Most hiring managers know a driver can have a rough morning, miss a gear, or need an extra pull-up during a backing maneuver. What they are trying to determine is whether the person behind the wheel demonstrates the habits they want representing the company every day. That distinction changes how a road evaluation should be approached.

The Inspection Tells a Story Before the Drive Begins

Long before the truck reaches the road, the inspection is already providing clues. A driver who moves methodically around the vehicle often signals something important. The inspection is not being performed because someone is watching. It is simply how that person approaches equipment. The opposite is true as well.

Rushing through a pre-trip may suggest that inspections receive the same level of attention when nobody is standing nearby with a clipboard. That is one reason many safety departments place so much emphasis on this portion of the evaluation.

Before showing up, it is worth reviewing inspection procedures, not because someone may ask questions, but because inspection habits are difficult to fake.

Backing Exercises Often Reveal Patience or the Lack of It

Most experienced drivers know how to back a truck. That is why backing exercises are often less about technical ability and more about judgment.

When a maneuver starts going wrong, does the driver stop and reset? Are mirrors being used consistently? Is there a willingness to take an extra pull-up instead of forcing the truck into position?

Those moments tell evaluators far more than whether the maneuver was completed in one attempt.

Drivers sometimes create unnecessary problems because they are trying to look confident. In reality, patience usually looks more professional than urgency.

Good Habits Stand Out More Than Perfect Driving

Many road evaluations are remembered for a specific mistake. Hiring managers often remember something else entirely.

They remember the driver who maintained a safe following distance for an hour. They remember consistent mirror checks. They remember smooth lane changes and good traffic awareness.

Those habits tend to leave a lasting impression because they reflect how someone is likely to perform week after week. A perfect turn is easy to forget. Consistent driving habits are much harder to ignore.

Questions Are Usually About Judgment

Drivers are sometimes surprised when conversations begin during the evaluation.

A trainer may ask why a lane change was made. A safety representative may ask what was noticed approaching a traffic backup. Occasionally, a question may seem unrelated to the maneuver that just occurred. The purpose is rarely to find a single correct answer.

Companies spend a great deal of time teaching procedures. Teaching judgment is much harder. Questions help reveal how someone processes information, evaluates risk, and reacts when conditions begin to change. That is often the information companies value most.

The Response to a Mistake Matters

Nearly every experienced driver can point to a moment they wish they could redo. What separates strong evaluations from weak ones is often what happens next.

Some drivers allow one mistake to occupy the rest of their attention. The drive becomes more tense, confidence drops, and additional mistakes follow. Others acknowledge the mistake, correct it safely, and move on.

That ability to recover is important because trucking rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Equipment issues, weather, traffic, and customer delays all require drivers to adapt without losing focus. Road evaluations frequently reveal who can do that successfully.

The Best Strategy Is Usually the Simplest One

Drivers sometimes try to perform differently because they know they are being watched. Ironically, that is often where problems begin. The strongest evaluations usually come from drivers who approach the day like any other assignment. They complete the same inspection, follow the same habits, and make the same decisions they would make if nobody were sitting in the passenger seat.

At the end of the day, most companies are trying to answer a simple question. If this driver is handed a truck tomorrow morning, what kind of habits will show up a month from now?

A road evaluation is often the first opportunity to find out.

FAQ

How long does a truck driver’s road evaluation usually take?

The length varies by company. Some evaluations take less than an hour, while others include inspections, backing exercises, and a longer road route.

Do all trucking companies require road evaluations?

No. Some carriers require them for every driver, while others only use them for certain positions or hiring situations.

Is a road evaluation the same as a CDL skills test?

No. A CDL skills test is used for licensing purposes. A road evaluation is a company assessment used to evaluate driving habits, judgment, and overall readiness for the position.

Are backing maneuvers usually included in a road evaluation?

Many companies include backing exercises because they provide insight into vehicle control, patience, and decision-making.

Can one mistake cause a driver to fail a road evaluation?

In most cases, companies focus on overall performance rather than a single isolated mistake. How a driver responds afterward is often part of the assessment.

