This is a reminder that CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week July 9-15, 2023 is in full swing this week.

In 2022 CVSA said the top driver-related factors in fatal crashes involving commercial motor vehicles were speeding, impairment, and distraction (texting). This led to 9,110 crashes last year, and 71 fatalities the most collisions involving the large trucks. The highest amount in more than 10 years, according to a release from
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Just a friendly reminder to all Truck Drivers that there are strict federal rules covering how many hours a commercial driver can be on the road. Drivers cannot exceed 13 hours and must have 10 hours off-duty time in a day. Eight hours of that off-duty time must be consecutive. Also, in 2019, Transport Canada introduced the requirement for certain drivers who cross provincial or territorial borders to have electronic logging devices for their hours.

Those devices replaced the practice of logging hours by paper and aimed to combat driver fatigue by ensuring log books couldn’t be falsified.

The regulations have been enforced since January 2023, with penalties in Ontario set between $250 and $20,000.

In all circumstances, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Truck Stop Canada(TSC) wants to know!

Let us know where you are! Snap a quick pic and make our day! If you have a moment tell us why your there. Work?, Holiday’s?, Day off?

TSC would like to know who our followers are! How many of you are going to step up and show us where you are?

Have a great day! Until next time!!

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced July 9-15 as this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week. Throughout that week, law enforcement officers in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors. Those exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors will be pulled over and given a warning and/or issued a ticket/citation by law enforcement.

Examples of unsafe driver behaviors are speeding; improper lane changes, passing or turns; driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; using a handheld device; failure to wear a seat belt, etc.

Each year, Operation Safe Driver Week focuses on a specific unsafe driving behavior to call attention to the dangers of that behavior. This year, the focus will be on speeding. CVSA has continued to focus on speeding because it remains a persistent problem on our roadways. Speeding increases the frequency and severity of crashes, and unsafe speeds are a well-documented factor in fatalities and injuries.

**The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is an association of state, provincial, and federal officials responsible for the administration and enforcement of motor carrier safety laws in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

If anyone is working, visiting or living in these area’s this summer you need to make a quick stop for a fantastic Lunch, Snack and Supper through the month of July2023

Taco Fest
When: June 16, 2023
Where: Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener

Enjoy delicious tacos and craft beer from the best restaurants and breweries in the Waterloo Region while raising support for local charities. It’s a win-win!

London International Food Festival
When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Victoria Park, London

Explore delicious and diverse dishes from around the world. Enjoy Portuguese, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Serbian, Italian, Polish, Greek food and more

Markham’s Taste of Asia
When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: Kennedy and Steeles, Markham

North America’s largest outdoor Asian festival features amazing Asian food, artisan vendors, performers and more together for a harmonious, multi-day celebration of cuisine and culture.

Summer luscious in Toronto
When: July 7-23, 2023
Where: participating restaurants across Toronto

Join fellow foodie and celebrate the diverse and innovative culinary scene in Canada’s largest city!

Over 200 participating restaurants across Toronto offer special three-course prix fixe menus that represent the essence of their cuisine.

Taste of Lawrence in Scarborough
When: July 7-9, 2023
Where: Scarborough

One of Scarborough’s largest street festivals returns to Lawrence Avenue this summer with a three-day celebration of culture and cuisine from around the world.

Live music, family entertainment and a vast array of street vendors make this an event not to be missed.

Thunder Bay Festival of India
When: July 22, 2023
Where: Marina Park, Thunder Bay

Experience the colors and flavor’s of India this summer during Thunder Bay’s largest celebration of culture, arts, music and mouth-watering vegetarian food.

Bonus: the Festival of Colours takes place July 23.

Toronto Festival of India
When: July 15-16, 2023
Where: Centre Island, Toronto

51st annual Festival of India includes a parade down Yonge Street followed by celebrations, activities and delicious vegetarian food on Centre Island.

Belleville Waterfront & Multicultural Festival
When: July 6-9, 2023
Where: West Zwick’s Park, Belleville

With four stages for entertainment, buskers, arts and crafts, canine watersports and dog shows, plus amazing, multicultural cuisine and local, craft beer, Belleville is a summer staple for festive fun and great food.

