Long-haul trucking can be a very stressful career. That stress can definitely have negative consequences to the driving habits of the good people responsible for getting those loads delivered.
Thankfully, there are some easy ways to ensure that the drivers are kept as safe as possible.
Avoid Behavior That Distracts
It is quite easy for a driver to get a little too comfortable behind the wheel and engage in behavior that can be quite distracting to them. It doesn’t even have to be outrageous behavior, even little things such as eating, lighting a cigarette, or changing the music on their radio or streaming device can be quite dangerous since they are taking their eyes off of the road.
Blind Spots
Large trucks have natural blind spots. These can lead to accidents from drivers not being able to see as they should. However, with new technology, the driver can rely upon sensors that alert the driver if there are cars approaching their blind spots. Of course, the driver still has the responsibility to rely on their own eyes but high-tech sensors are definitely a valued extra addition.
Use Dash Cams
Dash cams are relatively new but they have already been embraced by long-haul truckers everywhere. The main benefit of dash cams is protecting the driver from fraudulent insurance claims. The cameras record everything that happens when the driver is on the road and can be submitted as evidence in any lawsuits against the driver and trucking company. They also work great to alert the driver if other vehicles brake suddenly or switch lanes without using their turning signal. All in all, they are a good fit for long-haul truckers to utilize.
Know Your Hours
Make sure your drivers are following the hours-of-service rules that have been mandated. These rules were created to keep drivers from being pressured into driving while fatigued. Exhausted truck drivers are a leading cause of accidents and something that cannot be defended against. Truckers caught doing this risk losing their CDL licenses and having severe penalties levied against the companies for which they drive.
Utilize Road Signs
Road signs are there for a reason and they should be followed by all truck drivers. Going over the posted speed limit is a temptation that many drivers succumb to, especially if they have been held up by traffic jams or the truck being loaded or unloaded too slowly. When driving over the speed limit, the truck may become dangerous to handle or fall prey to jackknifing or rollovers.
Take Courses When Available
No matter how long a trucker has been driving, they should still take safety courses and other related classes when available. This can keep them up to speed on recently introduced technologies and how to use them to their benefit. The classes are also great for reinforcing good driving habits to which the truckers are already privy. Some truckers may take offense at being asked to take courses but they are to the benefit of the driver in the long run.
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