MIRROR CHECK STATIONS
A mirror check station has been installed in the Safety Lane at ATS West, and another one is scheduled to be installed in the Safety Lane at Gary, Indiana, sometime this summer. These check stations will be used for trucks in the Safety Lane to adjust mirrors to their maximum coverage area.

Correctly adjusted mirrors will assist drivers in lane changes, backing, coverage of the four blind spot areas (behind, left side, right side and in front) and general awareness of surroundings, which results in fewer accidents, and specifically, reducing accidents categorized as critical crashes.

“Targets” like the one pictured, only bigger, are being mounted to the columns on the inside of the entrance to the Safety Lane. Before a driver leaves the bay, the mirrors should be focused on the targets, while making sure the length of the trailer and tires are visible at the same time. There will also be lines on the floor of the bay for the driver to stop with the mirrors directly above. The safety lane technician will assist the driver in these adjustments.

New truck orders will have eight-inch mirrors with extended convex faces to further expand the vision area.

As Always... Please remember to drive safely!
Scott Anderson, Director of Safety, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc.

TWO LANE HIGHWAYS POSE SPECIAL SAFETY RISKS
Driving on non-interstate roads is routine for professional truck drivers, but the driving skills needed to reduce collisions or even near-miss incidents are much more crucial. What are the safety risks involved when driving on a two-lane highway instead of a four lane interstate type roadway? The following is a list of exposures that solely exist or are more pronounced on non-interstate highways. As drivers we need to be constantly aware of these exposures AND the problems that can develop if these exposures are encountered by another driver traveling near you.

Driver’s vision blinded by oncoming headlights, street lights, lighted signs, etc.
Difficulty at night in determining if oncoming vehicles are staying in their lane
Poor lane markings which are less forgiving of driver errors
Many highways have secondary snow/ice removal priorities versus interstates
Horses and carriages, Farm and other slow moving machinery
Service vehicles (mail carriers, garbage trucks, utility vehicles, etc.)
Parked or stopped vehicles partially blocking travel lanes
School zones, School buses loading/unloading sometimes in darkness hours
Limited room to accommodate approaching and/or passing wide loads
Increased congestion, Routes through cities/towns, which have many turns that can be missed and must be maneuvered safely
Limited turn-around areas for large trucks
Tight city streets lined with parked cars, pedestrians and multiple fixed objects
Numerous speed changes, traffic instructional signs and traffic lights switching to red, for which driver must always be prepared to stop
Railroad grade crossings
Little or no shoulder, soft shoulder, uneven road-to-shoulder surface
Limited forward visibility due to hills, valleys and turns
Numerous intersections, driveways, parking lots, etc from which vehicles can pull into your path
Traffic control device violators
Low weight rating on rural bridges
Increased potential of low overhead clearance obstacles
More frequent wildlife and domestic animals on or near road
Limited opportunities for a driver to stop and rest, eat, fuel, etc.
Limited room or vehicle to safely pull off the travel portion of the roadway for breakdowns

When traveling on two lane roads, always be aware of changing conditions and how to adapt your driving to them.