Five habits that can lead to a happier life on the road (or anywhere else). Part 2

In Part 1 I talked about going on an Information Diet and Giving Back. In Part 2, I conclude with three more practices that can lead to a happier you. On the road or anywhere else.

Feed Your Mind

Learn about something new. “But I don't have time to read." You are wrong about that. The opportunities are virtually endless. There are literally thousands of audio books available. iTunes now has complete lecture series from major colleges and universities on virtually any topic. iTunes also has thousands of podcasts created by hobbyists, writers and professionals. These are free as well.

You may not realize it, but you are always learning. Most of us don't choose what we want to learn even though the information is probably available. So, we learn about how bad the economy is or about how dangerous it is to go out in our city because of the gangs. From that we learn lack and limitation and fear. We learn about how most things we really want are beyond our grasp.

Start deciding about what to feed your mind and you will discover that you live in an abundant universe and are limited only by your own thoughts.

All it takes is an iPod (or mp3 player), an Internet connection and deciding to choose what to learn. If you don't like the ear buds that come with the iPod, get a converter that will play through the radio or tape deck. 

Get a Portable Hobby

Another area where the possibilities are endless. A hobby can cost anywhere from free on up. A driver friend restores old airplanes. Impossible if you are driving a big truck? My friend can prove otherwise. When he isn't driving, he is locating rare parts or supplies online. Or restoring small parts in the sleeper. He does the big stuff when he is home.

I see many drivers complaining that they are bored. They might be sitting at their terminal or in their tractor at a delivery, pickup or at the truck stop. They are sitting and doing nothing. Folks do that in jail too. Gets boring fast.

Get on the Internet. Write a blog. If you are reading this, you already have everything you need. There are many blog sites like this one that will host your blog for free. 

Got a problem with a spare tire? I’ve seen drivers working out with dumbbells at truck stops. Or going for walks. Fold-up bicycles are available. Combine walking or cycling with photography. Put you photos on your blog. I do. If you get really good at your hobby, you could turn it into a business. 

Focus on What You Want

Ask 100 people, “What do you really want," and probably less than ten will be able to tell you. How would you answer that question?

If your answer was, "I don't know," or similar, this is for you. 

Next fuel stop or re-supply at Walmart, get a notebook. Yes, you can use Word, Notepad or TextEdit on your computer. But, writing it down on a piece of real paper is different. You can pick it up; hold it in your hand. It is “real" and not just an idea.

Then spend thirty minutes just brainstorming. Make a list of everything you can think of. If it pops in your mind, write it down. Nothing is too wild, outrageous or impossible to be on this first list.  Think back to when you were a kid. What did you daydream about? Put it on the list. Think of yourself as being in an imaginary store that has everything. You just got permission to pick anything you want and can have/do/be it if you can write it down.

After thirty minutes stop writing. Its time to do some editing.

Take a look down your list. All of the things on the list came out of your head. Pick five or ten things that are your favorites. After you pick these five to ten items, write them down on a blank page. Don't use word like can’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, impossible, etc. while you are making your short list.

Slowly read your picks. Ask the question, “How could I ..." followed by each item. Is there one or two that sound or feel better than the rest? Close you eyes and create a mental movie of what it would be like doing, having or being each of your top two or three picks. Try and make each one like a Technicolor movie with sounds and even smells. Is there one that seems brighter, more vivid, more “you" than the others? There will be one that in some way stands out from the rest. Circle that one and write it down near the top of a new page.

Next, write out this sentence. “How could I (get/do/be) ___________. 

If some ideas come to mind, write them down underneath the question. Do this the same way as the first list. Don't rule anything out. Just write it down. 

Then, keep asking yourself that question. Get a dry erase marker and write it on your windshield. Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to the ceiling of your sleeper. Write it on a card and tape it to your alarm clock so you see it when you go to bed and get up.

If you can find a picture of someone doing/having/being what you want, make it your wallpaper on your computer. Print it out and tape it to the dash, on the paper over your bunk and the card on your alarm clock.

Keep asking the question and writing down the answers. Sooner or later you will discover something you can act on. Go ahead. Take the first step. Take that action. Keep repeating and don't stop until I tell you to.

