Overtaking

• Do not try to overtake unless it is very necessary for you to do so.

• not overtake on narrow roads at a bridge and at places where overtaking is prohibited.

• Never overtake unless you are sure that you can do so without endangering yourself or any-one else.

• Allow other vehicles to pass or overtake you, when they desire to, as and when the road and traffic conditions permit you to do so. Unnecessary racing for fun should be avoided.

• Never accelerate when being overtaken.Some Duties Of Drivers/Owners Of Motor Vehicles Duty to obey traffic signs. Overtake only on the right, unless the driver in front of you has signaled that he is turning right.

• Do not overtake when you cannot see the road ahead, at a corner or a cross-road or around a bend.

• Beware of "Go Ahead" signals given by persons other than the driver.

• Overtake only when there is no on-coming vehicle and when sufficient space lies ahead.

• Overtaking during night is more dangerous, take more care.

Crash Reporting

One of the most common oversights identified in the national review of crash reports was a unification of enforcement regulations and crash data collection guidelines that were intended to be applied independently. Although the enforcement and crash data collection efforts support one another under the umbrella safety goal, they differ in their application. The enforcement effort involves action by application of a set of codified regulations (FMCSRs) under a controlled environment such as a roadside inspection. The crash reporting effort involves collection of data from a population of vehicles defined in the selection criteria. (See Examples Below)

Identification Process

The information for the motor carrier responsible for the trip on which the crash occurs should be recorded on the crash report. This may or may not be the company on the vehicle door or trailer. In order to determine the carrier responsible and locate that carrier's information, it is important to utilize all the sources of information available. A procedural approach to accurately obtaining the information should include the following sources.

• Examination of the side of the vehicle. (See Below)
  

• of the driver. (See Below)
  

• Examination of the shipping papers or bus manifest for this trip can provide the name of the motor carrier responsible for the load, but is not a good source for the USDOT.

Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010

The purpose of the CSA 2010 initiative is to develop more effective and efficient methods for FMCSA, together with industry and state partners, to achieve its mission of reducing commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes, fatalities, and injuries.
Key Features of CSA 2010 are to:

• Increase the opportunity to have contact with more carriers and drivers;

• Use more and better data to improve performance measurements for identifying high risk carrier and driver behaviors; and

• Apply a wide range of interventions to correct these high risk behaviors before they become chronic and habitual.

If you have any questions or comments about the CSA 2010 initiative, please send us your feedback.

Driver Fatigue Monitoring in Onboard Recorders – Initial Assessments

This study builds off previous research and takes information regarding driver alertness state and integrates it with electronic onboard recorder data to provide carrier management real-time fatigue monitoring data. This data will help to predict and educate drivers to obtain adequate rest before operating a commercial motor vehicle. This information can also be used to guide individual rest and napping breaks while assisting carrier management in developing company rest policies.

Safety Effectiveness of Speed Limiters

Understanding speed as a highway safety issue necessitates accurately defining the relationships between speed limits, travel speeds, and safety. Additional data is needed to evaluate adaptive speed control systems for altering vehicle speed based on roadway conditions and the appropriate speed limit. Joining before-and-after test focusing on the safety benefits of adaptive speed systems provides an important opportunity for FMCSA and carriers to work together on research design and implementation efforts, with the shared objective of improving safety. This type of testing requires a commensurate effort to collect and share valuable data. In addition, FMCSA would facilitate testing and information sharing by developing a systematic way to collect and evaluate data from before-and-after testing that would typically exceed the available resources of industry stakeholders. As a result, the purpose of this project is to identify safety impacts of adaptive speed control technologies for adjusting vehicle speed to the posted speed limit. This project will be conducted in cooperation with NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Indirect Viewing System and Related Tests

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and FMCSA have a joint project underway with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) involving the use of Camera/Video Imaging Systems (C/VISs) in large trucks to improve visibility. Both mirror surrogates and enhancements are being studied and tested. Mirror enhancements provide the driver with images that are presently unavailable from standard mirror configurations (e.g., elimination of blind spots). Mirror surrogates provide the driver with the same or similar images that are available from standard mirror configurations. In the first part of this project, the tests are limited to conventional video systems, with cameras at appropriate locations on the exterior of the vehicle and with video monitors in the cab at locations that have been selected on the basis of human factors considerations and preliminary testing.

The second part of this project is directed at enhancing C/VISs for night and poor visibility conditions. Following this part of the project, further development of the enhanced C/VIS is planned, so that it can operate reliably outside of a controlled setting (i.e., Smart Road) and to test it in an over-the-road setting field test.

