Commercial trucking is an industry that ships goods to all corners of the nation. It’s a way to make sure that individual consumers, groups, and other businesses that provide services have what they need to get the job done. Such long journeys can have potential dangers. If you own or manage a fleet of trucks, there are a few things you can do to make the drives safer for your employees.
Dashcams
Dashcams can serve two important purposes for you and your drivers. Firstly, they can help improve accountability and encourage drivers to make wise, safe decisions while they’re on the road. This can cut down on the likelihood that they might be involved in any accidents at some point on their journey. Secondly, the cams can help exonerate your drivers if an accident does occur. An insurance company may deem your driver at fault immediately after an accident, but dashcam footage could tell a different story. So, make sure you also get the trucking insurance for your employees with the help of Simplex Group to protect them and the vehicles.
Proper Illumination
Truckers can run into all kinds of weather conditions at any point during their drives. Even if everything is clear, many commercial drivers need to make journeys at night in order to make sure goods get to where they need to be. You can make sure they don’t miss anything by installing products like the Scania left-hand headlamp on all of your vehicles. It is also a good idea to replace lamps or bulbs regularly to make sure they don’t go out when they’re needed most.
Smooth Driving
Cornering, braking too hard, or quick accelerations are all relatively common events across the industry. These things can all increase the risk that a driver might hit an unaware vehicle that isn’t prepared for a sharp turn or sudden stop. Remind drivers that smooth is fast. You may wish to consider installing some electronic logging software to create scorecards that analyze this data on an individual basis.
Hours of Service
Despite having to drive through the night or over long distances, there are rules governing hours of service for truckers. Different drivers can have varied hours of service, but you should encourage your employees to abide by these rules. They are there to make sure truckers can minimize fatigue. Feeling rested can help them remain alert when they are on the road.
Doing some of these things can increase the safety ratings for your trucks and drivers. This doesn’t just help you be a caring, responsible employer. There are cost savings to consider here, as any accidents or collisions could mean money you have to pay out. Encourage your drivers to engage in safety programs that highlight issues such as distracted driving or braking distances.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
