Spring is in full swing, and with a few exceptions in some parts of the country, we won’t have to worry about snowy, icy conditions on the roads until this winter. However, even with clear skies and no precipitation, there are still a wide range of hazards that can make a trip dangerous. Truck drivers need to be diligent about preparing their trucks for safety before their trips as well as practicing safe habits while they are driving. Here are some quick tips we use to ensure that every driver arrives safely at their destination.
Wear a Seatbelt
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is impossible to overstate the importance of seatbelts. Some accidents are unavoidable, but a seatbelt can go a long way in reducing your chance of injury or even death. Clicking the seatbelt needs to be a part of every driver’s initial checklist before getting on the road and we can’t overemphasize the importance of protecting every driver.
Put the Phone Down
Cell-phone related accidents continue to rise, even with strict laws in place in most states. Texting or reading on your phone is highly distracting, and should only be done when you are parked. If you must talk on your phone, make sure to use a hands-free device, and remember that paying attention to the road is your most important task.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Tired driving can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Even if you can force yourself to stay awake, your reaction time and decision making skills will be impaired. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night before heading back on the road.
Inspect Your Truck Before and After Every Trip
Even if you’ve only completed a short local run, it is essential to make sure that everything is always in working order. A small puncture in a tire could lead to a blowout on the road, which could cause an accident. Review your truck maintenance inspections to ensure that small issues don’t become large ones.
Drive Defensively
As a professional driver, it is up to you to set examples on the road. You may be frustrated by other aggressive drivers, but it is important to keep your distance, take it slow around curves, and allow for plenty of time for braking and passing. Your patience on the road will save lives.
At Zip Xpress we understand the hard work that goes into being a truck driver. Between safety protocols and delivering shipments undamaged is hard work, which is why it’s so important to treat drivers with the respect they deserve. Here at Zip we do our best to treat our drivers with respect and make them feel like valuable members of our team. They understand that they’re part of the customer experience and are more than willing to greet customers with a smile. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!
