Driving can be hazardous at any time, but the dangers can be magnified when a wildfire strikes. Smoke, reduced visibility, road closures, and rapidly changing fire conditions pose serious risks to motor carriers and commercial drivers. Learn how to prepare for active wildfires and help protect your vehicles and employees using our motor carrier and driver safety tips below. For further assistance, please contact our Loss Control Department at 800-782-8902 x3805 or safety@lancerinsurance.com.
WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTOR CARRIERS
Wildfires pose numerous hazards for motor carriers, their employees, and their equipment. Commercial motor vehicle companies operating in or near wildfire-affected areas should review the following precautions to help protect employees and vehicles from wildfire dangers:
Prepare Your Organization
Monitor wildfire conditions. Stay informed on wildfire activity using sources like the Fire Information for Resource Management System US/Canada (FIRMS US/CANADA), National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the Watch Duty app, and local emergency services. Pay attention to wildfire warnings and heed all state and local evacuation advisories.
Remind employees of key elements of your company's emergency preparedness plan related to wildfires. Make sure all personnel have a clear understanding of protocols, designated evacuation routes, and communication procedures.
Download a printer-friendly version of our WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS and distribute it to your team. By remaining cautious and following these essential guidelines, drivers can help minimize risks when traveling through wildfire-affected areas.
Prepare Your Vehicles
Cancel or re-route trips. Avoid sending any vehicles into areas where a wildfire burns uncontained.
Fill vehicle fuel tanks. Power outages and fuel delivery delays could result in fuel shortages in areas affected by wildfires.
If your facility is located within the path of an active wildfire, relocate any vehicles that are not in service. Move these vehicles out of harm’s way if you are safely able to do so, to prevent damage or loss.
Establish a communication system that requires scheduled contact times with your drivers so they can be updated on conditions. Have a backup communication plan in place in case primary systems fail. Enforce your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.
WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS
(Download a printer-friendly version of these tips.)
Heavy smoke and ash from wildfires can pollute air quality and create dangerous driving conditions. Drivers can minimize the risks when traveling through wildfire-affected areas by being extra vigilant and taking the following precautions:
Complete a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection (49 CFR 396.13). Pay close attention to the windshield wipers, washer fluid, lights, and reflectors. Also, check the air filters and HVAC system to ensure they are functioning properly.
Carry an emergency kit on board. Pack essentials such as a cell phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an extra fire extinguisher, emergency triangles, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary prescription medications.
Map out your route carefully before departing. Identify alternate routes in case of road closures due to fire or heavy smoke. If you are using a global positioning system (GPS) or navigation app, make sure it is tailored for commercial motor vehicles and has up-to-date, vehicle-specific mapping information.
Include wildfire reports in your travel preparations and monitor conditions along the way as wildfires can spread rapidly, crossing roads and waterways. Pay attention to warnings and follow all state and local evacuation orders. Apps, such as Watch Duty, provide real-time updates and alerts to keep users informed.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Motorists being diverted from road closures in wildfire areas can increase traffic congestion along other roadways.
Limit your exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and cause breathing difficulty, especially for those with heart or lung conditions. Keep vehicle windows closed and switch the air system to recirculate mode to minimize smoke inhalation. If you need to step outside, wear a N95 respirator or KN95 mask to reduce exposure to harmful particles from wildfire smoke. Stay alert to air quality reports and use common sense when driving.
Keep all windows, mirrors, and headlights clean. Even light smoke can cause visibility to be impaired. Drive with headlights on low beam and use fog lights if the vehicle is so equipped.
Slow down and maintain a proper following distance. A reduced speed and more space allow time for a safe response should a hazardous situation develop. Higher traffic volumes and the presence of wildlife fleeing the fire can increase accident risks.
Be mindful of sirens and flashing lights, yielding to emergency vehicles. Also, look out for advanced warning signs and emergency messages on the road regarding nearby fire risks.
Remain cautious of lingering hazards after a wildfire has been contained. Smoke can persist for days or weeks, reducing visibility and air quality.Additionally, damaged roadways, downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris can continue to pose risks for drivers long after the fire is out.
