The safety of its workers is of paramount importance to any business, and this is especially true in the trucking industry. Driving a truck is not an easy job, because you will be behind the wheel of a massive vehicle for extended periods of time. It is always beneficial to have a set of rules to follow in order to prevent any potential disruptions from occurring. Keeping yourself and your passengers safe on the road can be accomplished with a few easy measures. Check out the heavy-duty vehicle driver safety checklist below.
Perform an Inspection on Your Vehicle
You can’t possibly anticipate every single thing that can go wrong on a lengthy journey. In such circumstances, your only companion is the vehicle itself. If you want to avoid any unpleasantness, like a flat tire on a desolate highway or a failed headlight in the middle of the night, make sure your vehicle is in top shape and has all the necessary equipment.
While your vehicle is turned off, check the levels of the engine oil, coolant, and other required fluids, such as wiper fluid. Always ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or other problems with your vehicle. In order to have a trouble-free journey, you should get them mended before setting off.
For added visibility, make sure your dashboard lights are on, and consider getting an amber LED beacon strobe light installed on your truck. Check the clutch, the gauges, and everything else on the vehicle as soon as you switch it on, and check whether the brakes are in good shape.
Put on Your Seatbelt
According to a report, one out of every six truck drivers does not wear a seatbelt. One of the quickest and easiest ways to protect yourself is to always wear a seatbelt.
Some truck drivers may believe that not wearing a seatbelt at low speeds is safe since they are hauling heavy loads and must drive slowly. However, the magnitude of the impact is determined by more than simply how fast your vehicle is traveling. For instance, it would be dangerous to veer out of your lane to avoid an erratically driving car.
No matter the speed of the vehicle or the nature of the event, wearing a seatbelt makes a significant impact. Even in low-impact collisions, the use of seatbelts reduces the likelihood of injury. Moreover, it is common knowledge that wearing a seatbelt may reduce fatalities in the event of a serious accident. So, when getting into your vehicle, the first thing you should do is fasten your seatbelt.
Stay Away From Electronics
Several truckers rely on cell phones and satellite navigation systems to get them where they need to go, which is okay. However, you should never drive while watching a movie, texting, talking on the phone, or using social media. Using any kind of electronic gadget that might divert your attention while driving is strictly forbidden.
If it is necessary to keep your phone close by in the event of an urgent matter. However, make sure you safely pull over to the side of the road and answer your phone.
Unload and Load Carefully
Most often, trucks are employed to move heavy and enormous things. It may become rather complex to load and unload such objects. When loading or unloading, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety and pay attention so the whole truck doesn`t tilt to one side.
Furthermore, be careful not to cram too much cargo inside the vehicle. Get familiar with the truck’s weight capacity so that you can avoid overloading it. Also, think about the roads you’ll be driving on and the weather you’ll be dealing with when loading or unloading.
Final Thoughts
The safety of a truck and its cargo depends on the driver’s diligence while on the road, as well as the driver’s prior planning and organization of the journey. When you’re behind the wheel of a truck, you have a lot of responsibility for getting to your stops safely and on schedule. The most important step is to anticipate challenges along the route and prepare for the worst. When people feel comfortable behind the wheel, they can exhibit reckless behavior.
It’s never a smart idea to put yourself in danger, and doing so around trucks multiplies the danger. If you are careless on the road, you put everyone else on it in danger. That`s why you must be careful while driving.