What documents should drivers bring to a road evaluation?

Drivers should bring any documents requested by the company, including their CDL, medical certification documentation when applicable, and any additional hiring paperwork.

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 18, 2026

The post How Truck Drivers Can Prepare for a Road Evaluation appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The organizations announced that HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud technology will be integrated into PrePass Safety Alerts, adding real-time notifications related to emergency vehicles, incident response activity, and active work zones.

Emergency And Work Zone Notifications Added

According to the announcement, drivers using the PrePass Mobile App will be able to receive alerts about approaching emergency scenes, roadside responders, and active work zones.

The notifications will be available across the contiguous United States and are intended to provide additional awareness of conditions ahead that may require drivers to slow down, change lanes, or exercise additional caution.

PrePass Safety Alliance President and CEO Mark Doughty said the collaboration aligns with the organization’s focus on improving highway safety for commercial drivers.

The companies said the added alerts are designed to provide earlier notice of roadway hazards than drivers may receive from traditional roadside signs, warning lights, or other visual indicators alone.

Platform Uses Real-Time Hazard Information

HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform gathers information from connected emergency vehicles, roadside responders, and work zone equipment.

According to the companies, when warning lights are activated or connected work zone equipment is deployed, information about those events can be transmitted through the system and delivered to participating driver notification platforms.

The goal is to provide drivers with additional awareness of roadway conditions before reaching the affected area.

Existing Safety Alerts Remain Available

The integration builds on the current capabilities available through PrePass Safety Alerts.

Existing notifications include information related to:

Weather conditions
Traffic slowdowns
Road restrictions
Parking availability

The addition of emergency response and work zone notifications expands the range of roadway information available to drivers through the platform.

Partnership Highlights Roadside Safety Efforts

HAAS Alert CEO Cory Hohs said the partnership is intended to improve communication between roadside responders and professional drivers who regularly operate near emergency scenes and work zones.

The announcement also referenced Move Over laws, which are in place nationwide and generally require drivers to slow down or move over when approaching qualifying emergency or roadside response vehicles when it is safe to do so.

According to the companies, the new notifications will be delivered through the PrePass Mobile App and will not require additional hardware.

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 16, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: PrePass

The post PrePass Adds Emergency and Work Zone Alerts Through HAAS Alert Partnership appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The 2026 initiative is scheduled for July 12 through July 18 and will involve law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico focusing on unsafe driving behavior involving both commercial vehicles and passenger traffic.

Drivers stopped during the campaign could receive warnings or citations depending on the violation observed by enforcement officers.

This Year’s Campaign Focuses on Reckless Driving

CVSA said reckless, careless, and dangerous driving behavior will be the primary focus during this year’s enforcement period.

The organization describes reckless driving as operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of people or property. Careless driving generally refers to driving without proper attention or consideration for surrounding traffic conditions.

Enforcement personnel may target violations involving:

Speeding
Distracted driving
Following too closely
Unsafe lane changes
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Seat belt violations
Ignoring traffic signals

For truck drivers, the campaign often leads to heavier enforcement visibility along major freight routes, urban bottlenecks, construction zones, and interstate corridors carrying heavy summer traffic.

Passenger vehicle behavior around trucks also remains a major concern during these campaigns. Sudden merges, aggressive passing, distracted driving, and unsafe following distance continue to create problems for commercial drivers trying to maintain safe stopping space in dense traffic.

Summer Traffic Usually Creates More Pressure on Drivers

Operation Safe Driver Week arrives during one of the busiest travel stretches of the year. Vacation traffic, road construction, seasonal congestion, and tighter delivery schedules can all increase pressure behind the wheel during midsummer runs.

Many experienced truck drivers already adjust their driving habits during large enforcement campaigns by slowing down earlier in congestion, increasing following distance, and avoiding unnecessary lane changes around heavy traffic clusters.

