While many of the laws are already in effect, transportation officials say confusion about the rules continues to contribute to crashes and unsafe driving behavior.

Distracted Driving Remains a Priority

Colorado’s hands-free law continues to be one of the campaign’s primary messages. Since 2024, drivers have been prohibited from holding a cellphone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle. Hands-free accessories and dashboard-mounted devices remain legal, allowing motorists to make calls or use navigation without handling the device.

The campaign also reminds drivers that Colorado’s expressed consent law requires motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to submit to a breath or blood test. Refusing the test can result in the loss of driving privileges.

Laws That Affect Commercial Drivers

Several reminders included in the campaign are particularly relevant for truck drivers. Colorado’s traction and chain requirements remain in effect during winter weather events to improve highway safety and reduce closures. Commercial vehicles traveling through designated mountain corridors must meet those requirements whenever they are activated.

The department is likewise reminding motorists to keep right unless actively passing another vehicle and to comply with Colorado’s Move Over law when approaching stopped vehicles displaying hazard lights. If changing lanes cannot be done safely, drivers are required to slow to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

Sharing the Road

Another focus of the campaign is the interaction between passenger vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and large commercial vehicles.

Colorado law requires motorists to leave at least three feet when passing bicyclists and to yield to pedestrians using marked crosswalks. Drivers are also reminded that cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs when an intersection is clear, although they must still stop for red traffic signals.

For truck drivers, CDOT notes that roundabouts require additional awareness from surrounding traffic. Because buses and commercial trucks often need extra room to complete a turn safely, other motorists should avoid attempting to drive alongside them while they are navigating the intersection.

CDOT has made the educational materials available through its YouTube channel as part of its ongoing effort to improve awareness of Colorado traffic laws.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

The post Colorado DOT Highlights Traffic Laws Drivers Commonly Overlook appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Unlike a rear-end collision or a jackknife, a rollover is rarely tied to one decision. The combination of vehicle speed, road design, cargo placement, equipment condition and steering input determines how much stability a truck has at any given moment. Understanding how those factors work together is one of the most effective ways to reduce rollover risk.

Stability Changes Throughout the Trip

A tractor-trailer does not handle the same way on every load. Freight carried close to the trailer floor generally creates a lower center of gravity than freight stacked higher. The higher the center of gravity, the less lateral force is needed before the vehicle reaches its rollover threshold. That is why two loads with the same weight can behave very differently when entering the same curve.

Liquid cargo introduces another variable. Unlike palletized freight, liquid continues moving after the truck begins turning or braking. That movement shifts weight inside the tank and changes how the vehicle responds throughout the maneuver. Studies of cargo tank rollovers have shown that partially loaded tankers are involved in a significant share of rollover crashes because of this surge effect.

Many Rollovers Begin Before the Curve

One of the biggest misconceptions about rollovers is that they begin in the middle of a turn.

In reality, the sequence often starts much earlier. Carrying too much speed toward an interchange, delaying braking until after entering the curve, or making multiple steering corrections before the turn all reduce the amount of stability available once the truck changes direction.

Interchange ramps deserve particular attention because they combine tighter turning radii with changing elevation and shorter distances to reduce speed. Heavy-truck rollover studies have consistently identified ramps as locations where rollover risk is substantially higher than on most other roadway segments.

Small Steering Corrections Can Have Large Consequences

Drivers often associate rollovers with excessive speed, but abrupt steering inputs are another common factor.

A tire leaving the pavement, avoiding road debris, or reacting suddenly to traffic can shift thousands of pounds across the suspension in a fraction of a second. If the truck is already operating near its stability limit, that rapid weight transfer may be enough to start a rollover.

The objective is not simply avoiding sudden movements. It is recognizing situations early enough that sudden movements are unnecessary.

Equipment Condition Supports Vehicle Stability

Suspension components, tires, and brakes all influence how weight transfers across a tractor-trailer.

Uneven brake performance can change vehicle balance during deceleration, while worn suspension parts reduce the system’s ability to control body movement through curves. Tire condition also plays a role by affecting how consistently the truck responds to steering inputs.

These systems may not attract much attention during routine driving, but they become critical when the vehicle approaches its handling limits.

Technology Cannot Overcome Physics.

Modern tractors often include electronic stability control and roll stability systems that monitor steering angle, wheel speed, and lateral acceleration. When those systems detect conditions associated with a potential rollover, they can reduce engine power or selectively apply the brakes to help stabilize the vehicle.

