Learning from Texas DPS in Baytown
On Friday, March 7, our Law Enforcement Partners with the Texas Department of Public Safety, gave a great presentation and conducted two level 1 inspections for our Baytown team. Valuable knowledge was received, and relationships were created and continued. Thanks to Corporal Ortega, Trooper Shaw, Trooper Duong, Trooper Pak, and Trooper Feliciano for their part in this valuable Safety Meeting. Events like this assist in our ultimate goal of making our people and our roadways safer.
Houston Safety Management Council Safety Event
At Coastal Plains Trucking, we consistently work with Law Enforcement and the Industry Safety Professionals to make our roadways safer. We'd like to extend a big thank you to the Houston Safety Management Council for bringing us together every month to collaborate in this critical area of protecting our communities and our people!
Safety Corner
We completed the third quarter of 2024 with significant reductions. The engagement and execution of the entire Coastal Plains Trucking team is driving these results and making CPT safer.
• 70% reduction in total speed percentage.
• 35% reduction in over 75 MPH.
• Lowest CSA scores in more than 3 years.
• 25% reduction in total preventable accidents.
• 10% reduction in preventable harsh brake events.
As we take the final journey of 2024 in the relentless pursuit of continuing improvement, animal strikes have started to increase. When an animal presents itself, make sure the braking is controlled and maintain the lane. No animal is worth your life or the lives of anyone around you. Following distance events have also increased and will be addressed individually. Stay back and see it all.
Together we will continue to make CPT safer. Thanks for what you do every day! - David Lapora
Keys to Navigating Busy Roads
Greetings to all!
The season is upon us for family gatherings, hectic present buying, and busy people all around with the year coming to an end. This means more traffic on the open road.
As we use our 5 Keys to guide our way through other distracted vehicles safely, always remember the 3 primary objectives of the Smith System: SPACE, VISIBILITY, and TIME.
SPACE - leave space for the vehicle in case another car has an error or even yourself, giving you enough room to adjust.
VISIBILITY - for the driver to be able to see ahead and around the vehicle for relevant objects.
TIME - to react and make well thought out decisions.
Always remember to have a minimum of a 6-second following distance in fair weather conditions. Leave yourself an out in case a situation demands it. This means you should have the front and one side of the vehicle open in case you must safely maneuver and adjust.
You are the captain of your ship and not a follower in the pack!!!
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!!! Here’s to a safe ending to 2024! - Oscar Salazar
Safety Corner
On May 10, 2024, representatives from the Wyoming Highway Patrol visited our Wright, WY terminal. Following a safety presentation, the team conducted a level 2 inspection for our drivers. We appreciate the strong relationship we have with our law enforcement partners. The more than 40 drivers in attendance gained valuable knowledge from the troopers who protect our highways. We learned about ways we can support our law enforcement partners by fulfilling our obligation to keep our highways safe. Special thanks to Chris Stewart, Mark Kittelson and Richard Morrison of the Wyoming Highway Patrol for coming and working with us. - David Lapora, CDS
Summer Safety Tips
Summer presents unique safety challenges for liquid bulk transportation due to increased temperatures, higher traffic volumes, and the potential for severe weather events. As a result, we should pay careful attention to common safety issues encountered during this time of year.
1. Heat-Related Issues
Equipment Stress: High temperatures can cause wear and tear on vehicles and equipment, leading to potential breakdowns or malfunctions.
Cargo Temperature Sensitivity: Many liquid bulk materials are sensitive to temperature changes, which can affect their stability and safety. For example, flammable liquids may have lower flash points, and certain chemicals may react or expand.
Driver Health: Heat exhaustion and dehydration are significant risks for drivers, affecting their concentration and reaction times.
2. Increased Traffic and Road Construction
Holiday Traffic: July is a peak vacation month, leading to higher traffic volumes and congestion, increasing the risk of accidents.
Road Work: Summer is a prime time for road maintenance and construction, which can cause delays, detours, and confusion on routes.
3. Severe Weather Conditions
Thunderstorms: Summer thunderstorms can occur with little warning, leading to hazardous driving conditions such as reduced visibility, slick roads, and flooding.
Hurricanes: In coastal regions, July marks the beginning of the hurricane season, necessitating heightened awareness and preparedness for severe storms and potential evacuations.
4. Environmental Concerns
Spill Risks: The combination of high temperatures and increased transportation activity can elevate the risk of spills and leaks, posing environmental hazards.
Regulatory Compliance: Summer months often see increased regulatory scrutiny and inspections, requiring companies to stay vigilant about compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
5. Increased Fatigue and Distractions
Extended Daylight Hours: Longer days can lead to extended work hours and increased fatigue for drivers.
Distractions: With more outdoor activities and events, drivers may encounter more distractions on the road.