The campaign is not limited strictly to ticketing activity. CVSA said education and public awareness also remain major parts of the initiative. The organization distributes roadway safety materials aimed at both commercial drivers and passenger vehicle traffic to encourage safer driving habits overall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,640 people died in traffic crashes across the United States during 2025. CVSA said reducing unsafe driver behavior remains one of the most effective ways to improve roadway safety and lower crash totals.

For many truck drivers, Operation Safe Driver Week serves as another reminder that staying patient, leaving extra space, and avoiding rushed decisions usually matters far more than trying to gain a few extra minutes during a run.

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 drivers can use.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post CVSA Safe Driving Enforcement Campaign Returns in July to Target Reckless Driving appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

What Ice Road Trucking Is in Alaska

Ice roads in Alaska are temporary routes built over frozen surfaces. They connect villages, oilfield operations, and remote project sites while the ground and water are solid enough to support heavy trucks. These routes change from year to year based on ice conditions, weather, and local need. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities supports these routes as part of its winter transportation plan. Local governments and agencies rely on them for safe access and emergency response where roads are not possible.

For truckers, this means operating in a tightly controlled environment. Only certain routes open at certain times. Companies must follow strict rules about how heavy loads can be moved and when. Drivers need to understand the conditions they face and stay within the limits set by local authorities.

How Safety Is Managed on Alaska’s Ice Roads

Safety on Alaska’s ice roads stands on three main factors. The thickness and quality of the ice matter. The weight and size of the loads matter. The timing and speed of travel matter. Thicker, stable ice can carry heavier loads, but temperature changes and repeated traffic can weaken the surface. Routes are often restricted to certain vehicle types and weight classes. Local agencies may close or change routes when conditions shift.

Drivers preparing for these routes must carry cold‑weather survival gear. They must keep their communication systems working. They must plan for long stretches with no nearby services. Mechanical reliability becomes critical. A breakdown in remote conditions can turn into a serious safety issue very quickly.

Key safety practices include:

• Checking ice conditions and route status before every trip.
• Staying within posted weight and speed limits for the route.
• Carrying enough fuel, heat, and emergency supplies to last several hours.
• Keeping communication devices charged and ready at all times.

Day to Day Life on Alaska’s Winter Routes

Life on Alaska’s winter and ice routes mixes long hours, limited services, and careful planning. Many routes sit hundreds of miles from major repair shops or medical facilities. Self‑sufficiency is essential. Drivers maintain fuel, heating, and mechanical systems to operate in bitterly cold temperatures.

Even with the challenges, many professional drivers value the work. They move essential supplies where regular roads do not reach. The sense of isolation stays balanced by strong on‑road communication. Coordinated dispatch keeps drivers connected and informed.

Drivers on these routes often deal with:

• Extended stretches with no cell service.
• Limited food and fuel options between stops.
• Heavy clothing and gear that must be changed and stored in tight spaces.
• Changing weather that can delay or reroute planned trips.

How to Find Trucking Jobs in Alaska and the North

Drivers interested in Alaska freight and winter routes can search for current openings through national and regional job boards. Typical requirements for high‑demand Alaska work include:

• A Class A Commercial Driver’s License with relevant endorsements.
• Experience in over‑the‑road or mountain driving.
• Experience or familiarity with winter operations or cold‑weather states.
• A clean Department of Transportation record.

Carriers that regularly operate in Alaska rely on platforms that connect professional drivers with verified positions across the circumpolar regions.

Why Ice Road and Winter Trucking Matter

Ice roads and winter trucking keep Alaska’s remote communities and industrial projects supplied when no other overland routes exist. Without this specialized segment of trucking, fuel for homes and equipment, medical supplies, and construction materials would be delayed or impossible to reach in many areas.

For qualified drivers, these routes offer a unique mix of challenge, responsibility, and purpose. If you are ready to take on Alaska’s toughest routes, search truck driver jobs in Alaska and northern regions on TruckDriversUSA and connect with carriers actively hiring for winter and seasonal operations.

