Saskatchewan Government Insurance to focus on commercial drivers in August

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund, said on Friday that traffic enforcement in August will focus on commercial drivers.

SGI, law enforcement officials, the Ministry of Highways and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association are all striving to create awareness that all motorists need to share the road safely, SGI said in a press statement.

“Even though operators of large commercial vehicles aren’t at fault for the majority of the collisions they’re involved in, their sheer size and weight can cause massive destruction,” said Earl Cameron, vice president of the SGI’s Auto Fund. “It’s important that commercial drivers are alert and ensure their vehicles meet all safety requirements.”

On average, 19% of traffic fatalities in Saskatchewan involve a large commercial vehicle, even though they account for less than 5% cent of the vehicles on the road, SGI reported. In 78% of fatal crashes involving a large truck, the action taken by the driver of the other vehicle was the major factor contributing to the collision.

SGI stressed that commercial drivers remember the following tips to ensure they get to their destination safely:

• Complete proper pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is in good operating condition;

• Ensure the vehicle is within the allowed height and weight limits to prevent damaging roads, bridges and other infrastructure;

• Signal well in advance when planning to turn or change lanes, especially turning right, as some drivers may have to swing wide into a second lane;

• “Hang up, buckle up and be alert” to the actions of oncoming drivers and other drivers at intersections’

• Pull over when feeling tired – it could truly be a matter of life or death; and

• For long-time drivers: review the Professional Driver’s Handbook to keep up with new laws and responsibilities as a professional driver.

“It’s not only important for commercial drivers to take precautions,” noted Al Rosseker, executive director of the provincial trucking association. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – other drivers also need to know the safety implications associated with larger vehicles, and how to share the road safely with them.”

Large commercial vehicles require more room and time to complete manoeuvres, SGI pointed out. Common collisions involving commercial vehicles include rear-end crashes, right-turn crashes involving vehicles on the same road, left-turn crashes involving an opposing vehicle on the same road, and sideswipe crashes.