Addressing these safety issues involves proactive measures such as adhering to maintenance schedules, comprehensive driver training and retraining, constant vigilance, strategic route planning, and robust emergency response protocols. By understanding and mitigating these risks, we can help ensure safer operations during the challenging summer months. - Keith Gabreleski
Spring 2024 Safety Challenges
While celebrating our successes, we must also remain vigilant about safety. Spring brings its own challenges, and our priority is to ensure the well-being of our drivers, staff, and cargo. Here are some key safety considerations for Spring 2024:
1. Weather Variability
Spring weather can be unpredictable. From sudden rainstorms to gusty winds, our drivers must stay informed and adapt to changing conditions. Regular safety briefings and updated weather alerts are crucial.
2. Road Maintenance and Construction
Spring is prime time for road repairs and construction projects. Our drivers should exercise caution in work zones, follow detours, and maintain safe speeds. Let’s prioritize communication with dispatch to avoid delays.
3. Fatigue Management
Extended daylight hours can lead to longer shifts. It’s essential that our drivers get adequate rest and adhere to Hours of Service regulations. Fatigue compromises safety, and we must encourage responsible scheduling.
4. Seasonal Allergies and Health Awareness
Spring allergies can affect our drivers’ well-being. Encourage them to manage allergies effectively and seek medical attention if needed. Additionally, let’s promote overall health awareness, including mental health support.
Complacency: Our Silent Foe
Amidst our achievements, we must guard against complacency. Success can breed a false sense of security, leading to oversight and shortcuts. Let’s remember that safety is a continuous journey, not a destination. Vigilance, training, and adherence to protocols are our shields against complacency.
As drivers in specialized fields such as cryogenics, crude oil, fuel, sand, and water transportation, your role is critical to our industry’s success. However, complacency can pose significant risks. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid incidents due to complacency:
- Stay Alert: Routine tasks can lead to complacency. Stay focused during loading, unloading, and delivery procedures.
- Continuous Training: Keep learning about safety regulations and best practices. Complete your monthly training.
- Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle before and after each trip.
- Avoid Distractions: Use technology wisely and avoid distractions from mobile devices.
- Mindful Driving: Avoid rushing and maintain safe speeds, especially in adverse weather.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Fatigue contributes to complacency. Prioritize rest breaks.
- Report Near-Miss Incidents: Share experiences and learn from near-miss situations.
Our Collective Responsibility
As Coastal Plains Trucking continues to thrive, safety remains our collective responsibility. Let’s support one another, communicate openly, and prioritize safety at every turn. Together, we can navigate the challenges of Spring 2024 and continue to deliver excellence.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Challenges Ahead
Our company has experienced a significant surge in business demand, and our dedicated team has risen to the occasion. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our achievements and address the safety challenges that lie ahead.
Following Distance
Following too closely can reduce, if not eliminate, visibility and the time needed to make defensive driving decisions. The recommended following distance at any speed during dry weather is 6 seconds. Your following distance must be increased during bad weather. To maintain a safe distance takes constant adjustment on a driver’s part and, over time, eventually becomes a habit. We don’t drive like most of the motoring public because we are defensive and professional. When we drive, we protect ourselves and the motoring public around us by consistently keeping a good following distance. Creating space gives you visibility, which will give you time to make life-saving decisions.
Hats off to everyone at Coastal Plains Trucking for keeping us all safe. Let’s continue to deliver every load on time, safely, and for a profit.
Trending UP
Team: It is a pleasure to work with professionals and we are trending in the right direction for 2023!
Here are some executed results as of August 2023:
- 51% reduction in Accidents compared to the same time in 2022.
- 31% reduction in Injuries compared to the same time in 2022.
- 77% reduction in Spills compared to the same time in 2022.
- 6% more Clean Inspections compared to the same time in 2022.
Let's continue to tally positive trends in everything we do to ensure every load is delivered safely and on time!
-David Lapora
Safety Meeting
At Coastal Plains Trucking we continuously strive to be the safest Motor Carrier every day. This relentless pursuit of safety begins with our Professional Drivers. To assist our Professional Drivers in that quest, our law enforcement partners from the West Texas office of Texas DPS conducted a safety meeting on January 19, 2023. During the meeting we acquired valuable insight on regulatory adherence and safe operation on our roadways. A special thanks to Trooper Ruiz and Trooper Rodarte with Texas DPS for sharing their time and information. We appreciate our continued partnership with Texas DPS!
Safety Corner
We are off to a great start in 2023. Our Professional Team Members are working together to make Coastal Plains Trucking safe every single day. There have been changes and we are implementing the changes together with positive results.
Let’s keep doing the right thing every day!
As your Safety Director I am very impressed to see these positive results. Let’s continue our commitment to ensuring we and those around us are always safe. The industry we are in can be very dangerous at times and it takes everyone working together to stay safe. Thank you for your hard work!
-Dave Lapora
Don’t wait! Hydrate!
With high temperatures comes the importance of staying hydrated. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Drinking fluids must be continuous before, during, and after your shift.
