Trucking can be a physically demanding profession that requires tremendous focus and fortitude. Although many people regard it as a matter of transporting cargo, any experienced trucker can confirm that the actual job is considerably more complex. Given how much time they spend on the road and the massive size of their vehicles, truckers consistently face a number of safety challenges. While there’s no end-all solution to avoiding these dangers, there are several simple steps truckers can take to keep themselves safe on the road.
Be Mindful of Speed Limits
Although many motorists have no qualms about ignoring them, speed limits exist to keep people safe. The larger the vehicle, the more dangers it presents when driven at excessive speeds – and vehicles don’t come much larger than big rigs. This is why it behooves every trucker to adhere to speed limits – specifically, the ones set for trucks. Reaching your destination, a little faster isn’t worth putting your life, the lives of other motorists and your employer’s reputation at risk. Unsurprisingly, truckers who regularly receive speeding tickets frequently draw the ire of their respective employers. Furthermore, certain fleet management software allows managers to monitor vehicle speeds, so if you intend to remain gainfully employed for the foreseeable future, it’s in your best interest to respect speed limits.
Prioritize Your Safety over Deadlines
The freighting industry couldn’t exist without deadlines. After all, cargo being transported from Point A to Point B by an agreed-upon date is the very essence of trucking. However, it’s important to keep in mind that no deadline should take precedence over your personal safety. So, if you have to choose between driving through a patch of hazardous weather and missing a deadline, let the deadline go. Making deliveries in a timely manner may be a big part of the job, but it’s not worth risking your life for.
Take Care of Yourself
Truck drivers need to remain focused and alert while behind the wheel. Needless to say, this can prove difficult for people who don’t get enough sleep or eat properly. Cutting back on sleep and meals may seem like an effective way to make better time, but this also stands to compromise your safety. When operating a vehicle as massive as a big rig, losing your focus for just a few seconds can have serious consequences. Eating three balanced meals per day and getting eight hours of sleep each night can prove tremendously helpful in maintaining one’s concentration.
Despite its challenges, truck driving can be an exciting and professionally fulfilling career path to travel down. However, like any job that involves driving, trucking isn’t without its risks. Anyone who wishes to pursue a career in this field needs to understand the importance of safety behind the wheel. Truck drivers who aren’t well-versed in safety are a danger to both themselves and their fellow motorists. Whether you’re new to trucking or have been driving a rig for years, the pointers discussed above are sure to come in handy.
