Truck safety is paramount but sometimes challenging to many. Does the same apply to you? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2021 report, there were over half a million truck accidents across the United States. Like, seriously? That’s a massive number. In just that one year, there were a whopping 523,796 truck accidents. Unfortunately, the year before wasn’t any better. There were 415,444 incidents.
Now, here’s the silver lining: most of these accidents didn’t end in tragedy or injuries. About 310,000 large truck accidents in 2020 only messed with people’s property. It’s still not great, but at least no one got hurt, right? But hold on, here is a sad fact. Even with all that, we’re still talking about 101,000 truck crashes causing injuries in that year, plus an extra 4,444 that led to fatalities. It’s a harsh reality.
When these crashes happen, guess who might be on the hook? Yes, the truck drivers and the companies that hire them. So, consider these top 5 tips and tricks to ensure truck safety.
1.Stay Alert and Informed
Did you know distracted driving swiped over 3,522 lives in the U.S. in 2021? That simply means that truckers should ignore distractions like using mobile phones or eating while driving.
It’s worth noting that trucks are giants on the road with hefty blind spots. So, when switching lanes, take that extra second to be super cautious. Use those mirrors, do a shoulder check, and signal. The flow applies even if your trailer truck has the latest blind spot sensors.
Now, here’s the scoop on speeding. Overspeeding is not just risky but is also linked to a whopping 26% of all traffic fatalities. So, slow it down for safety and save your company from coughing up those speeding tickets.
Are you wondering how to stay informed as the truck driver and ensure safety? Here is the secret: Check trucker news and keep things rolling smoothly. From safety updates to the latest truck tech, it’s like your daily dose of road wisdom.
2.Use GPS Trackers For Your Truck
So, picture this: a GPS made just for truckers. It’s like having a sidekick that tells you which exit to nab, how far it is, when to switch lanes, and even spills to give details about the traffic situation.
Indeed, installing a tracker can be costly, but it is worth it. GPS tracker takes a load off the driver’s shoulders, especially when you can’t track a route to the final destination. Stopping careers at any destiny is risky for the driver and the luggage.
Now, here’s the deal – these GPS gadgets are awesome. It ensures trucker safety through the following ways;
- Guides truckers on which exit to take.
- Provides real-time information on distances to destinations.
- Informs when it’s time to switch lanes for smoother navigation.
- Offers detailed insights into the current traffic situation, helping drivers plan routes effectively.
- Mitigates risks associated with stopping at unknown destinations, ensuring driver and cargo safety.
- Acts as a crucial tool in minimizing career stops at risky or uncertain locations.
- Reduces the risk to the cargo by avoiding unscheduled stops and ensuring a secure journey.
3.Do Pre and Post Trip Truck Inspection
Do you know those pre- and post-trip checks for your ride? Their benefits are far-reaching. They’re like the pointer moves for your safety. Thorough truck inspection helps catch any issues before they become real problems. The government’s so into it that they want you to do a professional truck inspection at least once daily. It should be part of your delivery plan.
When doing a truck inspection, please consider checking the following:
Steering
- Check how much energy is needed on the steering column
- Look at rack and pinion components
- Don’t forget the power steering fluid
- Check out those steering tires
Brakes
- Brake lights
- Air compressor
- Drums or rotors and calipers
- Air brake lines
- Low air pressure alarm
- Brake pads
Other aspects
- Tires
- Headlights
- Signal lights
- Marker lights
4.Get Enough Breaks For your Truck
You know, driver fatigue is a big deal when it comes to accidents in the trucking world. Especially when you’re just starting in your truck driving gig, one solid piece of advice from the pros is to make sure you take breaks to avoid getting hit with that driver’s knee fatigue.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has actually set up rules called hours of service (HOS) to keep tabs on folks driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). It’s pretty straightforward:
Here’s the lowdown on Hours of Service:
- You’ve got a maximum of 14 hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour stretch.
- You can drive for up to 11 hours in that same 24-hour period.
- Before you hit that mandatory 30-minute break, you have to put in 8 hours of drive time.
- And, to reset your 14-hour on-duty clock and 11-hour drive time, you need a good 10 hours of sleep time.
With the new electronic logging requirement, bending the rules without facing serious legal consequences is more challenging than ever. Plus, these rules are all about keeping you and everyone else on the road safe.
Here’s the real talk – driving tired is no different from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To roll down the road safely and make it back to your family in one piece, seasoned drivers with a solid safety record will tell you to pull over and rest if you feel that fatigue kicking in.
5.Maintain A Safer Distance
This is a crucial tip for safer driving, so always get a space cushion. Picture this: you’re behind the wheel of this massive 72-foot-long trailer weighing 80,000 pounds. So, it’s not just a good idea but downright necessary to know how long it takes to slam the brakes with your particular load. The practice keeps everything, including yourself, in one piece.
Always monitor the road conditions as you adjust the speed and give yourself enough room to maneuver. And when things start feeling a bit dicey, crank up the caution meter and add some extra space around your ride. If there’s another vehicle hanging out beside you, let them go ahead. The goal is to ensure you have enough room around your truck.
Conclusion
Always keep safety at the forefront, whether at work, on the road, or returning to your loved ones. As a trucker, your life is worth much more than any load you carry, so drive with that mindset.
If the road conditions are challenging, take it slow or pull over. Those text messages can wait until you’ve stopped. Sadly, those few seconds glancing at your phone have cost too many people their lives. Also, it would be best to take a minute to ensure your vehicle is in good shape. Check the brakes, tires, and steering. Take a break if you’re tired, and adopt a defensive driving style.