The post Ice Road Truckers Salary and Safety: What It’s Really Like Driving Alaska’s Frozen Highways appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“This year’s report delivers a compelling look at national collision trends, exposes the most pressing driving risks facing today’s fleets, and arms industry leaders with advanced strategies to combat these evolving challenges,” Lytx said.

What the Latest Collision Data Actually Shows

The overall picture is mixed, but there are clear signals that drivers and companies should not ignore. Collision rates increased by 4 percent in 2025, which is a noticeable slowdown compared to the sharp spikes seen after the pandemic. At the same time, the most dangerous crashes are becoming less frequent. Severe crashes per mile dropped by 4 percent, while moderately severe collisions fell by 41 percent. Fatality estimates from the National Safety Council support that trend, pointing to a 12 percent decline in motor vehicle deaths even as total miles driven hit record levels. That progress matters, but it does not tell the whole story.

Lower severity incidents are climbing fast. Minor collisions increased by 5 percent, while low-severity crashes jumped 16 percent. These are the kinds of incidents that disrupt schedules, raise insurance costs, and create long-term operational headaches even when no one is seriously hurt. One sector stands out for the wrong reasons. Construction-related operations saw a 28 percent year over year increase in total collisions, making it one of the highest risk environments right now.

Why These Trends Matter on the Road

A drop in severe crashes is good news, but the rise in smaller incidents points to ongoing issues with distraction, congestion, and tight operating environments. Urban driving continues to be a pressure point. The report notes that the four riskiest roadways in the United States are all located near major airports. That lines up with what drivers experience every day in high traffic zones where timing, spacing, and awareness are constantly tested. Seasonal patterns are also holding steady. July remains the most dangerous month to be on the road, reinforcing the need for extra caution during peak summer traffic.

Key Takeaways Drivers and Fleets Can Use Right Now

The report is not just about data. It points to real changes happening in how safety is being managed across the industry. Near collisions dropped by 23 percent compared to last year’s peak, suggesting more proactive intervention is starting to work. Coaching around device use increased by 40 percent, showing a strong push to reduce distracted driving. This is one of the most direct ways fleets are trying to control risk before it turns into an incident. The report also breaks down where and when risks are highest, including specific states, metro areas, and time windows where drivers are more likely to encounter problems.

What This Means Moving Forward

“The 2026 Road Safety Report spotlights not only the significant victories we’ve secured but also the formidable risks that persist,” said Chris Cabrera, CEO, Lytx. “As we reflect on this year’s findings, I urge everyone in the fleet and transportation community to recognize the life-saving power of collective action and the impact we can make. By harnessing data and driving change through technology, we can help deliver on our shared goal of bringing every driver home safely.”

The message is straightforward. Progress is happening, but it is uneven. Reducing high-severity crashes shows that safety investments are working. The rise in lower-level incidents shows there is still work to do, especially in dense traffic areas and high-pressure sectors like construction.

Inside the Data Behind the Report

The findings are based on one of the largest driving datasets available today. Lytx analyzed more than 341 billion miles of driving across 6.3 million drivers in over 90 countries. In 2025 alone, the company reviewed more than 217 million driving events and processed over 126 billion minutes of video through its event recorder systems. That scale is what gives the report its weight. It is not based on isolated incidents. It reflects patterns playing out across the entire industry.

Where to Go from Here

The full Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report goes deeper into collision trends, risky behaviors, and practical ways to reduce exposure on the road. For anyone responsible for safety, scheduling, or daily operations, the takeaway is clear. The biggest risks are shifting, not disappearing. Staying ahead of them will come down to paying attention to the data and acting on it before small problems turn into major ones.

The post Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report Highlights Where Risks Are Rising and Where Progress Is Real appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Gulf Coast storms are different for truckers

The Gulf Coast is built around bays, rivers, and low‑lying marshes, so a lot of the highway network runs through places that flood fast when heavy rain or storm surge shows up. When a hurricane or tropical system rolls through, DOT‑linked traffic maps and state‑run 511 systems often show interstates and frontage roads either closed or running at a crawl. After storms like Harvey, reports show that hundreds or even thousands of trucks were stuck waiting for roads and terminals to drain, which means drivers who were already on the road ended up idling for hours or days.