Five habits that can lead to a happier life on the road (or anywhere else). Part 1

I decided to write this because I see and talk to a lot of unhappy and bored drivers “out there” on the road. I began asking myself why this is. Then I remembered that for a while, I was one of those negative, unhappy drivers myself until I made some changes. What did I do?

I went on an “Information Diet.”  I found some ways to “give back.” Found a portable hobby. Discovered some ways to “feed” my mind. And, I began to regularly focus on what I want.

Go on an Information Diet

In The Four Hour Workweek, author Tim Ferris talks about going on an information diet. Photographer Ken Rockwell wrote an article about media in general from an insider’s view. Both came to the same conclusion from different directions. Most of the information on the news, in television and on the radio is totally useless. It is almost always about something we either can't change or doesn't have any impact on us.

Your brain is limited in some ways. Most of us have about 50,000 thoughts a day on the average. We can best use those thoughts if they are directed in ways that are meaningful or help us attain specific goals. So, it doesn't make sense to use up some (or a lot) of thoughts on things we can't change or don't impact us.

Ken Rockwell is involved in the media business. He explains in his “Tv Makes You Stupid” article that most network media is designed to do one thing. Keep you involved long enough to watch commercials and register with rating services. Higher ratings mean they can charge more for advertisements. This includes any kind of program including the news.

An executive of one of the major news networks was criticized for the lack of “news" his network’s newscasts. He replied that the criticism was not valid since his broadcasts have nothing to do with news. He explained they exist to entertain, not inform.

Mr. Rockwell went on to say that no one he knows who is in the media business watches or listens much because they know that most of what is available is junk or inaccurate at the best. He added that movies are different because they have to be good enough to entice you to make the trip to the theater and pay for the tickets.

After a few months on an information diet you will start realizing that most of what is on the tube or radio is about what you don’t want, can’t have or should be afraid of. You will notice that you will far less frustration because you won’t be thinking about stuff you can’t change. Like what the fools are doing in the Capitol.

If it is important, you will hear about it and maybe do something besides just complain. Like right a letter or make a phone call to your representatives.

Give Back

Get two or more drivers (or just two or more people) together and usually sooner than later the topic turns to how bad things are. Sometimes the conversation turns to the, “If you think that’s bad, let me tell you about my company (my city, my wife, my kids) - the themes are endless. 

Where does all of that “bad" stuff come from? Maybe the news? See the Information Diet above.

The truth is, if you are jobless, living in a one-room apartment and are forced to pay for your groceries with food stamps, you are much better off than over 90% of the people on the planet. And if you go back in time, you are probably better off in many ways than even kings and queens of the past. 

The best way to appreciate the gifts you have been given is to find a way to give back to those who have less than you. Yes, that is hard on the road. But, you could do things like volunteering a day a month to serving at a soup kitchen or the food bank at home. Aren't home that often? Do it once every six weeks or even once a year.

If you go on the Information Diet, you will have some spare time and will be looking for things to do with the time you used to spend on watching I Love Lucy reruns.

You might consider something as simple as going on line and giving with a couple of mouse clicks. There are sites like The Hunger Site (www.thehungersite.com) where you can donate food, books and to other great causes just by clicking on a button. That’s right, it costs you nothing but the time it takes for the pages to load.

“But, I don't know about any service organizations in my home area." Ask your wife, next-door neighbor or stop by the parish or church office. Ask around and you will probably find dozens of opportunities to give back.

So, what do you get in return? You get some things that are priceless. Like self esteem. The more of “you” that you put into giving back, the greater your return. So, try to put something personal in your giving back. A morning or afternoon at the soup kitchen may do more good for you than any of the people you go there to serve.

Continued in Part 2

HOS Violations and You

Maintaining accurate and complete records of your Hours of Service (HOS) has been a part of trucking for a long time. With CSA-2010, this becomes even more important. But, only if you want to continue making your living driving. 

So, what can D.O.T. do if you are found in violation on HOS? 