Third-party Insurance

If you select Released Value, some movers may also offer to sell or obtain for you separate liability insurance. The cost of this insurance is not included in the basic move and must be purchased separately by you. This is not valuation coverage governed by Federal law—it is optional insurance regulated by State law.

If you purchase this coverage, the mover remains liable for the amount up to 60 cents per pound per article; but the rest of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company up to the amount of insurance you purchased. Your mover is required to issue the policy or other written record of the purchase and provide you with a copy at the time of purchase.

You also have the option of purchasing insurance from a third-party insurance company. Before purchasing insurance, check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you're already covered.

Automotive Parts And Components

The automotive parts and components industry in KwaZulu- Natal consists of approximately 100 firms, employing 18,000 workers, and contributes an estimated 1.3% to the province's gross geographic product. The industry produces a wide range of components for the OEM market and the after-sales spare parts market. Products include glass, brake components, looms, hoses and piping, rims, springs, exhausts, pressings and castings, and belts and accessories.

The motor industry development programme (MIDP) has been in existence for a number of years, providing the framework of government policy within which the automotive sector can rationalise its imports, exports and local production. The MIDP attempts to rationalise the number of models assembled locally and to increase exports of fully assembled vehicles and components.

The MIDP as currently structured is scheduled to continue until 2007. In view of the long product development cycles in the auto industry, current uncertainty on the official future policy position is a possible deterrent to expansion.

Auxiliary Power Unit

APU’s provide a larger array of comfort features for drivers looking to reduce idling. APU’s can provide heat, air conditioning, power for household electrical devices and engine heat. Most devices combine a small heater, a compressor for air conditioning and an alternator. APU’s may be powered by diesel fuel directly from the tractor fuel tank, or by a bank of rechargeable batteries. Diesel driven APU’s can operate for 5 hours or more on a single gallon of diesel fuel. Costs for these devices can range from $3500 to $9000, but are typically in the $6000 to $7000 range. For a partial list of manufacturers and device specifications, please visit the SmartWay website at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway/idlingtechnologies.htm. For locomotives APUs automatically shut down the main locomotive engine idle while maintaining all vital main engine systems at greatly reduced fuel consumption.

Motor Carrier Operation Three

This refrigerated carrier is a large national operation based in the mid-south with 2,400 total employees. The workforce consists of 2,100 drivers and a staff of 300 operations/support staff.Driver turnover rates at this company were quoted to be in excess of 200 percent. This company is very interested in wellness programs as the recently appointed president believes health affects every part of the business. They have not, however, figured out how to reach the driver with wellness programs. They do provide a $200 wellness benefit for all employees and do develop and distribute a newsletter.

Regional Transport Statistics 2006

The Department for Transport has today published Regional Transport Statistics: 2006 Edition.

This National Statistics publication brings together a wide range of transport statistics for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at Government Office Region and former Metropolitan County level.

Regional variations are complex, particularly because of the widely varying local circumstances. In particular, these include differences in economy, population structure and density, and transport systems. London, in particular, is very distinctive in transport terms.

A wide range of tables, maps, charts and summary points are presented in the report covering the following areas:

* Personal Travel, including a selection of regional information from the National Travel Survey;

* Public Transport, including tables using information collected from public transport operators and maps of the Department for Transport's 2004 Accessibility Indicators;

* Road Vehicles, including stock and first registrations, and vehicle crime;

* Road Traffic, including traffic and traffic speeds by region;

* Roads, including road lengths and road condition by region;

* Road Safety, including regional casualty figures for different types of road users;

* Freight, including road goods moved and lifted by origin and destination, and freight traffic at ports;

* Air, including passenger and freight movements by region;

* Other relevant data, including regional population, household numbers and economic data.

Further £7.5m allocated to tackle congestion

Nine areas across England will share £7.5 million to help them develop innovative plans to tackle local congestion and inform the debate on a national road pricing scheme, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.

The money comes from the second round of an £18 million fund, set up in July 2005, awarding pump-priming in advance of the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF). The TIF money can be used to improve public transport, offering alternatives to car use and more choice for the travelling public.

Today's new funding will support local authorities who are developing proposals for local pilot road pricing projects. These will help inform discussion on a national road pricing scheme, providing experience on the ground and ideas about how road pricing technology will work.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said:

"Congestion has significant costs to the economy and environment, causes delay and frustration or motorists and it is forecast to get steadily worse over the next ten years. We must act now.

