For truck drivers, safety is of utmost importance when they go out on the road. Making sure they are not too tired and staying away from any pharmaceuticals that could cause drowsiness are some of the keys to prevent accidents. But the physical condition of the truck that they drive is also crucial, as any failure could have serious consequences. Here are a few reminders on a safe conduct for truck drivers.
Brake Systems Are Essential to the Safety of a Truck
Truck and other heavy vehicles such as buses and commercial vehicles need to be able to stop rapidly in emergency situations. However, carrying a heavy weight implies a significant amount of force will be necessary to halt the vehicle. The quality of the breaking system on a truck can be the difference between being involved in an accident or being spared. Every part needs to be checked regularly, so that there are no chance of failure. Choosing brake Adjuster Haldex will help compensate for lining wear and ensure optimized braking performance.
But brakes are not only meant to stop the vehicle. In difficult situations on the road, it will provide greater control for the driver. It will be the case when an important curve appears or when a rapid maneuver is required. Not only does it ensure the driver’s safety, but also of everyone else that they may encounter on the road, including stray animals or people crossing the street. Finally, it is necessary to mention that heavy vehicles are subject to strict safety regulations, especially in regards to brakes maintenance.
Speed Needs to Be Controlled on the Road
Any vehicle on the road should be driven according to the speed limits, but this is particularly true for heavy ones. When a car is on the highway, running at high speed, the distance separating it to the next car could be the determining factor, if the one in front had to put on the brakes urgently for any reason. The distance that can prevent a collision will be longer for a truck, as the heavy weight needs an extended distance to come to a stop. Also, a sudden push on the brakes could cause the cargo to move sideways. Every kilometer of speed matter, as it adds to the number of meters necessary to perform a full stop for any vehicle. Driving at a safe speed is key to safety, especially in difficult weather conditions as they add to the level of hazard.
The Vehicle Needs to Be Inspected Regularly
Driving a truck often means being on the road at least five days a week, if not more. Work can also bring you onto unknown roads, sometimes far away from any major city. If anything on the vehicle was to break down, it could be difficult and extremely costly to find someone to repair it, either on site or close by. But most of all, it could be the cause of an accident. It is crucial for anyone driving a heavy vehicle to proceed to a daily inspection of everything that can be noticeable simply by looking or touching. Then, he needs to have it go through an inspection at the garage regularly. This is the only way to ensure optimal safety to the truck driver as well as to everyone else on the road.
The Cargo Has to Be Balanced
One important problem for a truck driver comes from an unbalanced cargo. Depending on the merchandise that is being carried, and the customer who owns the cargo, some of the drivers will load the merchandise by themselves. Especially if they have to make many pick-ups and deliveries during the same day. A well-balanced cargo means less risk when the vehicle is taking a steep curve, but also when the driver has to put on the brakes suddenly.
Other Elements to Remember
Distraction doesn’t have a place inside the cabin of a truck. Anything that can take the attention of the driver away, even for just a few seconds, is dangerous and should not find its way there. It can also come through fatigue, so regular rest is essential.
Safety regulations relating to trucks are often updated. It is important that drivers stay informed, so that they respect the laws in place at all times. A driver should also know the height of his truck and the cargo it carries, so that it never risks being blocked inside a bridge, an overpass or a tunnel.