Lebanese Food Festival in Ottawa
When: July 19-23, 2023
Where: Ottawa

For thirty years, the Lebanese Food Festival has showcased the best of Middle Eastern food and culture.

Hosted at the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, the festival features music performances, cooking demonstrations like those at the saj bread booth, carnival rides and plenty of delicious hummus, tabouli, falafel and chicken shawarma.

Festa Italiana in Timmins
When: July 21-23, 2023
Where: Timmins

Hosted by the Porcupine Dante Club, Festa Italiana is celebrating over 70 years with food, music, entertainment and market vendors.

This three-day event lasts the whole weekend, with Party in the Parking Lot on Friday, live traditional music and a gala on Saturday and a street party along Cedar Street on Sunday to cap off this festive celebration of Italian culture.

Let us know of your favorite Summer Food Festival. We would love to hear of all of your favorite summer food!

Coming in August, we will have many new places to tantalize your taste buds with a new list of restaurants and festival’s all over Ontario. Until then!

The News in the Trucking World June 4 to June 10, 2023

As the world of Trucking is at a constant high speed (no pun intended, yes of course I meant it!)
Here are a few News articles that have come up this week.

OTTAWA, June 8 (Reuters) – Allies around the world are promising to boost support for Canada’s fight against hundreds of blazes amid the country’s worst-ever start to wildfire season, which is fueling concerns about the worsening consequences of climate change. Here’s the link if you would like to read more about how you can help https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/wildfires-burn-across-canada-with-little-relief-sight-2023-06-08/

Canada waives hours regs for Nova Scotia wildfire relief haulers

Hours regs waived in Canada for Nova Scotia wildfire relief
Wildfires in Nova Scotia, Canada, have prompted Canadian trucking regulator Transport Canada to suspend hours of service regulations for drivers transporting essential supplies and equipment in direct assistance of emergency relief efforts.

Nova Scotia organizations, small businesses, and individuals are offering support to those who have been evacuated or who have lost homes due to the numerous wildfires across the province.

The wildfires in Shelburne County and suburban Halifax have destroyed about 200 homes and have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The largest fire, near Barrington Lake, remains out of control and covers nearly 25,000 hectares. Firefighters remain on patrol at contained fires near Lake Road in Shelburne, Pubnico, Tantallon, and Hammonds Plains.
Here’s the link if you would like to read more about how you can help https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/help-available-to-nova-scotians-impacted-by-wildfires

Legault seeking international aid as more than 160 wildfires burn in Quebec:

Quebec Premier François Legault says his government is looking internationally for support as it struggles to battle more than 160 forest fires.

With more than 480 wilderness firefighters on the ground, Quebec can fight around 30 fires, Legault told reporters Monday, adding that normally firefighters would come from other provinces to help.
Here’s a link if you would like to read more about this article https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/legault-seeking-international-aid-as-more-than-160-wildfires-burn-in-quebec

Wildfire battles continue under heat, and air quality alerts over most of Canada:

The battle against hundreds of wildfires continues today as large swaths of Canada remain under either heat or air quality warnings.

Dozens of alerts remain in place for unseasonable heat or smoky air quality that has millions of Canadians coughing and squinting.
Here’s a link if you would like to read more about this article. https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/wildfire-battles-continue-under-heat-air-quality-alerts-over-most-of-canada

International help rolls in to fight unyielding Canadian wildfires:

Allies around the world are promising to boost support for Canada’s fight against hundreds of blazes amid the country’s worst-ever start to wildfire season, which is fueling concerns about the worsening consequences of climate change.

Forest fires continued to burn across Canada on Thursday, forcing thousands of people from their homes and sending a smoky haze billowing over a large swath of the United States. Here’s the link if you would like to read more about how you can help
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/wildfires-burn-across-canada-with-little-relief-sight-2023-06-08

These are just a few of the latest news that is available for this week. Please take time and leave a comment We would like all feedback or reconditions at Truck Stop Canada! Until next time, Remember Wheels Down Top Up!

