Changes to CDL Drivers' Med Cards

For employers with CDL drivers, things just got shaken up a little with changes to medical card filing requirements. In short, med cards have gone fully online, and while paper copies may be used by drivers as a backup documentation, everything will now be confirmed online. Let's break down the new process in terms of how it affects both employers and drivers.

Employers

So far employers have kept a current copy of drivers' med cards in their driver files. With this new change, this is no longer a requirement, but it also makes it so employers need to keep an extra close eye on annual driver motor vehicle records (MVR's), which will list the CDL expiration date on the document. While this is nothing new and has always been a requirement, make absolutely sure to request those records annually as this will now be the only way to verify drivers' CDL expiration dates.

With this change employers are also released from checking that the medical examiner is on the national registry for CDL medical examiners.

Drivers

Your med card doctor is no longer required to give you a paper copy of your medical card record, as they submit this information directly to the state. However, it's recommended that drivers still ask for this paper copy for their own records and to have a record of their expiration date.

While this is a pretty small change in the grand scheme of things, it's still one of those things to keep on top of. If you have any other questions about DOT compliance, feel free to reach out to TT&S for help. 

Don't Block the Box: Stopping at an Intersection

 

It's construction season, and tempers can flare high when it takes longer to get where you need to go. We've reinforced that it's important to respect work zone employees (always give the green and orange some space!), slow down when there's a lot of work going on around you, and to refrain from distractions inside your vehicle.

Here's a phrase that might not be as familiar, even though every driver has almost certainly been affected by it: Don't Block the Box.

This is talking about when you have a green light but traffic is moving slower than molasses. It's our instinct to keep close behind the car in front of you, but in an intersection that could spell trouble if the lights start to change. If you don't have clearance to make it through an intersection, remember:

Don't block the box. Stay behind the intersection until you have clearance to make it through. 

Here's a video that goes over this in more detail. 

This is something to always keep in mind, but it can become more common when construction limits traffic down to one lane. Ignoring this rule impedes traffic moving the other way, and could spell real trouble if emergency vehicles need to make it through.

 

 

Summer Storms & Fourth of July Safety

North Dakota has had our fair share of scary storms already this year. Tornado sirens have been an eerie refrain for some communities. We always hope no one needs these reminders, but it bears repeating: 

 - A tornado WARNING is a level of severity higher than a tornado WATCH. Warning means there's been rotation spotted in your area. If there's a tornado watch, you should plan to be near shelter for the remainder of the watch period, altering plans if needed to stay near shelter. If there's a tornado warning, take shelter immediately. 

- Shelter means the lowest level of the building, preferably an inner room without windows if at all possible.

- Before storm season begins, it's not a terrible idea to go over your emergency plan with family members and make sure you have essentials stocked, including a few days' worth of water, food, and any needed medications. If you have an alternate energy source, such as a generator or portable power station, make sure it's functioning and any fuel needed is available.

Storm are out of our control and important to prepare for, but there are other more manmade hazards that early July brings -- fireworks season. Here are some tips to enjoy responsibly:

- Respect any fireworks bans, either due to fire restrictions or, if applicable, within city limits. Fire stations must make these determinations based on their available resources and other outside factors not always obvious to the general public. Make the responsible decision to respect their expertise.

-  Fireworks season is not the time to shirk on PPE. If you're the family pyrotechnic for the night, really consider safety glasses and gloves at the very least. If you're got FR clothes from work or can borrow some, you might really appreciate it if something goes wrong.

- Make sure to light fireworks a respectable distance away from buildings, trees, or other structures, and do not light up in tall grass.

 - Did you know sparklers can reach temperatures of 2000 degrees? They also account for almost a third of all injuries to children under five. Be careful and consider other fun alternatives for the little ones.

- Don't try to relight malfunctioning fireworks and do not hold lit fireworks (such as Roman candles). 

Hopefully with these tips everyone can enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July!