"Road pricing has the potential to cut congestion by nearly half and we need to explore how well-designed schemes can help us with our congestion problems. We are clear that the first step on this path is helping local authorities to establish local pilots, which will inform our thinking on a national scheme. Today's announcement is another step along that path."

Six areas which received funding under the first round are being awarded further funds:

Cambridgeshire

Durham County Council (for Durham City)

Greater Manchester

Shropshire County Council (for Shrewsbury)

Tyne and Wear

West Midlands conurbation

In addition, three new areas bid successfully:

Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and the surrounding counties;

Reading;

Norfolk (for Norwich)

Douglas Alexander added:

"Today's announcement brings to ten the number of areas across England giving serious consideration to local road pricing schemes. I am delighted with the work that the first seven have done to date, and was pleased that so many more authorities showed they are willing to engage with us in finding real solutions to their congestion problems."

The Government will work closely with these authorities on this developmental work. The three new areas will be invited to join the Road Pricing Local Liaison Group. This group is responsible for developing a consistent approach to road pricing - looking at technical standards, design and scheme appraisal.

Destination Downing Street

To mark the introduction of the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill, No10 Downing Street became a scheduled bus destination for the day. Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander and Local Transport Minister Gillian Merron joined the Prime Minister to welcome a group of older and disabled people who arrived outside the famous front door by bus.

The guests represented a cross section of the 11 million older and disabled people in England who will be able to take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel in every area of the country, from April 2008.

The Prime Minister said:

"I am delighted to welcome people from all over the country to Downing Street this morning who will benefit from the new bus fares scheme. From 2008, disabled people and those 60 and over will be able to travel anywhere in England - not just within their local authority - for free, at off peak times.

"I know many people have pressed for this countrywide scheme - and it was good to have the chance to speak to people today about the difference it will make."

Douglas Alexander said:

"The extra £250 million the Government is investing in free bus travel will give even more freedom and independence to millions of older and disabled people."

The new National Concession will address the concerns of bus users who, until now, got free travel only within their own local authority area, or within Greater London for Londoners

Douglas Alexander added:

"Whether travelling locally, or when visiting other parts of the country, older and disabled people will have even greater access to vital services such as hospitals and shops, and will be able to stay in touch with friends and family".

At the reception, the group of older and disabled people also met the Government's Transport Spokesman in the House of Lords, Lord Davies of Oldham.

Modernising Operator Licensing: The way forward

The licensing system for operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles will be streamlined and modernised, Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman announced today.

The proposals follow a consultation process and form part of the Department for Transport's commitment to provide better regulation of the road haulage and passenger transport industries, outlined in the 'Future of Transport' White Paper.

Dr Ladyman said:

"I want to cut red tape for the road haulage and passenger transport industries whilst maintaining safety standards. These proposals will reduce administrative burdens associated with licensing and build upon efficiency improvements already made by the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA)."

The changes include:

* a single traffic commissioner for operators based in more than one traffic area;

* a simplified fee structure with most licence fees being merged with the fee for annual roadworthiness tests;

* a commitment to abolish windscreen discs after the roll-out of new enforcement technology.

Overall these changes are expected to save the industries around £15 million a year.

Progress on the Future of Air Transport White Paper

Secretary of State for Transport Douglas Alexander today reported the progress made in implementing the policies and proposals set out in the Government's 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper.

The White Paper set out a long-term strategy for the sustainable development of air travel to 2030, recognising the growing aspirations to travel and the economic benefits that it brings while tackling the environmental challenges.

The progress report reaffirms the Government's commitment to the strategy set out in the White Paper, that is, support for the development of the aviation sector across the UK, predominantly through making the best use of existing capacity, and ensuring where new capacity is required its provision is in line with our environmental obligations.

As part of this, the Department is today announcing a new mechanism to help inform decisions on major increases in aviation capacity. The 'emissions cost assessment' will consider whether the aviation sector is meeting its external climate change costs. The Government is expected to consult on the development of this assessment in the first half of 2007.

Mr Alexander said:

"There has been increasing awareness since the White Paper was published of the need to ensure that the aviation industry grows sustainably. The Government has also recognised this as a priority. The progress report confirms our intention that aviation should meet its climate change costs and should limit noise and pollution at airports across the country.

At the same time, we must ensure that the UK has the airport capacity it needs to enhance its economic performance."

Other achievements detailed in today's report include:

* Progress within Europe on including aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme.

* Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Act, strengthening powers over the control of aircraft noise and local air quality.

* Industry progress in reducing the noise of the airline fleet and in addressing local air quality issues

* Improvements to passenger facilities at airports across the UK.

