One of the most effective ways companies can reduce costs and risks associated with operating fleets is to practice safe driving. As you know, truck driving is hard work. Some drivers rack up to 3000 miles a week, getting up at the crack of dawn and coming back late at night to meet deadlines. Driving a very heavy and long commercial vehicle is nothing like your everyday sedan. This is why practicing caution behind the wheel is especially important.
By encouraging your drivers to practice safe driving, you not only protect your employees from vehicle-related injuries, but you also cut claims costs, manage insurance premiums, and safeguard your company’s reputation. Here are some tips to help your drivers practice caution behind the wheel.
1. Look Far Ahead
Look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead to scan for potential hazards and anticipate where threats may occur. Give yourself more time to see, think, and act. Drivers of large commercial vehicles or heavy equipment can’t react as quickly as smaller, more agile passenger vehicles. The sooner you see a potential threat, the more time you have to react.
2. Keep a Safe Following Distance
Keep a safe following distance in the event you need to stop. According to DOT recommendations, when traveling up to 40 mph stay at least four seconds of distance and add one second for every additional 10 mph of speed. Some trucks come equipped with Active Brake Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, which can be utilized for this purpose.
3. Avoid Having To Back Up
One of the most common types of collisions involves incidents of vehicles backing up. It’s just much harder to see and involves an awkward steering relationship. Even the best drivers can benefit from limiting the number of times you have to back up in a truck. Pull through to the front spot to exit forward, for example. Opt to park curbside in a designated delivery area, or where you can pull forward to leave.
4. Avoid Distractions
Needless to say, emails, text messages, and navigation systems demand attention and can easily cause accidents. Encourage drivers to check devices only when they stop. When driving, only use steering wheel controls to help keep eyes on the road.
5. Keep Alert
Driving long distances can be exhausting. Encourage drivers to take breaks so that they can stay more alert.
6. Go The Appropriate Speed
Good drivers don’t just follow the speed limit. How fast you go should depend on whether you’re carrying a full load, the road conditions, weather, visibility, and many other factors. The ability to maintain safe control of the vehicle under the given conditions should be the guiding principle for determining speed. Consider also altering delivery times during times of bad weather to reduce pressure on the drivers.
7. Preventive Maintenance
If a truck’s equipment is not properly maintained and inspected, it could lead to larger issues or breakdowns. Inspect your vehicle before and after long trips in order to practice caution.
Continental Truck Services technicians are always here for you. We are highly skilled and certified to quickly and effectively fix any problem and address any need. We provide the best truck repair services at the fastest possible times. We are located at 9640 SIDNEY HAYES RD, Orlando, FL 32824, United States. Call today to schedule your appointment: (407) 591-6747.
