West Virginia Bans Texting While Driving
On April 3, 2012, West Virginia governor Earl Tomblin signed a bill that makes texting while driving a legal traffic offense beginning on July 1 of this year. This means that whether or not you’ve committed any other traffic offense an officer can stop you and give you a ticket for texting on your phone. The new law also prohibits hand held phone use while driving after July 1, 2012 with the same lack of ’cause’ restrictions. Up until that time, however, you cannot be stopped for using a handheld cell phone unless you are committing another traffic offense.
Solar Gard Protects Drivers From Skin Cancer
Solar Gard has a new window film that protects drivers from harmful rays from the sun that can cause skin cancer. Because of the severity of the danger of skin cancer, the IWFA and the FMCSA have deemed this clear film acceptable according to safety standards. Unlike tinted films, it will not protect a driver from the sun’s glare but it may help drivers avoid becoming a statistic; 53% of skin cancer cases in the U.S. appear on the left side of the body, the driver’s side. Since truckers can spend nearly every daylight hour on the road they are particularly susceptible.
You will be able to notice some slight protection from the sun’s glare since the film admits only 89% of the light but on a hot summer’s day any relief is welcome! You will be protected from 99% of the UV rays yet be able to see out that window (and see your rearview mirror) with perfect clarity. Previous to the approval of this film, truckers were not allowed to have any film or tint on their windows.
Get Healthy With the Rolling Strong Driver Wellness Program
In other news the 2012 Rolling Strong Driver Wellness program has begun. Nine Pilot Flying J truck stops will feature opportunities for drivers to sample healthy products, get educational materials and participate in blood pressure screenings on April 18. The most interesting aspect of this year’s Rolling Strong will take interested truckers through a ten minute workout using, of all things, your truck! There will be a drawing at each location that awards one driver a $1,200 Wellness Package that includes a Power Block bench and a 6 month membership for Snap Fitness among other goodies. Go to the Rolling Strong site for locations as well as many helpful applications, information and tools to improve and maintain your health.
Minnesota Trucking Company Intimidates Drivers Into Defrauding the Government
How well do you look at your paycheck? Perhaps you should scrutinize it more carefully! Gary Bauerty, a trucking company owner in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was recently charged with swindling his drivers through intimidation and juggling the books. Mr. Bauerty pocketed an estimated $52,000 from state and local contracts. One of his methods was to withhold “job expenses” from employees’ checks. Coercing drivers into falsifying time sheets was also involved. This is at least the third time Mr. Bauerty has been charged with fraud and this time he may not get away with just a fine. So don’t just take your paycheck and deposit it—anyone can make a mistakes but just make sure that YOU aren’t paying for it!
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Solar Gard is one of the best things out if you ask me. I drive a lot and since the ozone can only protect us as much that these sure would serve us quite well. I had them installed myself. Better to have prevention than suffer the consequences as I always say.
New window film that protects drivers from harmful rays from the sun. White people surely need this because they do have less skin cells to protect them. Thanks for this.