Putting Safety First

As a truck driver, you face daily hazards on the road. Bad weather, inattentive other drivers, and debris are only a few things you have to watch out for. Even your cab isn’t completely safe. You can still get injured behind the wheel. To help prevent accidents and injuries, here are some safety tips for truck drivers from Transam Carriers.

Tips for truck drivers

1. Inspect the truck before every trip

Even if you’re the only person driving the truck and it ran perfectly on the last load, it still important to inspect it before you hit the road. Tire pressure, the vehicle lights, engine compartment, brakes, chassis, fuel tanks, and trailer connections are some of the items you’ll want to check.

2. Know local speed limits and traffic laws

Chances are your truck comes with a navigational system that plots out your route. Pay attention to it. The device is usually programmed to ensure you only drive on approved streets. You also want to pay attention to speed limit changes. Getting a ticket is expensive, more so than if you were driving a car.

3. Wear your seatbelt

It’s a simple thing to do. Not only is it the law to wear a seatbelt, but it can also save your life. You’re not invincible simply because you’re sitting high up in the cab.

4. Keep up with the weather forecast

Long-haul and short distance truckers should stay current with the local and national weather. The weather can quickly change from sunny to a heavy downpour. Ice and snow are other possibilities when you’re out on the road. Not knowing what type of weather you’ll be driving through can put you and other drivers at risk.

5. Know your blind spots

One of the first things you should’ve familiarized yourself with is the truck’s blind spots. According to the Department of Transportation, blind spots account for over 413,000 traffic accidents involving trucks. Know where your blind spots are and keep it in mind every time you drive your truck.

6. Keep the cab clean

As a truck driver, you have a responsibility to your health and safety. At Transam Carriers we recommend that our drivers clean and disinfect their cab daily to remove germs and viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. Pay attention to the steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, and other surfaces you commonly touch.

Winter driving tips

Winter is already here. Handling your truck in winter weather is another challenge. However, here are some more tips that will keep you and your rig safe on the road.

1. Keep a safe driving distance

2. Do not use the jack brake

Some drivers use the jack brake when they’re stopping on icy roads. It is the wrong thing to do and can result in an accident. Only use the foot brake if the cab and trailer are perfectly straight, otherwise, the trailer can slide spinning you off the road.

3. Never stop on the shoulder

It’s tempting to pull over to the side of the road during a snowstorm, but it’s dangerous to even with your hazard lights on. Other vehicles might not see your truck in the storm, possibly hitting it. If you have to pull over, try, and wait until you reach a rest area or other designed safe zone.

4. Keep your fuel topped off

Driving during the winter often means getting stuck in long traffic lines. The last thing you want to happen is running out of gas. Never let your fuel gauge drop below the halfway point. It will ensure that you don’t have to call for roadside assistance.

5. Be prepared for bad weather

Temperatures can quickly drop, especially when you’re driving cross-country in the winter. Keep an extra set of clean warm clothes in the cab, in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to keep water and a few non-perishable food items on hand. You never know when you might need the extra supplies.