Long-haul trucking operations are complex, and business owners need to think beyond fuel savings and timely deliveries. On-road safety of the vehicles should be your top priority because truck accidents can be devastating. They can cause grave injuries to your employees and others on the road. The risk of death also runs high for mishaps involving large vehicles. They can cause business disruptions, lawsuits, and even reputational damage. It makes sense for trucking companies to go the extra mile with safety planning. Here are some life-saving safety recommendations that you must follow.
Have an accident prevention plan in place
Every company that operates a fleet must have an accident prevention plan in place. It should be in writing as a comprehensive manual you can provide to every employee who drives the trucks. It needs to have essential elements such as policy on hours of operations, safety training programs for the drivers, post-accident retraining policy, driver drug testing policy, red flags for safety violations, and steps to check equipment safety.
Prioritize fatigue control
Since trucking operations involve long haul driving, there is always a risk of mishaps due to fatigue. It is vital to implement fatigue control measures to ensure that drivers get ample rest between trips so that they are alert on the road. Consider enforcing limits for the number of miles and hours they can cover in a single trip. Additional fatigue control rules should apply to late-night operations because this is a high-risk period.
Practice routine vehicle maintenanceĀ
Trucking companies need to perform a regular inspection, repair, and maintenance of their vehicles. Ideally, you need a preventive check before each trip to curb the risk of accidents. The checks include parameters like fluid levels, brake controls, and engine health. You may need to replace diesel truck parts if they are damaged or worn out. Ensuring that all the vehicles are in the proper condition is vital because it gets your business a step ahead on the safety front.
Incentivize safe driving
Apart from paying attention to vehicle maintenance and investing in regular training, you can incentivize drivers who follow safe driving practices. It encourages them to keep up with the good work and motivates others to follow suit. Consider cash incentives and rewards for drivers who operate their trucks without an accident for a year. You can also give bonuses to long-haul operators who cross million-figure distance marks.
Pay attention to cargo loadingĀ
Vehicle maintenance and driver safety have a significant impact on accident risk reduction. But mishaps can still happen. Improper loading of cargo or unsafe handling of hazardous materials in-transit can also result in accidents. Unsecured cargo can cause a trailer to overturn, and hazardous material elevates the risk of fire. Proper loading is another step that you need to take to prevent trucking accidents and resultant injuries.
Making conscious efforts for trucking safety can prevent fatal mishaps and injuries to your people and others on the road. Although it may take some time and investment, everything you do is worthwhile.