Those systems are valuable, but they are designed to assist the driver rather than replace good driving habits. They cannot compensate for excessive speed entering a curve or a load that has already shifted beyond the vehicle’s stability limits.

Building Better Habits Behind the Wheel

Rollover prevention starts well before a truck reaches an exit ramp. Knowing how freight has been loaded, reducing speed before entering curves, looking farther ahead in traffic and keeping suspension, brake and tire components in good condition all contribute to vehicle stability. None of those decisions guarantees a rollover will never occur, but together they provide the driver with more margin when road or traffic conditions change unexpectedly.

Most rollover crashes develop through a series of small events rather than one dramatic mistake. Recognizing those events early gives drivers the best opportunity to keep the truck stable and continue the trip safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes most truck rollovers?

Most truck rollovers involve a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Speed entering curves, cargo placement, abrupt steering inputs, vehicle condition, and road geometry all influence stability.

Why are tanker trailers more susceptible to rollovers?

Liquid cargo continues moving during turns and braking, changing the trailer’s center of gravity throughout the maneuver. That movement makes tanker combinations more sensitive to weight transfer than trailers carrying solid freight.

Do truck rollovers only happen on curves?

No. While curves and ramps are common locations, some rollovers begin after drivers overcorrect when recovering from a tire leaving the pavement or making an emergency steering maneuver.

Can electronic stability control prevent every rollover?

No. Stability systems can reduce rollover risk, but they cannot overcome excessive speed, poor load distribution or severe steering inputs.

How can drivers reduce rollover risk?

Maintaining appropriate speed, understanding how cargo affects vehicle handling, avoiding abrupt steering corrections, and keeping the truck in good mechanical condition all help preserve vehicle stability.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 31, 2026

The post Understanding Truck Rollovers and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the recall, oil contamination inside the PDC box could interrupt electrical power to several critical vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Electrical Issue May Affect Multiple Vehicle Systems

NHTSA said contaminated PDC boxes may result in the loss of drive power, anti-lock brake system (ABS) functionality, exterior lighting, windshield wipers, or the windshield defogging system.

Because of the potential loss of these safety-related functions, the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards covering windshield defrosting and defogging systems, windshield wiping and washing systems, and lighting equipment.

Dealers Will Inspect and Replace Components

PACCAR dealers will inspect the serial numbers on the affected PDC boxes and replace the components when necessary at no cost to owners.

Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning September 25, 2026. A second notification will be sent after a final repair solution becomes available.

Owners with questions can contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220, Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888, or reference PACCAR recall number 26PACD.

Affected Models

The recall applies to the following 2027 model year trucks:

Kenworth T280
Kenworth T380
Kenworth T480
Kenworth T680
Kenworth T880
Kenworth W990
Peterbilt 536
Peterbilt 537
Peterbilt 548
Peterbilt 567
Peterbilt 579
Peterbilt 589

Drivers operating affected vehicles are encouraged to watch for their owner notification letter and schedule an inspection once dealers begin performing the recall repairs.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 6, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post PACCAR Recalls Nearly 6,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks Over Power Distribution Center Issue appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

By the time a driver reaches a closure point, the decision has often been made using forecasts, fire behavior models, and conditions developing miles away from the highway. Waiting until smoke or flames become obvious would leave far fewer options for drivers, emergency crews, and nearby communities.

A Clear Highway Doesn’t Always Mean a Safe Highway

Wildfires rarely move in a predictable direction. Wind shifts, steep terrain, and dry vegetation can change the pace and direction of a fire in a matter of minutes.

That’s one reason transportation agencies rely on fire behavior forecasts rather than visible conditions alone. If projections show a fire is likely to threaten a corridor or reduce visibility before traffic can safely clear the area, restrictions may be introduced well before the roadway itself is affected.

For drivers approaching the area, the closure can seem unnecessary. For the people managing the incident, it’s often intended to prevent a much larger problem from developing an hour later.

Smoke Creates Challenges Drivers Never See

Most drivers think of smoke as a visibility issue, but that’s only part of the picture.

Aircraft used to monitor fire activity or drop water may be grounded when smoke becomes too dense. Fire crews working along the highway can lose sight of changing fire conditions. Emergency vehicles entering and leaving the incident also need predictable traffic patterns to move safely.

Those factors can influence traffic decisions long before visibility reaches the point where most drivers would expect a highway to close.

