After more than 20 years on the road, we like to think we know a thing or two about safety. When it comes to the road, there’s no such thing as “too safe” so we compiled a list of safety tips to help the professional drivers out there.
Safety Comes First
Everyone knows that safety is the key to make the most of your time and make the most money on the road, so start by seeking out a safety-minded workplace. We cannot over-stress the importance of due diligence before taking a position or contracting with a new company. Look at the details of the company – what is their track record for safety, how old are their trucks, do they have a lot of maintenance issues – the list goes on and on, but a few minutes up front could save you thousands in the long run.
Going along the lines of safety, let’s talk about how important proper training is. Take a few minutes to give your prospective company a call and ask about their training practices. Not only will this give you an idea of their responsiveness to your questions or request for support, but you will also gain insight into their training or lack thereof. Training is a huge issue today, and it can result in serious safety issues, make sure they offer on-going training to keep you in gear and on the road safely.
Prepare Yourself
Good safety habits begin before a driver even gets into their truck. Always take a few minutes to run through a thorough pre-trip inspection daily to reduce the chance of a breakdown. Simple things like checking your tires, headlights, motor oil, washer fluids, air lines, clean mirrors, and more can go a long way. If you need to make repairs, it’s much better to make them in a controlled area, on your terms, rather than out on the road.
Planning your route in advance is also important. Many drivers rely 100 percent on their GPS, which can sometimes lead to trouble or high-traffic situations. Always compare routes with the map app on your phone or a paper map.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead and minimize the need to stop for food by pre-packing meals and snacks in advance of each trip.
Stay Informed
The amount of technology tools available to help ensure safety on the road are virtually endless. Always keep your CB radio on at all times and consider downloading 511 apps for states that you travel in regularly for real-time traffic information.
Keep in mind that it’s good to stop and stretch every two-to-three hours and check roads and traffic for any updates, that way you can adjust your route if you need to. Something as simple as going 20 miles out of your way might help you avoid a storm, road construction or traffic delay and save you hours in the long run.
While we understand the difficulties of driving and the habits many of us get into can save us time in the moment, it is always good to take a step back and reflect on how our time could be used to our advantage when on the road. For more tips and tricks, fill out our contact form on our website. If you’re interested in becoming an owner operator or driver for C.L. Services Transport, fill out the pre-qualification form below.
Written by:
Tim Griffin
Director of Marketing & Media, C.L. Services Transport
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