Federal and state guidance from NHTSA and the National Weather Service treats flooded roadways as no‑go zones, not as stretches you can just roll through. Even a few feet of moving water can lift and carry a loaded truck, so what looks like a shallow pool from the seat can be extremely dangerous. For truckers based in or running through the Gulf Coast, staying legal and staying safe means planning and knowing when to stop, not when to push through at all costs.

Check the forecast before you roll.

Planning around Gulf Coast storms has to be part of your pre‑trip routine, not something you decide on the fly. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center publish real‑time alerts for tropical systems, heavy rain, and flood warnings across the Gulf states, and most metro DOT‑linked traffic sites show active closures and slowdowns. Before you leave the yard, check at least two sources, such as the NWS forecast for your state and a DOT‑linked traffic map that shows where water is already on the road.

If your lane runs through a hurricane watch or warning zone, ask your dispatcher whether there is a written policy on storm‑related delays and whether you are allowed to refuse a run if conditions are unsafe. DOT guidance and CDL safety standards do not require you to drive into known hazardous conditions, and many fleets have internal rules that let drivers push back or reroute when meteorologists issue flash flood or hurricane warnings. Having that policy in the back of your mind gives you a clear, legal way to decide when to stop and when to reroute without guessing.

Decide when to stop instead of pushing through.

When you know heavy rain or storm surge is on the way, the smart move for a lot of truckers is to stop before you hit the worst‑hit area rather than trying to push through. After major Gulf Coast storms, data shows delays caused by flooding and road closures can stretch for hours or days, and drivers who enter flooded corridors often end up stranded or in rising water. Standing water can float a truck, damage brakes and engine, and create conditions where even experienced drivers lose control.

If you see a road‑closed sign, barricades, or a local DOT‑issued closure because of flooding, treat it as a hard stop. Turn around or find a safe alternate route before you reach the water, and write a note in your log and let dispatch know what you are doing. Stopping early might cost you some time, but it keeps you within federal safety rules and avoids the worst‑case scenarios where first responders have to pull drivers out of flooded tractors. It also protects your license, your record, and your standing with carriers over the long haul.

How to pick safer routes around flooded roads

On the Gulf Coast, a lot of the most flood‑prone highways run through low‑lying areas near bays, rivers, and marshes. When these roads go under, higher‑elevation routes on the edges of metro areas often become your best options. DOT‑linked traffic maps and 511 systems typically flag which interstates and frontage roads are wet, closed, or slowed by water, so checking them every one to two hours in a storm is a practical, data‑based routine. If you have to reroute, avoid roads that run between levees, through underpasses, or right along the storm surge zone near the coast.

Look for routes that stay on the high side of metro areas or follow major bridges that are less likely to be submerged. Keep paper maps or a backup navigation app that shows elevation and alternate routes, because cell service and GPS can drop out when power goes down during a major storm. This kind of route planning does not wipe out the risk, but it lowers your odds of getting caught in rapidly rising water on a stretch you cannot see from the cab.

Adjust speed and spacing for heavy rain.

Even when the road is not underwater, heavy Gulf Coast rain makes traction worse and raises the chance of hydroplaning. Federal and industry guidance recommend driving at least 5 to 10 mph below the posted speed limit in steady rain and increasing your following distance to around seven seconds instead of the normal four. That extra space gives you more time to react if the truck in front slams on the brakes, if a lane suddenly pools up, or if another vehicle stalls in standing water.

Never use cruise control in heavy rain, because it can hide the moment your tires lose grip. If your trailer starts to sway or your cab feels light on the road, slow down gradually and keep the wheel straight until you feel the tires bite again. CDL manuals and federal safety rules stress that you must reduce speed when conditions are unsafe, and in extreme cases, you are expected to stop driving until the road is passable. Sticking to those rules helps you stay on the right side of both the law and your own safety on slick Gulf Coast roads.

