North American fleets head into the weed(s)
AUSTIN, Texas – North America’s trucking industry finds itself in the midst of a growing drug problem. The same marijuana being legalized across Canada and select U.S. states is still banned by the federal government in the U.S. What remains is a legal quagmire, and carriers are still trying to determine what the details all mean.
Drivers face tougher tests with legal marijuana
MILTON, Ont. – Cross-border truck drivers who already face drug screening are not the only ones who face restrictions under Canada’s new framework for legalized recreational marijuana. Impaired driving rules have been refined at federal and provincial levels, said Alex Bugeya of Frontline Commercial Vehicle Solutions, during a presentation hosted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).
On-road charges, enforcement practices changing
MILTON, Ont. -- The rules of engagement have changed when it comes to the charges Ontario drivers can face – as have the people who might lay the charges in the first place. As of last week, Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement teams expanded their focus beyond speed limiters to include charges for outright speeding, Frontline Commercial Vehicle Solutions’ Alex Bugeya told fleet managers during a presentation hosted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).
Want to spot brake defects? ‘Bend at the waist’
Brakes are a focus of roadside enforcement officers every day of the year, but the focus will intensify later this month during Brake Safety Week. Scheduled for Sept. 16-22, the week coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) combines education initiatives and inspections alike, depending on the jurisdiction. It has traditionally allowed enforcement teams to shine a light on a variety of systems and issues.
Will in-cab cameras survive privacy challenges?
TORONTO, Ont. -- Canada has a lot of workplace privacy legislation on the books, some of which can be applied to driver-facing cameras. Some jurisdictions seem favorably disposed to the video monitoring of operators (drivers) in safety-sensitive positions, while others suggest cameras might be OK, as long as no other reasonable mechanism exists to achieve the same results.
Mary J 101: What really happens to you when you consume cannabis?
Legal cannabis in Canada now has a birth date. As governments, law enforcement, and fleets gear up for Oct. 17, we’re looking at what happens when you consume a cannabis product. Pop culture would have you believe you’ll get a little lazy, a little giggly, and you’ll be reaching for your favorite snack. But what happens really? And, more importantly, how does it affect your ability to drive?
Michelin applauds B.C. for increasing weight limits on super singles
VICTORIA, B.C. –Michelin North America is lauding the B.C. government for increasing the load limits on “super singles.” The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure increased the load limits for new-generation wide-base single tires (also known as super singles) that are size 455/55R22.5 from 7,700 kilograms to 8,500 kilograms last month – making them equivalent to those trucks using dual tires.
Class D changes effective July 1
TORONTO, Ont. -- July 1 marks Canada Day, but in Ontario it will also mean tougher standards for renewing Class D licences, as the province brings related medicals and knowledge and vision tests in line with other commercial classes. Class D licence holders up to 80 years old will now be subject to a Class D knowledge test and vision test every five years, when they renew their licences. Air brake knowledge tests for a Z endorsement will occur at the same time. Drivers 65 to 79 years old, with three demerit points or an at-fault collision on their record, will have to take a road test as well. Medical reports will have to be submitted every five years for those under 46, three years for those 46-64, and annually for those 65 and older. Forms will be mailed to licence holders 90 days in advance of the due date.
More updates to HoS coming say ELD analysts
TORONTO, Ont. – Geotab trucking experts say more changes to Hours of Service (HoS) regulations in the United States are coming. “The only thing we can tell you with any certainty is that it will change and it is changing,” said Geotab associate VP, commercial vehicle solutions Scott Sutarik.
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