a medical professional and ensuring injuries are properly treated, it may also be advisable to contact an experienced commercial truck collision law firm. Receiving a free legal consultation on injuries derived from a truck accident can provide relief from stress or worry over medical bills or automotive debts associated with a commercial truck collision or a log truck wreck.Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers. He manages Legalview.com, a website hosting a variety of information on legal issues, including <a href="http://crash.legaivew.com">Truck Accidents</a>
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How to Find a Trucking Job
The demand for truckers is very high, and it is relatively easy for most qualified truckers to find steady work. Nonetheless, some researchers estimate that as many of 15% of drivers, even those with extensive experience, get disqualified when applying for a trucking position. Why are so many truckers getting turned away if the need for trucker is so high? It all has to do with being organized. The key to landing a trucking job is being prepared and knowing what to expect when seeking a trucking job. Most often, truckers start the hiring process by speaking to a trucking recruiter. Recruiters frequently hire only for one company (the company they work for themselves), so it may be to your advantage to shop around and talk to a number of different recruiters to find the position that is the best fit for you. If you do speak with a number of recruiters, be sure to take notes so you can keep track of who said what. Never lie to a recruiter when seeking a trucking job. The truth will come out eventually and it is much better that you be completely honest from the beginning, even if it means disclosing some negative information, than to lie and get caught for it later. Recruiters will ask you for a variety of information, so be sure to have the following on hand: - A current, non-expired CDL with an accurate home address - Your work history for at least the last 3 years (some recruiters may want 5 or 10 years of history). If you have been unemployed for some of this time, you will need to provide solid professional references to account for this period. - The names and contact information for all of your former employers. - Proof of your work history including old W2 tax forms, reference letters, or DOT numbers. This information will be especially helpful if any of the companies you worked for previously have since gone out of business. - A copy of your driving record or MVR - Proof of eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hire, so be sure you have valid documentation to show that you are eligibly for hire. New Homeland Security regulations require that al commercial truckers undergo a background check prior to being hired. As part of this check, companies will pull any criminal records and copies of your Motor Vehicle Driving record from all states in which you have a driver s license (commercial or non-commercial). Companies will also see a copy of your DAC report which will reveal previous driving jobs, any accidents in which you were involve, and notes of any problems with former employers. If there is anything on your record that might be questionable, it is very important that you disclose this to the recruiter right away. It is much better to be professional and proactive upfront than to have the recruiter undercover some nasty information on their own. A potential employer is going to need to know about any incidents, or accidents, for at least the previous three years. Be sure to hold onto all incident records, including accident reports and tickets, so that you can provide this documentation if needed. Nearly all reputable companies will also require that you undergo a drug screening, so be prepared to certify that you are drug-free and take a drug test on the spot if you are offered a position. Your offer will be contingent upon the successful results of the test. If there is anything about your past (or current) medical health that might bring up concerns about your ability to perform your duties as a trucker, be prepared to show a doctor s note that releases you to work. Although, by law, recruiters cannot ask about your medical health prior to offering you a position, an offer can be rescinded if you are not able to certify your ability to do the job. If you have recently had a medical ailment, surgery, or are taking any sort of prescription medicine, chances are high that you will be required to present a medical doctor s release noted that you are cleared for commercial tractor trailer driving with no restrictions. Finally, be prepared to a road test and pass the necessary DOT physical upon receiving an offer. If you haven t been behind the wheel in a while, make sure you brush up on your driving skills. You will not get a second test to take the test if you fail it so you want to be sharp the very first time to step into the company s cab. Although the hiring process to secure a trucking job may be long and tedious, the payoff is well worth your effort. So if you ve made it though all of these steps successfully, congratulations. You re hired!Laura Adams is a qualified careers advisor with 11 years experience. <a href="http://www.Truck-Driving-Job.info">Truckers Jobs Information</a> - Resources, News, Tips and Views to help Truck Drivers find their next jobs. http://www.Truck-Driving-Job.info Copyright Truck-Driving-Job.info This article may be reproduced as long as the resource box and live links remain intact.
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How Cost Effective Are Hybrid Cars?
There seems to be no stopping the oil companies, as the price at the pumps continues to rise to astronomical heights for a myriad of reasons, valid or not. Civil wars in Nigeria, international conflicts in Iraq, hurricanes and other storms at home and abroad are all reasons gas companies posit to defend their outrageous gouging. In the face of rising gas costs, many consumers are beginning to consider the option of a hybrid vehicle- one which operates on both gas and electricity. All of the models of hybrid car will save money in terms of gas expenditures, but are they really effective when all of the costs of maintenance and other considerations are factored in? Right off the bat, consider the cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Depending on the model, hybrid vehicles can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 more than the equivalent non-hybrid model. These prices need to be stacked up against the savings that a hybrid car owner would gain in gas, factoring in the mileage needed. One report by Edmunds, for example, shows that huge price increases in the cost of gas would need to take place, or the vehicle owner would need to put on some serious mileage, in order for the hybrid models to gain a sufficient price saving advantage when stacked up against initial purchases. The one exception in the study was the Toyota Prius, which compared very effectively in terms of initial cost with the Camry model. The consumer watchdog points out, however, that as the hybrid cars become increasingly more available as a reflection of demand the prices can be expected to drop, making them more cost effective when it comes to an initial investment. Also important to keep in mind is the fact that the hybrid cars have a much more specialized system than the standard vehicle, and will therefore require a more specialized mechanic when it comes time for any repairs. Most consumer report features consider hybrid cars to require an investment of at least five years in order to break even as far as initial costs go, and do not take into account the possibilities of damage that requires fixing to the power train of the vehicles. It seems as though, at least for the time being, the purchase of a hybrid vehicle for the average consumer may not be the best option when it comes to saving money. It is important to keep several things in mind, however, when considering purchasing a hybrid model. Many consumers are choosing to purchase these cars because they represent a significant development in terms of environmental concerns over standard models. They also mean that as a whole, Western nations will become less dependent on oil as the sole means of power. Finally, it is imperative to keep in mind that the hybrid car is a very new technology. Developed only within the last few years, the technology is still in the infant stages, where costs will continue to be high. Hybrid cars also have only a small percentage of the market right now as well. As time passes, the development of the hybrid technology will begin to push prices down to the point where hybrids are more than competitive with the traditionally fueled models of the past. Frank Little is a hybrid car enthusiast and maintains a website with <a href="http://yourhybridcars.com">hybrid car forums</a>.
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