What to do if you get stuck in rising water

If you find yourself in water that is rising fast, the safest move is to get out of the cab as soon as you can do it safely and move to higher ground. Do not count on the truck being able to push through because of its size; even a few feet of moving water can lift and carry a loaded semi. Once you are on dry ground, call dispatch, your insurance, and local authorities if you are in a life‑threatening situation. After the storm passes, have your truck inspected for water damage to the brakes, wiring, and engine before you drive it again, because components that soaked in floodwater can fail later when you least expect it.

Build a storm-ready routine for Gulf Coast runs.

Truckers who run the Gulf Coast regularly can cut their risk by treating storm season like a normal maintenance cycle. A basic storm‑ready kit should include extra food and water, a paper map of your common lanes, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a portable charger, and a change of warm clothes. Make sure your wipers, tires, lights, and brakes are in good shape, because heavy rain and standing water put extra stress on everything you rely on. Before each shift, check the forecast for your next 24 to 48 hours, mark at least two safer routes for each key metro you run, and know where the nearest rest areas, truck stops, and emergency shelters are along those corridors. That routine does not make the weather perfect, but it gives you a clear, legal, and safety‑focused plan every time coastal storms hit the Gulf Coast.

The post How truckers in the Gulf Coast can handle coastal storms and flooded routes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Focusing on Values and Safety

Barrs opened his address by highlighting integrity as the cornerstone of the trucking profession.

“What are the values of your drivers? What are the values of your company?” Barrs asked. “For me, it has to be faith. It has to be family. It has to be my community, responsibility, and service. I have to live by those principles every single day as I go through and lead this organization. We have a lot of work to do. We’ve done a lot of work over the last few months, but that’s just the beginning of the things that we have planned and the things that we need to do to help clean up the mess.”

His comments underscore the FMCSA’s focus on creating a safer and more professional trucking workforce by ensuring that new drivers receive proper training before getting behind the wheel.

Challenges in the Current CDL Training System

The discussion turned to entry-level driver training. Barrs noted that all prospective CDL holders must complete training through an approved provider, but some programs are failing to meet standards.

“But as we found out real quick after I got here, that’s a problem,” he said. “Some providers were not meeting those standards. Some could not demonstrate that the training was even being delivered.”

Since his appointment, Barrs said the FMCSA has removed more than 7,000 providers from the registry and continues to address what he calls “bad actors.”

“To be honest with you, I would just as soon go through and just clear all of them out and start all over again,” he said. “We have a systematic problem here that we have to work through to ensure … we are putting the right drivers behind the wheel of commercial motor vehicles.”

Why Proper CDL Training Matters

Barrs stressed that professional driver training is essential for safety and credibility in the industry.

“Training is where professionalism begins; it’s the foundation,” he said. “If the foundation is weak, the structure above it is also compromised.”

“Carriers deserve confidence that when they hire a newly licensed driver, the driver has been properly trained,” he added. “Everyone traveling on local American roads deserves assurance that when someone earns a CDL, it represents real competency. The truckload sector is too important to allow weak standards, and there’s more work to be done.”

He also emphasized that earning a CDL should reflect genuine skill, not just paperwork.

“We all understand — or we should understand — that your CDL actually should mean something,” he said, noting that “fly-by-night” training providers and less-than-reputable carriers give the entire industry a bad name.

“Your CDL should represent real training, real qualifications, real competency — and it must be issued in a way that is consistent, resistant to fraud,” he said.

Looking Ahead

While no official plan to start from scratch has been confirmed, Barr’s remarks indicate that the FMCSA is exploring all options to improve oversight of CDL training providers. Drivers and fleet managers can expect stricter standards, more accountability for training programs, and continued efforts to ensure that new CDL holders are prepared for the road.

The post FMCSA’s Barrs Eyes Major Updates to CDL Training Provider Registry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Mack Protect combines radar, cameras, and smart detection algorithms designed by Mack to help drivers avoid accidents or reduce their impact. It now provides expanded safety coverage, including forward- and side-looking pedestrian recognition.

