This excerpt comes from an article written on the ML Kishigo blog Understanding the MUTCD Final Rule.
Proper understanding of compliance issues is just as important to the smooth operation of companies that are mandated to comply, as it is to the safety of their employees. A clearer picture of the MUTCD regulations it defines is essential.
On December 16th 2009, the Federal Register Final Rule and the revised 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were released. The ruling establishes the MUTCD as the primary regulatory document mandating the use of high-visibility apparel for all affected workers in the United States. The primary aspect of the ruling however, lies in the mandated class of garment and the environments in which affected workers are required to comply.
In October of 2008 the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, mandated the use of Class 2 and Class 3 high visibility garments on all Federal-Aid highways. The new MUTCD ruling solidifies the FHWA mandate, which took affect in 2008. Additionally, between the time of the October mandate and the publication of the MUTCD ruling, the FHWA expanded the mandate of the affected regulation areas from just Federal-aid highways to cover all roads which are open to public travel. Compliance to this amended regulation will be phased in until it takes full effect on December 31st, 2011. The one exclusion is private property in which you pass through a traffic control gate.
Getting ready for winter road conditions early is everyone's job. Don't wait until it's too late and you're caught or stuck on the roads and unprepared. This goes for everyone including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or roadside construction workers - but mostly for responsible drivers.
Driving in winter is challenging and creates numerous hazards. It's darker, the weather is usually worse, and can be extremely hazardous including freezing rain, icy roads, strong winds, snow, sleet, runoff, and heavy fog, not to mention the extreme brightness snow can cause when the sun is at its peak.
So what can you do to get prepared early and drive safely in the winter?
Have your car serviced - including getting all of the fluids changed, and windshield wipers checked. This also includes the battery that will take a beating.
Make sure you don't drive when you can't see - how many times have you pulled out because you're going to be late to work while squinting through an unclear windshield?
Make sure you have the proper accessories - A scraper for your windshield, rear window and side view mirrors for blind spots. And don't forget the jumper cables - long warm ups, use of headlights, and everything on can work to drain a battery.
Slow down - The faster you're going, the longer it takes to slow down, and this principle multiplies in severe weather.
Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you - Make sure there are three seconds between you and the car ahead of you in good driving conditions, and further in bad.
Turn your lights on - Take all the precautions you can to see and be seen on the road, including running your lights in the daytime.
HiVis Supply is a reseller of high visibility garments including several Class II ANSI women's hivis vests and jackets including this Utility Pro® Pullover, safety vest, Parka and Jacket.
This excerpt comes from an article written on the ML Kishigo blog Understanding the MUTCD Final Rule.
