Dangerous Idle Shutdown, Opinions Please...
OK, we all have to deal with it, and have all gotten used to it, but I and my fellow drivers have recently started having problems with some new settings on our trucks. We have a 2 minute shutdown, and that's fine. We work locally and with last years sky high fuel prices all of our trucks were reset. We were OK with that, most of us don't idle anyway. Problem is, something has been set incorrectly on our computers. These things shut down.....in intersections, waiting at stop lights, backing up into docks etc. A few weeks ago I had one shut down just as I was turning a corner onto a set of railroad tracks..!! They claim all we have to do is just watch for our engine protection light to start flashing, then stomp the throttle a time or two. That's fine, but I'm busy watching my driving, traffic, obstacles etc. As I understand it, when the brakes are released the engine should NEVER shut down for any reason. The exception would be a panic code (low water/oil, high temp etc.) or a catastrophic engine failure. One of the drivers had this happen to him while backing....he lost his power steering and hit a pole. I have no problem with our employer setting an idle time, but not while the brakes are released and I'm trying to drive. Would anyone else agree that this is a huge safety hazard? Should DOT be notified and intervene? Fellow drivers and Admins. feel free to jump in here. I just can't get used to this......
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