Alex Lee, senior product manager for vocational and medium-duty vehicles at Mack Trucks, explained how the system works for everyday driving. “The system includes a camera in the windshield, along with radar units in the front bumper and passenger side. It offers forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with an adjustable time gap, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed-limit sign identification with overspeed alerts, and right-side lane-change and blind-spot support with pedestrian and bicyclist detection.”

Lee also described how the alerts communicate with drivers. “If a pedestrian or vehicle is detected, a warning lamp flashes on the A-pillar. It glows orange as the truck gets closer and beeps and turns red if the vehicle gets too close. The radars are designed to cover a 102-inch width and track objects between 150 and 250 meters in ideal daylight highway conditions.”

With Mack Protect now available on medium-duty trucks, MD Series drivers gain the same advanced safety features that heavy-duty drivers rely on, helping reduce collisions and enhance confidence on the road.

The post Mack Trucks Brings Protect Safety System to MD Series for Medium-Duty Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Safety and Convenience for Drivers

“Amenities like lighted parking lots, bathroom access, and on-site security are not simply matters of convenience; they are essential to ensuring women’s safety and wellbeing,” Williams said. “Serious safety implications exist for the broader public as well. When trucks are forced to park in unmarked and unauthorized locations, such as along highway ramps, it creates hazards for truck drivers and motorists alike, contributing to thousands of crashes each year.”

Truck Parking Challenges Impact Earnings

Finding safe parking is more than an inconvenience. Federal data shows that nearly all drivers, 98 percent according to a USDOT study, experience difficulties locating secure spots. Research from the American Transportation Research Institute indicates that drivers lose roughly 56 minutes of drive time each day because of this issue. Over the course of a year, this amounts to about 6,813 dollars in lost wages for the average trucker.

A Critical Need for All Truck Drivers

Truck parking is a basic safety necessity for the nation’s 3.6 million drivers, including hundreds of thousands of women. Williams said secure, well-lit parking spots help drivers rest safely at the end of long shifts. “This is the least we can do for America’s essential workforce,” she added.

Building on Existing Momentum

Women In Motion highlights that recent federal efforts have already addressed truck parking. The 2021 surface transportation bill supported the construction of roughly 2,000 new spaces. Earlier this year, the fiscal year 2026 transportation funding bill allocated additional funds specifically to expand truck parking. Williams encouraged Congress to continue building on this momentum for meaningful long-term investment.

“We urge Congress to build on this momentum by paving the way for meaningful, sustained investments in truck parking in the next surface transportation bill,” Williams said.

The post Women In Motion Urges Congress to Expand Truck Parking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why the Change Matters

Many states previously allowed CDL tests in multiple languages, even though drivers were still required to demonstrate proficiency in English. For example, California offered tests in 20 different languages. Officials note that some third-party companies hired to administer CDL exams were not consistently enforcing the necessary standards.

Strengthening Oversight

The new English-only rule is part of a broader effort to improve safety in the trucking industry. Federal agencies will now more closely monitor CDL schools, inspect trucking companies, and ensure that drivers meet all qualifications.

Previously, trucking companies could register with minimal verification, and audits might not occur for more than a year. This system sometimes allowed carriers to bypass regulations. The updated approach requires stricter registration checks and more frequent inspections.

Officials emphasize that these changes are intended to support drivers, carriers, and the motoring public by making sure that every commercial driver has the skills needed to operate safely on U.S. highways.

What Truck Drivers Need to Know

• All new CDL applicants must now take their tests in English.
• Third-party CDL examiners will be held to stricter standards.
• States will enforce compliance to make sure drivers meet English proficiency requirements.
• The rule is designed to improve safety and help professional drivers operate with confidence.

Transportation authorities also state that these efforts complement ongoing initiatives to verify CDL school standards, ensure the accuracy of electronic logging devices, and improve the oversight of trucking companies.

By requiring English proficiency, regulators aim to make the highways safer for truck drivers, bus drivers, and all road users while supporting professional standards in the commercial driving industry.

Source: The Trucker

The post All Truckers and Bus Drivers Will Now Take CDL Tests in English appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.