Detours Don’t Always Work for Commercial Trucks

Passenger vehicles can often be redirected onto local roads with relatively few limitations. Commercial trucks don’t always have that flexibility.

A detour that looks reasonable on a map may include bridges with lower weight limits, intersections that are difficult for longer combinations to navigate, or restrictions that prevent oversized loads from using the route altogether. In some cases, holding trucks temporarily is safer than directing them onto roads that were never designed to handle heavy commercial traffic.

That’s why commercial drivers may encounter instructions that differ from those given to passenger vehicles during the same incident.

Reopening a Freight Corridor Takes More Than Extinguishing the Fire

The public often focuses on the moment a wildfire is contained. For transportation agencies, another phase begins.

Bridge inspectors check structures that were exposed to prolonged heat. Maintenance crews remove trees that could fall into the roadway. Engineers evaluate slopes where burned vegetation no longer helps stabilize soil. Utility companies restore damaged infrastructure before traffic returns to normal.

None of those tasks receive much public attention, but they often determine when restrictions can safely be removed.

The Goal Is to Prevent Drivers from Running Out of Options

Wildfire closures are based as much on where conditions are headed as where they are today. Once traffic becomes trapped between a fast-moving fire and a blocked highway, there are very few good solutions.

Restricting traffic before that happens may inconvenience drivers, but it also gives emergency responders room to work, protects evacuation routes, and reduces the likelihood that motorists become part of the emergency itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wildfire closures affect interstate highways differently than state highways?

No. Any highway may be restricted if emergency officials determine travel conditions have become unsafe. The decision depends on conditions surrounding the incident rather than the highway designation.

Why are commercial trucks sometimes held longer than passenger vehicles?

Large trucks require more space to maneuver, accelerate more slowly, and may not be able to use every available detour. Those factors can influence how traffic is managed during an active wildfire.

Can roads reopen even if firefighters are still working nearby?

Yes. Portions of a highway may reopen while firefighting operations continue in surrounding areas if transportation officials determine traffic can move safely through the corridor.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

The post Why Smoke Can Shut Down a Truck Route Before You Ever See a Wildfire appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The recall affects approximately 644 Mack trucks and 155 Volvo trucks.

According to recall information, the affected vehicles may have an issue related to wheel and hub mating surfaces. Because of the potential for wheel separation, affected trucks should not be driven until they have been inspected and repaired.

The recall includes the following models:

• 2026 Mack Anthem
• 2026-2027 Mack Pinnacle
• 2026-2027 Mack Pioneer
• 2026-2027 Mack Granite
• 2027 Mack Anthem
• 2026 Volvo VAH
• 2026-2027 Volvo VNL
• 2026-2027 Volvo VN
• 2026-2027 Volvo VHD
• 2027 Volvo VNR

To address the issue, dealers will inspect the wheel and hub mating surfaces, remove any masking material, and replace worn components if necessary. Repairs will be performed at no cost to owners.

Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed beginning June 5.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 19, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post Mack And Volvo Recall Nearly 800 Trucks Over Wheel Separation Risk appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Volvo Trucks North America has issued a recall on nearly 1,000 trucks after identifying a parking brake issue that could increase the risk of a rollaway.

Which Trucks Are Affected

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers about 800 model year 2024–27 Volvo VNL trucks. These trucks share several specific characteristics:

• 6×4 axle configurations
• Electronic suspension systems
• No auxiliary parking brakes installed

If your VNL matches that setup, it may be subject to this recall.

Why the Parking Brake May Not Hold

A recall acknowledgement document explains that when an affected truck is placed in “weight bias mode,” there may not be enough weight on the axle that carries the parking brake. When that happens, braking force can be reduced.

That lack of holding power creates a rollaway risk, especially when parked on uneven ground or grades.

There are no warning indicators for this condition. Volvo Trucks has stated that all 800 trucks included in the recall are affected.

No Crashes or Injuries Reported

So far, there have been:

• No warranty claims
• No field reports
• No accidents
• No injuries

The issue was first brought to Volvo’s attention last November after a truck roll incident. Following three safety evaluation committee reviews, the company determined in February that a product safety defect exists.

What Volvo Will Do to Fix It

Volvo Trucks will correct the issue by replacing the brake chambers on affected trucks with versions that include auxiliary parking brakes.

