As a business owner, you want what’s best for your company. That includes keeping your employees safe while they’re on the job. If you have employees who drive trucks as part of their job, then you need to make sure they’re following proper safety protocol. Here are some truck driving safety tips every professional driver should know.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #1: Get Plenty of Sleep Before Hitting the Road
It can be tempting to try and squeeze in extra hours of work by skimping on sleep, but drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. Adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Truck drivers, who spend long periods of time on the road, require even more sleep. The Foundation recommends that truck drivers get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
Getting enough sleep is essential for all adults, but it’s especially important for truck drivers. When you’re well-rested, you’re more alert and able to make better decisions. That can mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and being involved in a serious accident. So, make sure to prioritize getting enough rest before hitting the road.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #2: Inspect the Truck Before Every Trip
Before setting out on any journey, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. This includes checking things like the tires, brakes, lights, and mirrors. Drivers should also make sure nothing is blocking their view through the windshield or windows. By taking a few minutes to check the truck’s condition before hitting the road, drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents.
You should also regularly schedule maintenance for your trucks to keep them in top shape. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, causing accidents and potentially putting your employees in harm’s way.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #3: Follow Speed Limits and Drive Defensively
Speeding is a major factor in truck accidents. It endangers not only the driver but also everyone else on the road. Drivers need to obey posted speed limits and drive at a safe speed for current conditions. In addition to following speed limits, truck drivers must practice defensive driving techniques.
Defensive driving means being aware of not just what’s happening in front of you but also what’s happening around you. This includes being aware of other drivers’ behavior and conditions like weather and traffic. If drivers can anticipate problems before they happen, they’ll be better equipped to avoid them.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #4: Know When to Pull Over and Rest
Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol impairment when it comes to driving. Drivers need to know their own limits and take breaks when necessary. If you feel tired while on the road, pull over and rest before continuing your journey. It’s also important to plan ahead and schedule enough time for rest stops during long trips.
This can help prevent fatigue and keep your employees safe while on the job. You can also consider investing in technology, like electronic logging devices, to monitor your employees’ driving hours and ensure they’re getting enough rest.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #5: Know Who to Contact in Case of an Accident
Accidents can happen even to the most cautious and prepared drivers. In the event of a truck accident, it’s important to know who to contact for legal assistance. Look for a skilled semi-truck accident lawyer with experience specifically handling these types of cases. They’ll have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
You can also contact your insurance company, but remember that they may not have your best interests. It’s important to have a trusted legal advocate on your side during this difficult time.
Truck Driving Safety Tip #6: Use Safety Devices
Several safety devices can help prevent accidents or minimize damage in case of a collision. Anti-lock brakes, for example, can help drivers maintain control during emergency braking situations. Lane departure warning systems can alert drivers if they’re leaving their lane.
Investing in these types of safety devices can not only help protect your drivers, but it can also potentially lower insurance premiums and improve fleet efficiency. At the end of the day, prioritizing safety should always be the top priority for truck drivers.
There you have it! Truck drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the road by following these tips. Always remember to inspect the truck before every trip, obey speed limits and drive defensively, take breaks when necessary, know who to contact in case of an accident, and use safety devices. Happy driving!