At the bottom end of the scale, an enforcement officer or agency can simply shut you down until you are legal. You will be told to park and not move until you have met HOS requirements. If you are in violation of the “Ten Hour Rule,” you won’t be able to move until you complete a ten hour break from driving in the sleeper or off duty. If you are in violation of the “Seventy Hour Rule,” you will be parked for thirty-four hours before you can move.

In addition to being shut down, state and local enforcement agencies can fine you for being in violation of the HOS rules. This will vary from location to location and by agency finding you in violation.

FMCSA may also levy fines against you and/or your company. FMCSA fines can vary from $1,000.00 to $11,000.00. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the FMCSA’s judgment of the severity of the violation. Note that this is a civil action, not a criminal action.

If lots of the drivers who work for you company violate HOS rules, your company’s safety rating could be downgraded. 

Finally, you could be criminally charged if you willingly and knowingly violate HOS rules. If your company allows or requires you to violate HOS rules, they can also be criminally charged. Note that a criminal charge and/or conviction are far more serious than a civil charge. Penalties can range from fines, probation and even prison time if found guilty.

What can you do? 

So, what if you are just bad a math or make a lot of mistakes on your logbook? Could you prove that you are just a goof? Would an enforcement agency cut you a little slack if you had your third grade teacher testify that you just couldn’t get the math stuff? 

I don’t think a “stupid” defense will convince anyone except maybe your mother-in-law and your attorney. Maybe your wife if you’ve been married for a while. Otherwise, get out your checkbook.

It might be cheaper to make sure your logbooks are right to begin with. If you want to be certain, consider using a program like EZ-Log. It can make sure your math is right every day. Plus, it will tell you exactly how many hours you have available on your “Seventy” before you begin your driving day. All in less than five minutes a day. Go to here to find out more.

EZ-Log Help Movie Posted

Just a quick note to let you know about the new video posted at the EZ-CSA2010 web site. It briefly gives a description of the built in help system in EZ-Log.


Unlike most programs that make you open a separate help window or even go to the internet to find help, many of the screens in EZ-Log feature a pop-up help system so you shouldn't have to leave the program to get more information on how to do something.


Don't forget to Subscribe to EZ-Log News Letter because current subscribers will save $20.00 when EZ-Log final is released.


You can also view the video here.  


Ez-Log Help Video


Thanks for watching!

Never Get Another Speeding Ticket.

“If you don’t like what you are getting, change what you are doing.” 

I’ve applied this principle to many areas of my life and it always works.

I’ve thought about this topic a lot and had some reservations about posting because the answer is so simple and obvious that some of you will say things like, “That is so stupid.”

But, here goes.

If you feel like you are a Ticket Magnet, ask yourself, “What is causing all of those tickets?” Do you get speeding tickets because you are in the wrong place at the wrong time? Are you unlucky and happen to get pulled over by officers who happen to have a “thing” for drivers? The list could go on.

The “real” reason is you were speeding. Speeding is the number one cause of speeding tickets. Doh!

When I'm tempted to speed, I remember a simple rule. Even if I speed, I’ll still probably be late. And if I get pulled over for speeding, I'm guaranteed an hour or more of additional delay while the officer does his paperwork and looks at my rig and paperwork for opportunities to issue more tickets. 

I have found that when I think I'm behind schedule and might be late, it is better to call and let “them" know. Call as soon as you think you are going to be late. Besides being a common courtesy to my customer/dispatcher, it also takes a lot of pressure off of me. After I make the call, I'm concentrating on the road instead of worrying.

Four Kinds of Speeding

Two kinds of speeding have to do with going faster than the posted speed limit. The third kind is situational and can get you a speeding ticket even when you are going much slower than the posted speed limit. Last is the new favorite, the Photo Enforcement Zone.

Posted Zones 

There are two kinds of posted speed zones. There are normal street and highway speed limits, which fall into the first kind. Then there are the “special” speed zones like school and construction zones.

When you are driving in normal speed zones most officers will allow a bit of “cushion.” That means you can go a little faster than the posted limit and you probably won’t get pulled over for speeding. But, remember, five miles an hour over the posted speed is different in a twenty-five mph zone than it is in a sixty-five mph zone.

