Slipped Up Today

Well after nearly 4 months of really no problems, I slipped up today and had a hard braking event. I got into the left lane to pass this car, and the light ahead just turned green as we were approaching it but before I got there, the light started to turn back to red and I didn't think I'd have enough time to make it without running the red light so I started to brake and realized I wasn't going to stop in time before being half way in the intersection so since I already committed to stopping, I applied more pressure and slowed down a bit to quickly and triggered Schneider's critical event system.

A bit upset I let myself split up, but it wast fault in the end. Already discussed it with my DBL and not much was said, so not entirely sure if they intend to bring me in for extra training or not like they usually do.

Well after nearly 4 months of really no problems, I slipped up today and had a hard braking event. I got into the left lane to pass this car, and the light ahead just turned green as we were approaching it but before I got there, the light started to turn back to red and I didn't think I'd have enough time to make it without running the red light so I started to brake and realized I wasn't going to stop in time before being half way in the intersection so since I already committed to stopping, I applied more pressure and slowed down a bit to quickly and triggered Schneider's critical event system.

A bit upset I let myself split up, but it wast fault in the end. Already discussed it with my DBL and not much was said, so not entirely sure if they intend to bring me in for extra training or not like they usually do.

Can you share any of the discussion with your DL? Good learning exercise on dealing with stale lights and local traffic.

Stuff happens sometimes. I really doubt they're bringing you in for your first event.

Stuff happens sometimes. I really doubt they're bringing you in for your first event.

I concur with that. However it’s still a viable learning lesson. Anticipating a light change, etc.

Jamie, certainly don’t want to minimize the critical event and I know you are very conscientious, but I think you have a stellar record thus far. I had a critical event that wasn’t even addressed at all until I went in for my 90 day review. Even then they just asked me about it but I didn’t even get a scolding.

I had two hard braking incidents with US Xpress. One my FM called me the next day and just gave me a verbal warning to stay aware. It was on a freeway and coming over a hill where traffic had stopped. If I had been looking up ahead to the next hill I would have seen the brake lights sooner. I had another incident similar to yours with the light change. I saw the lights on the camera blinking so I knew it triggered the recording. Two days later after not receiving a call, I asked my FM about it. He said all recordables are reviewed by safety but, if the incident wasn't severe or a careless type of error, the safety team would not forward it to the FM to discuss with the driver.

Jamie, I thought this might interest you. I just talked to another driver and he had a situation almost exactly like yours. Only difference? There was an officer with his camera on monitoring the intersection. This driver with a perfect record got a $350 citation for running a red light. Bummer

Four months and you didnt hit anything, havent been late, and havent gotten a ticket??? You are doing great.

Mistakes happen, you got off lucky it wasnt an accident. Learn from it and let it pass. Dwelling in it can make you distracted and we dont want that.

Distractions Can Kill Your Career, Or Worse

Stuff happens sometimes. I really doubt they're bringing you in for your first event.

I concur with that. However it’s still a viable learning lesson. Anticipating a light change, etc.

I understand that. Wasn't trying to shut that down, I was replying to Jamie's comment about possibly being brought in for extra training. As a former Schneider driver with some experience in being brought in to talk about hard braking events, I just thought I'd mention that I doubt it would happen for a first time event. I think it's repeat offenders who get a special invitation to visit the OC.

Stuff happens sometimes. I really doubt they're bringing you in for your first event.

I concur with that. However it’s still a viable learning lesson. Anticipating a light change, etc.

This is something I struggle with. I know a light is stale, but it never changes until it is way too late for anything but a hard brake, but not past the point of no return.

You can’t really just start to stop for a green light in the middle of a state rd.