The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulate the safety of commercial motor vehicles used on our roadways for transporting passengers, various types of cargo, and property. FMCSA regulation 49 CFR Part 393.95 requires safety equipment on all of the following vehicles:

• Vehicles with GVWR, GCWR or gross vehicle weight over 10,000 lbs.

• Buses for compensation with over 8 persons and non-compensation buses with over 15 persons.

• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

During your pre-trip inspection, you should ensure that your vehicle is equipped with the following equipment:

• Portable Fire Extinguishers- properly mounted with the pin in place, fully charged, and the inspection should be up to date.

• Emergency Reflective Triangles- good condition and easily accessible to use in the event you need to be stopped on the side of a road.

• Wheel Chocks- used to prevent accidental movement of your vehicle while parked.

• First Aid Kits- to match the maximum capacity of persons per vehicle.

Fire Extinguishers

All commercial vehicles require a portable fire extinguisher to be in compliance with the FMCSA. A 10-B:C unit is required for vehicles with hazardous materials, and 5-B:C for all other vehicles. An extinguishing agent that does not freeze is required, and each unit must be properly mounted and secured. The safety pin should be in place and the fire extinguisher inspection tag must be up to date. Scheduling regular fire extinguisher inspections will ensure your first line of defense in the event of a vehicle fire.

Emergency Reflective Triangles

The FMCSA requires warning devices for stopped vehicles. At least 3 bidirectional emergency reflective triangles in good condition are a required minimum to be considered in compliance. Placing your warning devices should be one of the first things you do after you are safely off of the road. Triangles or flares need to be places within 10 minutes of pulling onto the side of the road, after you turn on your 4-way flashers. Different types of roads (divided highways, curves, two lane roads) require different placement.

Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks should be carried on all commercial motor vehicles to prevent accidental movement while vehicles are parked. OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178 requires vehicle operators to set their truck and trailer brakes and block their wheels to prevent movement. Chocks are used against the rear ties in the direction of the grade. On even surfaces, chocks are placed on both sides of the tires. Chocks should always be used in pairs.

First Aid Kits

The FMCSA does not mandate first aid kits, but many states do require them. First aid kits are typically installed in commercial motor vehicles carrying passengers, to match the maximum number of vehicle occupants. Each kit should carry essential items for emergency preparedness.

Every commercial commercial vehicle should carry the appropriate safety equipment. This ensures the safety of the driver, the passengers, and other drivers on the road.