Special Enforcement Zones

School and construction zones are special in the context of speeding. In many jurisdictions, these are rigorously enforced because of the increased risks and hazards. So, a zero tolerance policy has been adopted in these special zones. And with good reason because accidents in special zones are more often associated with speeding.

The best practice is to drive at or below the posted speed in special zones. 

Reasonable and Prudent

Reasonable and prudent refers to a test that an officer or judge can use to justify a ticket and fine. Roughly translated, it means that given road, weather or traffic conditions, an officer can issue a speeding ticket even though the driver may be going way under the posted speed limit.

An example might be driving sixty-five on a clear highway with no traffic where the posted speed is seventy. But, there is ice or snow on the roadway. Or, a car is stalled in the slow lane and there are pedestrians standing on the roadway. 

The law says that a citation can be issued when you go faster than a hypothetical reasonable and prudent would drive given the conditions at the moment. 

Years ago, I was in Texas and it snowed the night before. Just a light dusting of an inch or two. And it stuck on the blacktop. I was driving and had adjusted to the conditions. Two drivers blew past me as though it was a summer day. I shook my head in disbelief.

A few miles later, one of them was jack-knifed in the center median, a Texas State patrol car already there and the officer was writing up the ticket(s). Five miles later, the second one had skidded off the road and was in the bar-ditch on the right side. The driver was standing in the snow looking at his rig in disbelief. 

Were those drivers speeding? Not according to the posted speed limit, which was seventy mph. Were they driving at a speed that was “reasonable and prudent?” I don’t think so, given the road conditions. 

Photo Enforcement Zones

Photo enforcement began as a tool used to catch drivers running red lights. Then photo enforcement evolved to catch speeders on streets and highways. The idea is simple. Either a roadbed sensor or radar detector measures the speed of passing vehicles. When the speed exceeds a programmed limit, special cameras take pictures of the driver and license plates. The pictures are collected, license plate numbers are matched to the registered owner and a citation is printed and mailed to them.

If the face in the picture is not the registered owner, the ticket can be disputed. But, the name of the person behind the wheel has to be revealed so the ticket can be reissued. That includes your company if they get a Photo Enforcement ticket for the truck you were driving.

Photo Enforcement leads to some strange and even humorous driving. Locals, used to camera locations will go fast between cameras, then slow down when getting close the next one. Sometimes things like shadows cast on the road that look like roadbed sensors cause drivers to abruptly slow down. Some drivers slow to a crawl as though they don’t know what the real speed limit is. Speeders slam on the brakes when the flash tubes go off.

Photo Enforcement is supposed to make roads safer by slowing down traffic. Mostly it only slows down traffic near the cameras. Most locals quickly learn where the cameras are and adjust quickly.

To avoid an electronic speeding ticket, don’t speed in front of a camera. Doh!

In summary, this is what I put into practice to avoid getting speeding tickets.

Always be aware of what the posted speed limit is. "I didn't see the sign," usually isn't a good excuse. If you are a professional driver, you are expected to know this. Or, come up with a really original excuse.

Under normal conditions, know the “real" limits. What I mean is to adjust your speed to match the circumstances. In California, the posted speed limit for Big Trucks is 55 mph. In rural areas, a driver can go up to about 62 mph without attracting attention from the local “Smokey." In urban areas it is better to slow down. 

In special enforcement zones like school and construction zones, stay at or below the posted limit.

Adjust your speed when special conditions exist. Like for weather, traffic and other conditions that make it dangerous to drive at the posted speed limit. It is far better to be late than to risk damaging or destroying your load and equipment. 

Or worse if your actions lead to hurting innocent people. That includes your family if you do something that causes you to loose your license and means of supporting them.

Just Say Thanks

Today I want to talk about a change in driver’s habits that I’ve seen changing over the last five years. The change is in drivers helping other drivers make lane changes.

You are driving on a four-lane highway. The truck ahead of you is running slower than you. You signal and pull over into the “hammer lane.” As you pull ahead of the slower truck, the driver of the slower truck briefly turns off his headlights when it is safe to make the lane change back to the right lane. 

