Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

Dispatch computers like
those used in taxicabs or
delivery trucks
Drivers who use dispatch systems for
the transport of passengers or logistical
transportation tracking devices for
commercial purposes can still have mobile
data computers installed and activated in
their vehicles. All drivers should keep their
focus on the road and as such, drivers
should not type information into these
devices while driving.
‘CB radios’ or ‘Mike Phones’
are exempt for commercial
purposes and search and
rescue services
This legislation is not intended to interfere
with well-established commercial
operations or search and rescue efforts.
Where this type of communication is
required to communicate with the driver’s
employer or when participating in some
type of emergency management situation
the use of what are commonly referred to
as hand- held CB radios or ‘Mike phones’
are allowed.
This law is not about taking away tools
for traffic safety. The use of hand-held
radios to communicate extreme weather
conditions or a hazard on the roadway,
such as a collision, could fall under the
“emergency” scenario category. Alberta
Transportation recognizes that commercial
drivers are professionals and anticipates
that they will make good safety decisions
when choosing to use public radio
systems. As with all laws, enforcement
officers ultimately have the responsibility to
evaluate specific situations to determine if
citizens are complying with the law.
Tour bus drivers
Tour bus drivers must be in compliance
with the law and must not drive distracted.
There are hands-free units, available to
ensure compliance with the law, as well as
innovative technology solutions to provide
information to passengers.
Fatigue
Driving while exhausted can make you
a road hazard. Drowsy driving is as
dangerous as impaired driving because it
slows a driver’s reaction time, decreases
awareness and can impair judgment like
alcohol or drugs.
Lack of sleep is one of the most
common causes of drowsy driving. Other
contributing factors include driving alone,
driving long distances without rest breaks
and driving through the night, or at times
when the driver normally sleeps. Taking
medication that increases sleepiness or
drinking alcohol also contributes to driver
fatigue.
People most at risk for falling asleep at
the wheel are shift workers, commercial
drivers, people with untreated sleep
disorders, teenagers and young adults.
Fatigue-related crashes are common in
young drivers because they tend to stay
up late, sleep less than they should and
drive more often at night.
Warning signs of
driver fatigue
• Yawning
• Inability to keep eyes focused
and head up
CHAPTER TEN
Responsible Driving Tips for Commercial Drivers 83