Keeping drivers and other traffic participants safe on the road is one of the most important things you can do as a trucking company. In addition to drivers and public health, their safety directly affects a company’s reputation and bottom line.
When it comes to safety, Transam Carriers takes a proactive approach and work tirelessly to ensure our drivers comply with the industry’s laws and regulations. We also go the extra mile to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments. We use modern equipment and technologies, conduct regular trainings for truck drivers, and utilize stimulating methods to support safe behavior of drivers, which include safety bonuses, increased pay rates, health benefits, etc. This is meant to ensure the safety of our employees, the public, and everyone involved.
That said, there are many dangers on the road for truck drivers, but there are also ways to stay safe.
Encourage truckers to practice defensive driving
This means always being aware of your surroundings and watching out for other drivers who may not be paying attention. Truckers should consistently be on the lookout for potential hazards, such as cars cutting them off, changing lanes without signaling, or driving erratically.
If a trucker sees another driver behaving dangerously, they should give them plenty of space and avoid getting too close. Some critical defensive driving strategies and practices truck drivers should adhere to include:
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Not tailgating other vehicles
- Staying calm, collected, and cool: road rage is a serious threat to safe driving
- Scanning the road ahead for potential hazards
- Keeping an eye on the mirrors to check blind spots
- Using turn signals when changing lanes or merging
- Yielding the right of way when appropriate
- When in doubt, slowing down or stopping completely to avoid a potential accident
- Practicing proper lane discipline by staying in the correct lane and not weaving in and out of lanes
Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection
Yes. And again about pre-trips. Before heading out on the road, truckers should thoroughly inspect their vehicle. That includes checking the engine oil, coolant levels, brakes, tires and ensuring all the lights are in working order. They should also check their blind spots and mirrors and familiarize themselves with the route they’ll be taking.
Post-trip vehicle inspections are just as important and can help identify any potential problems that may have arisen during the trip, such as a blown tire or leaking fluid. Here’s a checklist of pre-trip and post-trip inspections:
- Engine oil
- Coolant levels
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Tires (including the spare)
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Air brakes
- Emergency equipment
- Gauges
- Fuel tanks and lines
- Load
- Chains
- Coupling devices
- Reflectors, etc.
For more safety tips, please, read our previous articles (Putting safety first, The checklist for pre-trip and post-trip inspections).
Importance of safety on the road
Trucking is a challenging profession, and safety should always be a top priority. Encouraging drivers to practice defensive driving and perform thorough vehicle inspections can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep drivers and public safe. A lack of professionalism on the road can easily lead to:
- Endangering lives
- Low efficiency and premature breakdown of equipment
- Higher insurance rates
- Truck getting into accidents
- A black mark on a company’s reputation
- Company getting sued
Maintaining high industry standards
If you are looking for a top-rated trucking company committed to safety, consider Transam Carriers. We work with best of the best to ensure your shipments are delivered safely and on time. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for excellence and trucking services that is second to none. We are always looking for ways to improve our services, and we credit our success to our team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Jobs: https://www.transamcarriers.com/careers/jobs
Tel. 416-907-8101