Summer is on it’s way which means summer vacation and also summer construction. Here are a few places that are heavy hitters and places to avoid if possible. Like always be careful and safe

ONTARIO

ONTARIO HWY 401 POINT LALONDE TO SOUTH LANCASTER

Expect delays up to 10 minutes.
Highway 401 – from 2.5 kilometres west of County Road 2 & 34 (Interchange 814) to the Quebec Border
Highway 401 Eastbound on ramp at 4th Line Road / County Road 23 (Interchange 825) closed until to June 7, 2023

OUTSIDE GLENDALE TO CORNWALL
Highway 401 – from 860 metres west of Moulinette Road (Interchange 778) to 300 metres east of Boundary Road (Interchange 796)
Highway 401 Eastbound on ramps at McConnell Avenue (Interchange 792) will be closed from 6:00 a.m. Monday, June 5 to 3:00 p.m. Friday,

401 – INTERCHANGE 687-705 TO WOODRIDGE
Highway 401 – from 3.1 kilometres west of Highway 2 (Interchange 687) to 2.3 kilometres east of Maitland Road (Interchange 705)
Recurring-Engineering Investigation on HWY 401 Eastbound between SHARPES LN/Kelly Rd, Brockville and MAITLAND RD
Highway 401 – from 2.6 kilometres west of to 2.6 kilometres east of Hallecks Road

401 TO JOHN F SCOTT RD. INTERSECTION TO WESTBROOK RD.
Highway 401 – from 1.4 kilometres east of Westbrook Road to 400 metres east of John F. Scott Road

401 -ONROUTE PORT HOPE TO WHITBY
Recurring-Moving Maintenance Closure on HWY 401 Westbound between BOUNDARY ROAD, Port Hope and HARMONY ROAD, Oshawa. 1 Alternating Lane(s).
Detailed closure information is as follows: SUN: 1st Lane Closed at 22:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00; MON: 1st Lane Closed at 19:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00; TUE: 1st Lane Closed at 19:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00; WED: 1st Lane Closed at 19:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00; THU: 1st Lane Closed at 19:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00;Recurring-Moving Maintenance Closure on HWY 401 Westbound between BOUNDARY ROAD, Port Hope and HARMONY ROAD, Oshawa. 1 Alternating Lane(s).

401-PICKERING TO SCARBOROUGH INTO TORONTO HEADING TO HORNBY
Construction on HWY 401 Eastbound between BROCK ROAD, Pickering and CHURCH ST, Ajax. 1 Right Lane(s).
Detailed closure information is as follows: ALL DAYS: 1st Lane Closed at 19:00, 1st Lane Opened at 05:00;
Construction on HWY 401 Westbound On-ramp at KENNEDY RD -SCARBOROUGH, Toronto. ALL LANES CLOSED.
Recurring-Construction on HWY 401 Eastbound Collector between BAYVIEW AVE and HWY 404, Toronto. 3 Alternating Lane(s).
Detailed closure information is as follows: THU: 1st Lane Closed at 22:00, 2nd Lane Closed at 22:00, 3rd Lane Closed at 22:30, 3rd Lane Opened at 05:30, 2nd Lane Opened at 06:00, 1st Lane Opened at 06:00; FRI: 1st Lane Closed at 23:00, 2nd Lane Closed at 23:00, 3rd Lane Closed at 23:59, 3rd Lane Opened at 07:00, 2nd Lane Opened at 08:00, 1st Lane Opened at 08:00;
Construction on HWY 407 ETR Eastbound Off-ramp at HWY 401, Halton Hills. ALL LANES CLOSED.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Bridge Repair on HWY-2 Westbound near Monseigneur Lang Road-Rte. 2 Overpass (North) M586. Width Restriction: 4.7m Activities: Be prepared to stop, One lane traffic, Reduced speed required.
Anticipated End Time Jul 3 2023, 12:13 PM

Bridge Inspection/Maintenance on HWY-2 Eastbound near Green River. Left Lane Closed. Width Restriction: 5.2m Activities: Be prepared to stop, One lane traffic, Reduced speed required.
Anticipated End Time Jun 20 2023, 7:01 PM

Under Construction on Principale Rue Southbound from Erables Ave to Pins St. Activities: One lane traffic, Reduced speed required, Traffic lights present.
Anticipated End Time Jun 12 2023, 8:00 AM

Highway 3 is often called the Crowsnest Pass in this particular part of the mountain it covers a small part of the highway on the BC/AB border. The highway is officially known as the Crowsnest Highway it was the first mountain road I ever drove; being a prairie boy, I naturally thought this was a heck of a mountain road. But, after a few years of pulling super b and tandem loads through BC’s northern and central highway network. Many drivers like myself have had the chance to see some of the greatest natural beauty of the lower east Kootenays from a highway.