Then, as you move over or after you are back in the right lane, you either put on the four-ways or blink your running lights as a way of saying, “thanks for your help.”

At night the “standard” was for the slower driver to briefly turn his headlights off. During the day, the slower driver would turn his headlights on, if they were off. If they were running with the headlights on, they would either briefly turn them off or flash the high beams.

In 2005, this happened 98% of the time one truck passed another. It was just one of the standard courtesies of the road that professional drivers extended to other professional drivers.

Changes on the Highway

Over the past couple of years, I see fewer and fewer drivers using the headlights and running lights to help other drivers. If I had to venture a guess, this only happens 60% to 65% of the time.

The other negative change I’m seeing is at night. In 2005, I would never see the slower driver flash the high beams at night to signal the faster driver it was now safe to change lanes. Sure, some four-wheelers would do it out of ignorance, not knowing they should flick the headlights off. Or, if they did, were afraid of not being able to see that brief moment the headlights were off. 

But, professional drivers never used their high beams to signal at night because they knew the faster driver would be looking at the mirrors. And they knew that using a high-beam signal was unpleasant (at best), or dangerous (at worst) as it diminishes night vision. 

The first time I passed a Big Truck at night and the driver flashed his high-beams to signal that it was OK to change lanes I was surprised and angered that a professional driver would to that to another professional driver! My reaction is still surprise and anger when it happens now. Some of my anger comes from the temporary night blindness that always follows afterwards.

If you are a driver who does this, please don’t use your high beams at night to signal it is safe for me to change lanes. If you don’t feel safe turning your headlights off briefly to signal, either don’t signal or flash your running lights. The purpose of signaling is to help the faster driver make a SAFE lane change. During the day, sure, go ahead and flash the high beams. I don’t mind a bit.

Why?

I asked myself why the change in the way professional drivers use their lights to signal lane changes. So, I decided to do some research to see if I could come up with reasons for why these changes are occurring.

It’s Taught in Driving Schools.

I found out that some driving schools are teaching students to signal with high beams! This caught me off guard because I couldn't believe that a school would actually be teaching an unsafe practice! The instructors teaching this probably haven’t actually driven and are teaching out of textbooks instead of from actual experience on the road!

Perhaps this is an example of, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach?” If you are an instructor teaching foolishness like this, please spend a couple of nights on Donner passing some of your students. One or two nights like that will change you forever. Assuming you survive, of course.

Cell Phones

Some states now have laws making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving. Or, they require drivers using cell phones to use a headset or other “hands-free” device. I’ve noticed more professional drivers using cell phones in these states than before the law was passed! Maybe they figure they are “above it all?”

The odds of getting a “safe to change lane” signal from a driver holding a cell phone to their ear after passing them is pretty low. Are you trying to reach that light switch with your knee? 

A recent study shows that head set or not, using a cell phone while driving significantly increases response time in emergencies. It’s not about having both hands free; it’s more about what's going on inside the head that is controlling the hands. It’s like having twenty programs open on your computer and wondering why it is running slowly.

I Didn’t Know.

More drivers are going straight from school to the road with no Mentor Program. Driving schools do a great job at one thing. Getting the student ready to pass the state CDL exam. If it is not on the exam, it isn’t taught. As a result, new drivers with fresh a CDL are given keys to a tractor and let loose in the highway without the benefit of driving with an experienced driver.

More foreign nationals who bring their culture with them are now driving commercial vehicles. Many of them were professional drivers and bring the driving culture from home as well as language, diet and clothing preferences.

I Don’t Care Anymore.

I’m convinced that many seasoned drivers are frustrated. I know that I’m tempted not to signal at times when I pass and the driver doesn’t signal a safe lane change.

I made a decision, to flash the running lights even when I don’t see the driver signal a safe lane change. Why? First, I might have missed the signal. I’m not perfect and may have missed seeing the signal. Second, I don’t want to get in the habit of not flashing. Third, I hope that flashing will encourage the “I didn’t know” drivers to pick up the habit of courtesy. Monkey see, monkey do.

