As an operator, one of your priorities is making sure your drivers and shipments are safe whenever they’re on the road. However, this might be hard to monitor during long-haul transportation because you won’t be in constant contact with your drivers.
There’s also the fact that driving a haul truck has its risks. In fact, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Whenever your drivers are on the road, they can experience technical problems with their vehicles, such as brake loss or tire blowout. They may also be affected by poor road and weather conditions, which may impair their driving abilities.
To help you keep your drivers safe, we’ve listed down some safety guidelines they should follow when driving a long-haul truck. Reminding your drivers of these tips can help avoid accidents and injuries on the road.
Watch Truck Speed
Driving a large vehicle may make your drivers more confident to speed up. This may be because they think that they can easily control the truck even at high speeds. However, this overconfidence can lead to accidents.
One instance that your drivers should watch their speed is when approaching a sharp curve. Driving fast while taking a turn can cause the truck to overturn. This is especially true if the truck is carrying a heavy load.
Your drivers should also avoid speeding when going downhill. The weight of the load combined with the force of gravity can make it difficult to control the speed of the vehicle. If your drivers need to slow down, they can use the truck’s brakes or engine brakes.
It’s also important for your drivers to always follow the speed limit, regardless of how confident they feel behind the wheel. This will help them avoid accidents caused by speeding, especially on highways where traffic is heavy.
Check Blind Spots
One of the most common causes of accidents involving haul trucks is failure to check blind spots. Your drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
This is important because a large vehicle like a long-haul truck has several blind spots. These blind spots are the areas where other vehicles or objects can’t be seen by the driver, even when using mirrors.
To avoid accidents, your drivers should check their mirrors and look over their shoulders before changing lanes or making turns. This will help them be aware of other vehicles that may be in their blind spot.
Load Strategically
Packing your cargo poorly inside the truck for deliveries can cause it to move around while driving. Aside from damaging the goods you’re delivering, loose cargo in your truck’s trailer can cause uneven weight distribution, which can cause your long-haul truck to tip over.
To prevent any accidents from happening, your drivers should load the cargo inside the truck strategically. They should start by placing the heaviest items at the bottom of the trailer and ensure proper weight distribution. They should also secure all the cargo properly using straps and ropes to prevent it from moving around while driving.
Prioritize Driver's Health
Another thing that you should remind your drivers is to prioritize their health. A tired or sick driver is more likely to cause an accident than a healthy one.
This is why your drivers need to get enough rest before starting their journey. You should also remind them to take breaks whenever they feel tired and never drive if they’re not feeling well. Additionally, tell them that keeping them and their cargo safe is better than getting the shipment delivered fast.
Watch the Weather
One of the greatest challenges truck drivers face is poor weather conditions. Driving in heavy rain or through floods can be dangerous, especially for novice drivers.
Make sure your drivers are safe throughout their journey by having them check the weather forecast before they start driving. Additionally, if they’re driving in bad weather, they should drive more slowly and be extra cautious on the road. They should also pull over if the weather gets too bad and wait for it to clear up before continuing their drive.
Keep Your Drivers and Cargo Safe
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your drivers stay safe on the road and avoid accidents. Doing so will not only allow you to increase your profitability but also help protect your drivers and your cargo.
