Safety and awareness on the road is a top priority for every company that relies on trucks to move their products around the country. In addition to ensuring that customers receive packages on time, truckers are also responsible for maintaining an efficient supply chain so that businesses in every industry in the United States and around the world can continue to operate without delays. However, it is no secret that the roads can be dangerous for all drivers, not just for those in trucks. Accidents caused by other vehicles and weather conditions, and even work schedules, pose risks for truck drivers that can have a lasting domino effect on the company and its consumers. From Star Warning Systems, to seatbelt checks, to driving at reduced speeds, it is of vital importance that companies work to maintain and improve their safety standards for truck drivers.

In addition to employers installing updated safety devices in their trucks, truck drivers must also bear the responsibility for improving safety practices while they are out on the road. Here are various ways that companies and their drivers can work together to reduce the risk of injury to other drivers and their precious cargo.

Safety Concerns in the Trucking Industry

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), workers in the trucking industry experienced the most fatalities of all occupations. Those working in trucking account for approximately 12 percent of all worker deaths, and a staggering two-thirds of these fatalities are the result of highway crashes. While it makes sense that truck drivers are the most at risk of injury or worse in an automobile accident, there are other aspects of the job that also present safety concerns. Truck drivers must also battle the effects of fatigue and overexertion, as well as the inherent risks associated with loading and unloading their trucks. Other factors outside of their control include warehouses, businesses, and homes to which they make deliveries and pickups.

When taking into account mild injuries and illness, it is easy to see how truck driving can be one of the more dangerous occupations in the world. When a truck driver has a nonfatal injury or illness, the employee misses time and can put his or her job in jeopardy. Unfortunately, this results in drivers failing to report injuries, which in turn puts them in riskier situations than before. Companies and drivers face the challenge of reducing risk, while increasing productivity and efficiency, and improving the bottom line. Luckily, there are a number of ways that both employers and their truck drivers can collaborate to make the job safer.

Safety Tips for Employers of Truck Drivers

From the first day of a new person’s employment with a company as a truck driver, continuing education and training is essential. Drivers must be informed about everything from the dangers of the road to the specifics of the equipment contained in the truck. The safe operation of the vehicle at all times is necessary as a way to avoid crashes. OSHA notes that every 12 minutes someone dies in a motor vehicle crash and that a crash occurs every five seconds. How can a business ensure that their truck drivers are safe when out on a job? Some ways that employers can play a role in driving safety include:

·        Develop a culture of safety. Instructing your team on safe driving practices allows company owners and managers to develop a culture of safety. This is used by organizations as an educational opportunity and a chance to change employee behaviors and attitudes. In addition to instructing about highway driving, such as following road signs, safe passing, and lane changes, drivers are also able to see how their actions on the road have a direct impact on other motorists, fellow truck drivers, and their employer.

·        Invest in safety equipment and upgrades. Star Warning Systems and other safety mechanisms help your truck drivers complete their jobs while reducing the risk of injuries and accidents. Reflective lights, back-up warning alarms, and lighted arrow bars help the vehicles be seen better, especially in low-light conditions. When your trucks and drivers can be seen by others on the road, everybody wins. Safety accessories and upgrades also help companies meet compliance rules and industry regulations. Each company’s goal should be to provide its drivers with the safety equipment needed for any situation.

·        Continually perform maintenance checks on trucks. An untold amount of highway accidents occur when trucks and other vehicles are not properly inspected. It can be difficult to ensure that all of your vehicles are running at 100 percent, especially when they are out on the road for a long journey. This is why it is important to educate drivers on safety checks and procedures. Doing so increases accountability by making it everyone’s responsibility to ensure that proper safety procedures are followed.

It is also recommended for employers to create a program that rewards safe behaviors and actions. Drivers enjoy competing against coworkers and the result of the program will be a boost in morale in addition to a reduction in injuries.

How Can Truck Drivers Increase Safety?

In addition to employers outfitting trucks with new safety equipment and visibility gear, it is also up to truck drivers to carry their weight when it comes to increasing safety. As previously mentioned, trucking safety has more to do than just with driving from Point A to Point B. It covers loading up the truck, unloading it at its destination, and everything in between. In order to make sure that you and your cargo make it to the destination without incident, you should develop a safety plan and keep in mind best practices for driving your truck.

A strong safety plan starts by having the right equipment with you at all times. Is your truck equipped with a toolbox? How about flares and reflective triangles? Do you have the necessary tie-downs for your flat bed and chains for your tires? If any piece of safety equipment that you need is missing or wearing out, it is important to let your supervisor know in order to get things fixed or replaced before the next trip.

As you gain more experience behind the wheel of a big rig, you may feel that you could drive the truck with your eyes closed. Remember that there are other drivers on the highway who are less experienced or in a hurry (or both), which means you always need to be aware of your surroundings.

It is also important to keep in mind that it takes your truck a longer time to slow down and stop than other vehicles. This means drivers need to maintain reduced speeds and keep their distance to avoid hitting the cars or trucks ahead. However, truck safety is more than just safe driving on the road. Be sure to work with your employer any time new equipment is being used in the warehouse so you can learn about its operation and any new potential hazards that could be present.

Finally, review safe driving procedures more often than what is required by your employer. This keeps truck safety information fresh in your head so you can avoid accidents and injuries that could threaten your livelihood. Maintaining safety standards for truck drivers is everyone’s responsibility. Continuing education, awareness on the road, and an investment in truck safety equipment and accessories will help your business reduce risk, increase revenue, and improve efficiency.

Purchase your safety equipment for trucks and trailers by contacting a representative at Vehicle Safety Supply today at 877-295-6411.

Sources:

1.      https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry/hazards.html

2.      https://www.osha.gov/Publications/motor_vehicle_guide.html