• Repairs will be completed at no cost to owners
• Notification letters will be mailed in April

If you operate one of these trucks, this is not something you’ll want to put off once your notice arrives.

Who to Contact

For more information, drivers and fleet owners can contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586 and reference recall number RVXX2601.

NHTSA’s recall number is 26V076.

Not Related to Another Parking Brake Recall

Volvo emphasized that this recall is not connected to a separate parking brake issue announced last year involving another manufacturer.

International previously recalled more than 11,000 model year 2023–26 LT and RH trucks. In that case, the problem involved an auto neutral function that may not recognize when the parking brake is applied.

As explained previously:

“The auto neutral function on some International trucks may not know that the parking brake has been applied. Consequently, the transmission may not shift into neutral. If the transmission remains in gear, the truck may move unexpectedly.”

What Drivers Should Do Now

If you run a Volvo VNL from the affected model years, keep an eye on your mail and be mindful of parking conditions until the repair is completed. Parking brake performance is not something you want to assume is working exactly as intended.

This recall is a reminder that even newer equipment can have hidden issues that only show up under specific operating modes.

The post Volvo VNL Trucks Recalled Over Parking Brake Rollaway Risk appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Which International Trucks Are Impacted?

International Motors LLC has listed several popular models across a wide range of years. If you’re running one of these, it’s worth taking a closer look:

• 2016–2023 Lonestar
  • 2018 8600
  • 2018–2023 LT
  • 2021–2026 MV
  • 2022–2023 RH
  • 2023–2026 HX
  • 2025–2026 HV

The problem stems from electrical noise and low signal strength on the power line carrier. When that happens, the ECU may misread commands or stop working altogether, something no driver wants to happen mid-run.

What’s Causing the Issue?

The power line carrier isn’t consistently delivering a strong enough signal. That interference can confuse the ECU or interrupt it, leading to incorrect responses. Drivers may notice unusual behavior in systems tied to ECU communication, though the recall does not list specific alerts or warnings.

How International Plans to Fix It

International is teaming up with Bendix to reprogram the ECU software at no cost to owners. This fix will address the electrical noise and low signal issues that can cause the ECU to misread commands or stop working. Owner letters are expected to go out Jan. 19, 2026, and drivers can reach International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with any questions. The recall number is 25525. Drivers can confirm whether their truck is included by searching VINs connected to this recall through NHTSA’s database. By completing this reprogramming, the company aims to ensure trucks operate safely and reliably, preventing ECU-related problems on the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post International Issues Recall on 600+ Trucks: What Drivers Need to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This move adds another layer of protection for drivers and passengers, particularly in rollover crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for nearly half of all truck occupant fatalities, making them one of the deadliest types of accidents on the road.

Building on a Legacy of Safety

Volvo’s reputation for safety leadership isn’t new. In 1996, the company introduced the driver-front airbag in its VN model and immediately made it standard across the lineup. Today, with side curtain airbags designed to deploy in the event of a rollover, Volvo continues that legacy by offering technology that helps minimize injuries in the most severe crash situations.

Magnus Koeck, Vice President of Strategy, Branding, and Marketing at Volvo Trucks, emphasized that safety is at the heart of everything the company does.

“We have always been the safety leader, and we will always be the safety leader,” Koeck said. “We will never compromise on safety. We’re putting active safety and passive safety at the top of our list.”

Leading the Industry Once Again

With this announcement, Volvo becomes the first heavy-truck manufacturer to make side curtain airbags a standard feature across all its models. The company has a long track record of pioneering safety advancements in heavy-duty trucks, from introducing high-strength steel cabs to implementing electronic stability control. More recently, Volvo was also the first to equip trucks with an automatic emergency call system that directly connects to 911 after airbag deployment.

What It Means for Drivers

For professional drivers, these standard safety upgrades translate into more confidence behind the wheel. Rollovers can happen in an instant, often with devastating consequences. By making side curtain airbags standard, Volvo is reducing risks in a way that could save countless lives and injuries on the road.

The decision reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to driver protection and reinforces why Volvo remains a leader in heavy-duty truck safety.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Volvo Sets New Safety Standard with Side Curtain Airbags in All North American Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This shift marks a move away from the Bendix Fusion system previously used in Mack’s Class 8 lineup. Mack Protect was built in-house to meet the unique needs of Mack drivers and offers new layers of protection — both in terms of crash mitigation and helping prevent incidents before they happen.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all setup, Mack Protect comes in three versions so fleets and drivers can choose what fits best for their needs:

• Mack Protect (Standard) includes core forward-facing tools: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, traffic stop-and-go support, frontal airbags, forward pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition.
• Mack Protect Pro adds more side protection, including side curtain airbags, lane change alerts, blind spot monitoring on both sides, and pedestrian detection along the sides of the truck.
• Mack Protect Premier takes it a step further with active steering and lane-keeping assist layered on top of the Pro package.