* Establishment of better dialogue between local communities and airport developers as a result of the publication, for the first time and after local consultation, of airport 'master plans'. These documents provide a basis for ensuring that measures to address noise, air quality, impacts on biodiversity and heritage, and issues of blight are properly considered, clearly set out and taken forward in an open and inclusive way.

* Launch of a Government scheme for offsetting all official flights.

The Government will also shortly be bringing forward proposals to make it simpler for air passengers to offset the carbon emissions arising from the flights that they take by setting out a government standard for how such schemes should operate.

Feedback on improvements

The survey also reveals the measures that help passengers feel more secure. People waiting for or traveling by bus for example, felt that locally monitored CCTV surveillance was the most reassuring form of security; while those who traveled by train felt that the presence of staff on the platform or collecting tickets on board the train made them feel more secure. In both cases, passengers said that the provision of Help Points, clear signage and improved lighting was particularly welcome.

Information about services and delays also improves people's comfort. Passengers felt that accurate, real-time information displays and public address systems help them feel more in control of their situation.

It is also worth noting that people often feel at their most vulnerable during the walk home from the bus or train - especially at night. So having local street maps, clear signage, taxi ranks or private hire operators with public premises nearby helps to reassure passengers, particularly when they are in unfamiliar locations.

Community rail - new life for local lines

The rail services on the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Lowestoft and between Norwich and Great Yarmouth via Acle and Berney Arms have been designated as community rail services, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today.

The designated services allow for a more flexible approach to be adopted by the train operating company (One) working alongside the local community rail partnership. This enables them to manage the services with greater emphasis on meeting local needs.

The designated services link at Norwich to the rest of East Anglia and with Central Trains services providing travel opportunities to the entire UK network.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said:

"Designation of the Wherry Line services as community rail services is good news for passengers. It will ensure that management look to meet local needs at an affordable price, encouraging involvement from local stakeholders."

Andrew Chivers, Managing Director for 'one' said :

"We welcome the designation of the Wherry Lines to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft with Community Rail status. The routes have benefited from a successful Community Rail Partnership over a number of years, which has helped to effectively promote the route, encourage extra rail travel and involve the community more closely. Designation is the logical next step to help us continue to increase rail journeys on these important routes and 'one' will play its part in fostering further success over the years ahead."

Peter Lawrence, Chairman,The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership said:

"The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership are pleased about the
designation of Community Rail Status by the DfT. We will continue to
seek improvements in publicity and enhancements to the current level of rail services and fares for all the local communities and visitors. It
is our aim to be proactive in helping local villages, towns, business
and attractions to get more from their local rail services and to work
with 'one', the County Council and other transport operators in
improving access to destinations from all Wherry Lines rail stations".

New Chief Executive for Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The Department for Transport today announced the appointment of Peter Cardy as the new Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. He will succeed John Astbury who retires from his post as Acting Chief Executive of the Agency in May 2007.

Peter Cardy's appointment follows an open competition. He joins the Agency following five years as Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, and brings to the job over 30 years of experience in senior executive positions.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Cardy said:
"The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has a vital role in keeping the ships and the seas of the UK safe. Shipping accounts for a huge proportion of our trade; the sea and our coasts are an essential economic resource as well as an important recreational asset. I look forward to working with all the staff of the Agency, including the volunteers in the Coastguard Rescue Service, to protect the sea and all those who use it."

County Fleet

The County Council Fleet of 435 vehicles is made up of cars, vans, minibuses, accessible cars and minibuses, and mobile libraries, as well as winter maintenance vehicles (gritters) and other specialist plant vehicles and items.

Approximately 200 of these vehicles are employed on a daily basis, carrying school and college students and clients in receipt of care packages.

MAIB warn fishermen of the danger of tiredness

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has today alerted fishermen to the dangers of tiredness while working. In a move aimed at improving safety at sea the MAIB has issued a flyer urging fishermen to take fatigue seriously.

The warning has been issued following the publication of the MAIB's report into the stern trawler Brothers BF138, which grounded and sank off the north coast of the Isle of Skye on 1 June 2006. The accident resulted in the death of the two crew members.

The investigation discovered that the vessel probably grounded due to one of the crew falling asleep in the wheel house. This meant that the vessel continued on autopilot past the prawn fishing grounds and ran aground on the rocky shore.

Stephen Meyer, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents said:

"Prawn fishing is generally done during good weather and fisherman will work very long hours to make the most of it. This accident clearly shows the importance of being alert at work and ensuring that fisherman have regular and substantial breaks."