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74 • SEPTEMBER 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Instituting a fleet motor vehicle safety program DIVISION OF WORKERS ' COMPENSATION TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE The act of driving or riding in a motor vehicle, in and of itself, places workers at increased risk of suffering serious injury or death. In an effort to reduce the potential for vehicle accidents, all motor vehicles shall be kept in good operating condition and shall be equipped with appropriate safety equipment. Drivers and passengers must obey World Fence News Offers OPTIONS! For over 29 years, fence, gate and access control professionals have relied on World Fence News (and our annual buyer's guide, The Fencer's Almanac) as their No. 1 source of industry information. These two publications bring the latest news on the People, Products and Projects of the Fence Industry to 10,500 North American fence contractors and suppliers. World Fence News and The Fencer's Almanac have always been distributed in convenient and easy to read printed format, and that will not change. Because despite popular perception, 93 percent of all American adults read print magazines and newspapers*, and prefer them to e-magazines for reading longer, more in-depth articles, such as those that we offer. Additionally, surveys show that 96 percent of those under 35 years old and 97 percent of those under 24 years old read magazines and make purchasing decisions based on advertising that they see in print. 2013 Edition of The Fencer's Almanac August 2013 World Fence News In order to offer World Fence News readers and advertisers even more options, both World Fence News and The Fencer's Almanac may now be found in digital format at www.worldfencenews.com. All ads and editorials that are contained in the regular printed edition of World Fence News and The Fencer's Almanac are contained in the electronic issues. There is no charge to access the site, and it is designed to further extend the reach of World Fence News and The Fencer's Almanac! (Suppliers, if you would like information on how to make World Fence News and The Fencer's Almanac a major part of your advertising and PR program, contact managing editor Rick Henderson at 800-231-0275 or via e-mail at editor@worldfencenews.com.) * Magazine Publishers Association all traffic laws when operating or riding in a vehicle. Drivers shall practice the following safety tips to promote good driving: • Stay alert at the wheel. Do not drive more than three hours at one time during the day or two hours at one time during the night without a break. • Avoid driving more than 8 hours within one 24-hour period. • Avoid distractions (radio, cell phone, eating, etc.) giving driving full attention. • Always drive defensively, scanning the road ahead as well as objects to the side and rear of the vehicle. • Know, understand and respect local and state driving regulations and laws. • Keep vehicle in safe operating condition. • Avoid driving when sleepy, ill, upset, or angry. The following safety equipment is required on all Texas (and many other states') automobiles, vans, and trucks and must be maintained in good operating condition at all times: • adequate rear view mirrors, • safety belts, • windshield wipers, • horn, • correctly adjusted headlights, • brakes with adequate stopping power, • emergency brakes, • turn/directional signals, • tires with adequate tread, • brake lights, • tail lights, • license plate light, and • approved exhaust/muffler system. Maintenance and upkeep of required safety equipment shall be given a high priority for attention. The appropriate supervisor shall take prompt action to correct deficiencies noted. If such corrections cannot be accomplished in a timely fashion, the vehicle in question is to be taken out of service until repairs can be made. Special attention should be given to the following items: • Brakes: Check to see that the pedal stays well above the floor when stepped on. If the vehicle pulls to one side when you use the brakes, or there are scraping or squealing noises, the brakes may need to be repaired. • Lights: Check for burned-out bulbs and clean the light lenses often. Dirty headlights can cut your night vision by one half. Burned-out signal lights or brake lights do not allow other drivers to know what the vehicle is doing. • Windows and Windshields: Keep the glass clean, inside and out, to continued on page 76