Driving a truck is no easy task. Many accidents across the globe occur with lorries. Sometimes these are fatal ones involving the death of people. It is, therefore, necessary that truck drivers know all the safety measures involved with driving trucks and also follow these safety measures. If you have a business that requires truck drivers, then you should have meetings to discuss trucking safety so that the drivers are kept up to date on safety tips.
Trucking safety meeting topics should not be dull. They should be related to any issues that truck drivers are likely to face. Continue reading on to find out some subjects that you can discuss when it comes to trucking safety.
1. DVIR: Inspecting the truck before the trip
It is a good idea to make sure that everything is working fine before starting a trip. Safety begins with the pre-trip inspection. If this is correctly done, it can aid in preventing mechanical breakdowns along with accidents. This is because it can ensure the truck is in good operating order and is also compliant when it comes to state as well as federal regulations.
At the meeting, you can inform the drivers that an excellent pre-trip checkup may only take a few minutes, but can save the driver time along with money in the journey in case some unexpected fault occurs.
2.Pacing oneself: The appropriate speed to drive
It is vital that truck drivers drive within the speed limit. Over speeding can lead to accidents. A truck is a massive vehicle, and it can be tough to control it especially when over speeding. Inform the drivers about the importance of not driving fast. If the truck suddenly needs to stop this is tougher to do if the driver has been over speeding. It is better to operate at an average speed range and reach one’s destination later than driving too fast and not reaching the target at all.
3. Emerging Trends: Follow state and country regulations.
Truck drivers need to know the importance of following any state, federal and country regulations present when it comes to trucks. The driver does not want to be faced with the difficulty of being stopped by the Department of Transportation inspectors and not be following the regulations in place.
Research about the rules present in your country and provide a pamphlet to the drivers about these so that they know what the latest laws are. These can be discussed thoroughly at the meeting. In some countries, roadside violations may become prominent on the driver’s documents for some years. Inform the driver about this and how it can impact their chances of employment.
4. Signs of Fatigue: It is essential to be alert, always
It is possible that the truck driver takes the same route daily and therefore may be complacent while traveling. This is dangerous and should be avoided. It is vital to expect the unexpected always even when going on the same route. Familiar routes also change when looking at travel patterns. Discuss how it is necessary to be alert to any road signs, any speed signs, and even traffic present. This is especially so when it is the holidays or some other time when there is much traveling occurring.
5. Traffic and Tight Spaces: Driving safely in congested areas
Remind the drivers that construction zones along with school zones tend to be somewhat congested. They usually have people who are working roadside as well. It is possible for an accident to happen here in just a few seconds resulting in lifelong consequences.
6. Distracted Driving: Do not be distracted.
A truck is a massive vehicle that needs special care when driving. Stress how important it is to avoid any distractions when driving. The driver should not use his/her phone while driving. The driver should also not think that it is safe to employ hands-free technology while driving.
Talking on the phone when driving, even while using hands-free, is a distraction. This is because the driver will be focused on the conversation. They need to have their full focus on driving and be alert to everything that is occurring on the road.
7. Planning ahead: Be well rested before a trip.
Some truck drivers may need to travel far on a trip to reach their destination. They should be well rested for the journey ahead. Inform the drivers that they should take proper care of themselves to not feel tired during the trip. Fatigue is something that can lead to accidents. The driver should know that if they take good care of themselves, this can aid them in handling situations on the road better.
The meeting should discuss the importance of sleep. The driver needs to have much rest before going on the trip. A well-rested driver will be able to fight fatigue. At the time of the cold season when the flu is something that can quickly occur, the driver should be careful of any medications that they take. This is because some of them can lead to drowsiness. A tired driver can easily doze off to sleep. It is a huge threat and can lead to significant consequences.
8. Turns: Signaling needs to be done correctly.
Tell the drivers the importance of signaling correctly when wanting to change lanes. A driver needs to give enough notification so that all vehicles present around the truck are alert of their signals. Trucks that are large need to take this point very seriously. To be safe, the driver should be sure that the lane change can occur safely.
The ability to misjudge speed along with the distance of vehicles close by can lead to accidents. Some vehicles will not allow big trucks to transition into the lane ahead of them. In this scenario, drivers need to be patient and plan proactively before needing to make a turn to ensure there are in the right lane when the time calls for it.
9. Use of tools: Safety supplies should be accessible.
The driver can keep needed safety supplies with them during the trip. It is likely that the driver may require using specific safety-related tools while they are traveling. Some countries may have rules that state which supplies need to be present in the vehicle. A fire extinguisher, emergency triangles. Flashlight, replacement fuses plus lights, as well as a small tool kit, can be useful. Any supply that the driver feels will be necessary should be kept in the truck.
10. Vehicle maintenance: The truck needs to to be maintained properly
It is the driver’s responsibility to be sure that the truck is in safe operating order. Tell the drivers that if there is an issue, they should inform the company’s mechanic and get it fixed. It is essential that tires, lights along with brakes are adequately maintained. The benefit of regular preventive maintenance and also safety inspections can aid in finding likely issues before these present a problem during the trip.
In any meeting concerned with trucking safety, it is vital that you stress the fact that any carelessness can result in lifelong consequences that can cause a mental and financial burden to the driver.
Do not forget to talk about carbon monoxide – the silent killer – which has killed many people inside cars. Remember that this gas results from fuel burning and it can enter the truck through a leaking seal. So, it is very important to install a carbon monoxide detector for trucks.