The challenges that come with this eastern section of BC’s Crowsnest Highway are vacationers, truckers, local commuters, and maintenance vehicles that meet up with each other that causes a lot of stress on drivers with heavy traffic, tickets, collisions, and fatalities.

I have heard many experiences on that highway, from pushing snow with the bumper of a truck, cars exploding on impact, rollovers, and jack-knife trailers.
To help prevent these accidents one of the top 5 general rules a trucker should follow is never be going so fast that, if something appears on the road ahead of you, you need to be able to stop safely before hitting it.

One evening, I heard a story of a truck driver cruising around a curve on Crowsnest Highway #3, and right in front of him was a life-changing sight. A small car had stopped half on the shoulder and half in their lane. It was an undivided two-lane section of road, so there was little way to get around them without the driver going into the oncoming lane. It seemed that the car belonged to a small family, most of which were out of their vehicle. One adult was helping a small child use the bathroom on shoulder. The other adult was standing in the center of their lane taking pictures of the scenery, facing away from the traffic, totally unaware of what was to come upon them. Fortunately, the driver was traveling slow enough that he had ample time to bring his speed down and blast off the air horn quickly, then re-focused his attention to the but the driver’s view was the reality of a crashing steel, rubber, and asphalt. There was little drama and a lot of luck and the driver was able to slow to a crawl as the family as they got back into their car. Although the trucker avoided the crash and was in complete shock as he missed the crash and as he looked into the mirror on the side of the truck he saw nothing. They were gone like the change of the air in the evening it swallowed them up and lifted them away in the evening air.

I love hearing of such stories and tales of Canada’s highways, it always takes me away from what is reality and puts me into the place where reality and stories mix into one.

At the end of the day maybe the last thing you want to do is exercise….but, maybe this will let you have a better night’s sleep or destress your body a little. Even if you only do 1 or 2 of them it may help you a lot. With these easy stretches, you can do them in your truck or outside if you like, Just be careful not to overdo it.

Let us know if you have tried any of these at truckstopcanada.com We would love to hear from you, let us know any tricks you use to keep from having sore tired achy muscles at the end of your day!

1. Neck Stretches
Reaching over your head, grab the opposite ear and gently pull it towards the shoulder doing the reaching. This should relieve neck tension and upper shoulder tightness. Repeat with your opposite arm. The first time it may be hard but with time you will notice a bit of improvement

2. Hamstring Square
Facing your truck, press the heels of your hands against the truck, step back, and bend at the waist to form a right angle with your body and legs. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings and your spine.

3. Wrist Bend
Bracing your fingers on the steering wheel, bend your wrists forward and backward—stretching your wrists and bringing life to your forearms. For an even deeper stretch, try lightly bending back each individual finger when your ready

4. Classic Lunge
With toes pointing in the same direction, take a large step forward with one leg. Bend your front leg at the knee and slowly sink your body down until comfortable, making sure not to let the front knee go beyond the front toes. Repeat, slowly, with the other leg, or try a walking lunge. For balance, try keeping your hands on your hips. If that is too much all at once take smaller steps

5. Arm Rotation
Standing beside your truck (facing the front or rear of the truck), place one palm, with fingers pointed up, against the side of your truck. With your arm extended and slightly bent, rotate your body away from the truck. You will feel the stretch in your arms and chest. Repeat with the opposite arm.

7. Chest Pull
Pressing both hands on your upper chest, bring your chin upwards and gently move your head away from your hands. You should feel a stretch in your upper chest and neck.

Until next time!