On top of all this, Mack says the system brings in some brand-new technologies never before offered on their trucks. That includes:

• Driver Awareness Support with a heads-up display
• Radar systems for both the driver and passenger sides
• Automatic warnings for forward and side pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assistance through active steering

Scott Sokach, senior safety product manager at Mack Trucks, explained that the new system was built with everyday driving challenges in mind.

“The driver awareness features we’ve developed respond directly to the challenges professional drivers face every day,” Sokach said. “Our system is designed not just to respond to emergencies, but to help prevent them from occurring in the first place by extending the driver’s awareness of their surroundings.”

With safety demands evolving quickly in the trucking world — especially on long highway hauls — Mack is clearly putting a stronger focus on helping drivers feel more in control behind the wheel. And with the new Pioneer leading the way, the company seems committed to keeping both drivers and those around them safer mile after mile.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Mack’s New Safety Tech Aims to Support Drivers Before Trouble Starts appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Cooling System: Don’t Wait for Overheating

High temps push your engine harder, and a weak cooling system won’t hold up. Make sure coolant levels are right and the mix is correct—usually 50/50 coolant and distilled water. If you haven’t flushed the system in a while, now’s the time. Gunk and scale slow cooling efficiency. Check for debris around the radiator, condenser, and charge-air cooler. Dirty fins block airflow fast.

Also, check your radiator cap. If it’s not holding the proper pressure, it can cause boil-over or leaks. A pressure test takes minutes and saves a major headache.

Tire Pressure: Heat Doesn’t Forgive Mistakes

Tire pressure fluctuates more in the summer. Hot pavement and long runs push tire temps up fast. Over-inflation increases blowout risk, and under-inflation leads to faster wear. Always check pressure when tires are cool, and adjust to spec.

While you’re at it, inspect tread depth. You’re required to have at least 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others. Uneven wear could mean alignment issues or problems with shocks.

A/C System: Stay Sharp Behind the Wheel

When your cab’s too hot, it gets harder to focus. Make sure the air conditioning is doing its job. Start with the basics—check refrigerant levels, clean the condenser, and inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear or leaks. A cabin filter that’s clogged with dust will choke airflow and make the system work harder.

Fluids: Don’t Rely on Last Month’s Check

Oil and other fluids break down quickly in heat. Watch for changes in level or color, and check your oil daily. Also, look at transmission fluid, power steering, and brake fluid. Heat adds stress across the board, especially under a heavy load or in stop-and-go traffic.

Belts and Hoses: Small Parts, Big Problems

Belts and hoses are more likely to fail during summer runs. Look for cracking, soft spots, or bulging. Press lightly on the ends of your hoses—if they feel spongy, it’s time to replace them. The water pump is also worth checking. Any leak or sound from that area should be taken seriously.

Brakes: Check Them More Than Once

Hot weather increases brake fade, especially on hills. If you haven’t inspected your brake pads, drums, or rotors in a while, do it now. Air lines should be checked for leaks, and the system should be draining properly to avoid moisture buildup.

Lights and Electrical: Storm Season Is No Joke

Summer storms can hit without warning, and poor visibility is a major risk. Make sure headlights, brake lights, and signals are all working. Swap out cracked lenses or dim bulbs. Don’t forget wiper blades—if they streak or skip, replace them. And check your battery terminals for corrosion. Heat and vibration accelerate battery wear.

Documentation: Stay Legal and Covered

FMCSA rules (49 CFR 396) require regular inspections and written maintenance records. Keep track of everything you do—fluid changes, brake checks, tire inspections—and file it in one place. If you’re ever pulled in for a DOT inspection, having clean records can make or break the day.

Staying ahead of the heat isn’t about guessing or hoping things hold up. It’s about regular checks, a solid routine, and knowing what to watch. Knock out these tasks before the next long run, and you’ll be a step ahead of whatever summer throws at your truck.

The post Top Summer Maintenance Tasks That Keep Your Truck Road-Ready appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.