If you are one of the “I Don’t Care Anymore,” drivers, I encourage you to get back in the habit of signaling safe lane change to drivers passing you and flashing a “thank you” to drivers you are passing. If you are opting out because some other drivers aren’t reciprocating, you are actively contributing to this problem.

Be a Teacher.

The best way to lead or to teach is by example. Make sure that what you do “out there” is the best it can be because someone is always watching and learning from your examples.

Average Speed and EZ-Log (Part 2)

This is a continuation of the discussion started last post on the importance of being aware of your average speed on logbooks. To recap the first post, excessive average speed can mean a driver was speeding or falsifying logs by under reporting driving time. Both are bad for your CDL!

D.O.T. Company Audits

Lets say, a driver for your company is terminated. Maybe that driver wants to cause some problems because he has a grudge. So, the driver contacts D.O.T. anonymously and says your company overlooks unsafe driver practices or forces drivers to violate Hour of Service regulations. Under certain circumstances this could trigger a company audit by D.O.T.

When D.O.T. conducts a company audit, they like looking at driver’s logs. Yes, your company audits your logs and gives you that little report every month listing the violations they found.

You can bet that the D.O.T. auditor will find more. Average speed will be looked at because speeding is considered a safety concern. Usually, D.O.T. will not audit every single driver’s logs. They are most interested in drivers who have lots of violations found by your company’s internal audit. This is like having a red bulls-eye on your file folder. It tells the D.O.T. auditor “lots of potential revenue here!”

If you fish, think of it this way. You don’t throw the line in just anywhere there is water. You know luck won’t be on your side fishing in the pool at your local Holiday Inn. So, you don’t bother. You go places where you know there will be lots of fish to catch. The auditor thinks the same way. Why bother with the drivers who don’t have many violations.

The auditor has a ticket book handy and will issue citations to drivers for violations including speeding. Even when the violation occurred many months in the past! 

Points Forever?

Before CSA*2010, getting a speeding ticket meant getting “points” against your CDL. Prior to 2006, CDL drivers could attend Traffic Safety School in lieu of points. No different that for non-commercial licenses.

Changes in the law, eliminated the option of Traffic Safety School and “points” remained for three years before dropping off. That ended having your friend go on-line and taking the test for you. (I knew a driver who did this for about 5 speeding tickets over about 5 months in California.) When the law changed you were stuck with points for three years if you got a speeding ticket.

Now, with CSA*2010, “points” do not drop off as easily. Now, getting “points” against your license is more like getting a tattoo after a night of tap beer and tequila shots. You wake up with a splitting headache, dry mouth and promising yourself you'll "never do that again!"

Get 12 points and your license is suspended for a month. Each time you get 12 points, you also get a 12-point “notch” on your gun. These 12-point “notches” are also permanent. Earn yourself three 12-point notches and you are permanently banned from driving a commercial vehicle. Well, maybe you could get a driving job in Peru, Afghanistan or Siberia. In the U.S. and Canada you can probably rule out driving a taxicab. 

So, what is the solution? You don’t have control over anything except what you do in the truck you are driving and your logbook. With the advent of GPS equipment tracking, PrePass and stricter law enforcement your logbook really can’t be a work of fiction. If it is, you are risking your career as a professional driver. Even if you are an independent owner-operator, don’t use PrePass and a GPS recorder tracks none of your equipment, your logs are subject to audit.

The EZ-Log Solution

Look at EZ-Log as an inexpensive way to prevent many of the common problems that would cause an auditor or officer to question what is in your logbook. No, EZ-Log won’t help you “cheat” the system. What it will do is eliminate many common problems. Like simple math errors, lack of good records and not planning ahead. 

EZ-Log can help you plan ahead and avoid problems like accepting loads that can’t be done legally. With an iPhone or portable GPS, it is easy to plan multiple day trips. Ever think you have more time that the time actually available? Ever sleep in when you should have been driving because your mental estimate was off?

Just a reminder. Go to www.ez-csa2010.com and sign up for the EZ-Log newsletter before release and save $20.00. Plus you will be notified when this Blog is updated. Thanks for reading.