SUMMER SAFETY
Even though the end of summer approaches, intense heat will continue so do not forget to take precautions against heat-related illness. Watch yourself as well as others for any warning signs such as confusion, nausea, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. Our stewardship responsibility is to protect ourselves, our team, and the general public from unnecessary danger. Be aware and cautious in and near school zones, buses, and additional traffic for the school season.
Along with heightened awareness around heat-related illness, COVID-19 is also still a big concern and needs to remain front of mind. New variants can create sudden surges in cases. It is important to not drop our guard and to take precautions as needed, especially if you are going to be in crowded indoor spaces. Utilize face masks, vaccines, boosters, and social distancing as much as you can.
We should all be proud of the work we have done in finding the Intersection of Excellence, “where safety and production meet.” It requires the efforts of every team member, every day, to execute excellence. The success of the company is dependent upon our entire team, from professional dispatchers to professional mechanics to professional drivers to professional supervisors. Continue to trust in each other to make sure we hit the “Intersection of Excellence.”
OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE SAFETY
As we transition through 2022, we will continue our focus on safety. While on the road, we are constantly responsible for keeping the motoring public safe, keeping ourselves safe, keeping our customers safe, and staying compliant with the Federal, State and Local regulatory requirements. As transportation professionals we agree that to accomplish our responsibilities we must remain vigilant and always keep safety in focus. This is how true professionals operate. 
Our relentless pursuit of continuous improvement will keep us at a level of best in class. To remain at this level, we must have collaborative relations in all areas of our business, and we must consistently look for opportunities to improve.
With all of us working together we will keep this organization safe and fulfill our commitment to keeping everyone around us safe. I look forward to working with each and everyone here at Coastal Plains Trucking! - David Lapora, Director of EHS and DOT Compliance
10 WAYS FOR DRIVERS TO STAY HEALTHY ON THE ROAD
In addition to their safety, truck drivers should be concerned about health and fitness. There are lifestyle changes that truckers can make to live healthier. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging for truckers because they may not have the options or resources that people in other professions have, but living a healthy life on the road is possible. Follow these 10 tips to keeping a healthy routine.
1. Eat breakfast every day
Eating breakfast gives you the energy to start your day, prolongs your need to eat lunch and keeps you moving throughout the day.
2. Snack on healthy foods
Snacking on healthy foods throughout the day will help you cut down on meal portions. Healthy snack options that truckers can take on the road with them include hummus and veggies, hard-boiled eggs, dried fruits, mixed nuts, jerky, string cheese, dark chocolate, yogurt
3. Eat more leafy greens
Eating leafy greens two times per day will increase your focus They also help lower cholesterol and preserve your vision, an important aspect for truckers.
4. Drink a lot of water
Drivers should be drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day.
5. Don’t consume more than 2 cups of coffee per day
Coffee may help truckers stay awake but consuming too much caffeine isn’t good for anyone. Following all these other steps while getting an adequate amount of sleep should reduce the need for a lot of coffee.
6. Cut soda out of your diet
Soda dehydrates the body and is bad for your teeth. There are so many healthier beverage options including water, juice and tea.
7. Get enough sleep
Truck drivers should sleep for at least 7 hours per day in a dark and quiet place. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1 in 5 deaths on the roadway are caused by drivers who fell asleep while driving.
8. Take a rest every two hours
To avoid restlessness while driving, take a short break every two hours. Pull to a rest stop and grab a snack or just stretch your legs and do some simple exercises.
9. Avoid fast food
Try to avoid this unhealthy option at all costs. If you must go through a drive-thru, make a healthier food choice such as a salad or avoid the salty sides.
10. Exercise
Drivers should exercise at least three times per week. While stopping for rest, drivers can take a short, 15-minute jog or fast-paced walk. These exercises do not require any equipment and can be done anywhere. If you need some direction, there are tons of workout routines on YouTube.
No matter how important a load, truck drivers shouldn’t neglect their health and fitness. Following these tips should be an easy way to live healthier.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS
It's important to adjust your driving for the conditions on the road. Here are four tips for driving this fall.
DRIVING IN FOG
Make sure when driving in fog you can be seen by others. Ensure your headlights are on, but do not use your high beams. High beams reflect off the water vapor in the air making it more difficult for you to see.
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
A safe following distance is four seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should at least double that following distance in the rain or fog and during the winter.
LOOK FURTHER
Don't get focused only the vehicle in front of you, keep an eye out further down the road - up to 4-5 cars ahead. This helps you see hazards or dangerous parts of the road before the vehicle in front of you gets there, giving you more time to react safely.
REGAINING CONTROL IF YOU BEGIN DRIFTING
Drifting can happen many ways, but you can regain control of your vehicle. If your car begins to drift, don't panic! Carefully turn the wheel in the direction of the drift and this will help slow the drift so you can steer out of it without over correcting. Once you've slowed the drift, turn against the drift to straighten out your vehicle and regain control.
