Worst Day Ever

Susan wrote:

Ok so how is that weighted? And does it drop by a third each year, or does the total stay for 3 years (that's what my other half said)?

Could maybe the weighted score be 56 or 57?

If the CSA points resulted from an inspection they remain on your record for three years.

I don't often say this, but you got a raw deal here. The Officer spoke out of both sides of his mouth. Most of your infractions were cause and effect from one basic problem. Other than taking more time to inspect componentry, no way any of us can predict an equipment failure, in this case the hose hanger. One thing is for sure, I plan on testing the springs/hangers supporting the hoses underneath the trailer. A $2 part failed here...

Since there was no citation, I don't think you can appeal it. Not sure if you are signed up with one of the many legal services that can assist with this sort of thing. If you are, I'd definitely place a call to them.

Ok so apparently the air leak caused the brakes to drag which eventually caught them on fire.

It actually takes a little while for brakes to get so hot that they'll catch on fire. They'll smoke for some time first. I have to ask this, and I'm not being critical, but by chance did you have a CB radio on at the time this all happened? Because those brakes should have been smoking for a good bit before getting that hot, and other drivers should have been on the CB shouting about smoke coming from your trailer. It's one of many reasons I always say people should have a CB in the truck.

So I can't help but wonder if a shout on the CB could've allowed you to stop long before the fire actually started, alleviating this entire mess.

Ok so apparently the air leak caused the brakes to drag which eventually caught them on fire.

It actually takes a little while for brakes to get so hot that they'll catch on fire. They'll smoke for some time first. I have to ask this, and I'm not being critical, but by chance did you have a CB radio on at the time this all happened? Because those brakes should have been smoking for a good bit before getting that hot, and other drivers should have been on the CB shouting about smoke coming from your trailer. It's one of many reasons I always say people should have a CB in the truck.

So I can't help but wonder if a shout on the CB could've allowed you to stop long before the fire actually started, alleviating this entire mess.

Great point.

I did have my CB on, and yes, our safety director said I got a very raw deal. It was extremely windy so the smoke wasn't seen as soon unfortunately. Wind was 25-30 mph. Only after it locked up and I slowed way down trying to figure out what the heck was going on and got stopped on the shoulder. One driver as I was pulling over told me my axle was burning. It all literally happened so fast, I'm still shaking my head. Our mechanics and safety said it but need so fast because I was much heavier on the tandems.. legal but just barely.

Oh and also was no citation, so there's nothing that can be contested or defended. Yes and it's all because a $2 part that broke going down the road. A $1600 tow bill, near rear seals on my truck, and new drums, brakes.. etc essentially rebuilding the 5th axle on the trailer. I feel awful about it but not much I could control.

Is there any way that the points reduce.. like with clean inspections other than dropping off in 3 years?

Sorry to read about your experience and glad that you are ok.

CSA points from inspections can be challenged through the FMCSA's DataQ system. That information can be found at the FMCSA'S DataQs website.

Another great source for inspection and DataQ challenge information is Gobbell Transportation Safety. Rick is on the Dave Nemo radio show frequently and will review and answer questions about inspections and filing DataQ challenges. I think he also does the filing, for a fee of course.

Wow. I'm glad you're ok after that. Yikes!!! I've been in restaurants, working for 35 years and one thing I learned, through several fires, floods, a robbery, and some serious injuries ( cuts/burns) is not panic you need to stay calm and remember your training. And think clearly. You no doubt handled things well. Bravo. I hope when an issue happens to me, I'm going to be as competent as you proved to be.

Clean voluntary inspections will help your score..... in the insurance business we go by percentage..... how many times you were inspected and how many times you were found with violations gives us an I idea on how you run.... get everything done and submit to voluntary level 3 inspections at weigh stations but first make sure your truck is top notch. and even though there is no citations, those infractions get reported to the DOT and reflect on your record even though they are reported under the authority of the company you are running for but it helps other companies know who is a problem driver. Even though there is the FCSMA, there is another site that the insurance companies follow called the CAB report. it tells us everything you do on the road. happy you are safe Susan.... that is what matters.

Is there any way that the points reduce.. like with clean inspections other than dropping off in 3 years?

get everything done and submit to voluntary level 3 inspections at weigh stations but first make sure your truck is top notch

Oh I don't think I'd be doing that!

I mean, if a driver wants to step into the lion's cage and give it a go then best of luck to em. But there's no such thing as a truck that can't fail an inspection. They can always find something. You're really taking a chance volunteering for inspections, and you definitely must have some time to kill. You could just wind up digging a deeper hole.