Preventing Accidents in Your Trucking Business

Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.

The truck driving industry is enormous and certainly can bring in a lot of profit. However, alongside its advantages, it also causes a lot of accidents. Trucks are big vehicles, and they aren’t easy to drive around. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce accident occurrences in your fleet.

Below, we are going to talk about some different prevention tips that your business and drivers should follow. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.

Regulations

There are many different regulations in place that all truck companies need to follow. Failure to do this could impact not only your business’s reputation but also cause accidents that an injury lawyer will then have to resolve. Trust us when we say it’s better to follow the rules. Nothing ever comes good from breaking them. A few of the most common you should look into include:

- Licensing requirements

- Driving hours/electronic logging

- Cargo securing

- Physical requirements/regular drug testing

Training

Since trucks are such heavy vehicles, properly educating your employees on how to drive them is essential. It takes time to learn how to maneuver them, and putting someone inexperienced behind the wheel can be very dangerous, resulting in cargo loss and injury. By providing frequent training, you can improve your safety and performance levels at the same time.

Vehicle Inspections

There is a reason why so many pre-checks and vehicle inspections are required when running a fleet. If something fails or cargo isn’t secured, it can cause significant complications and money loss. Remember to document everything accordingly (especially if trucks are being shared) and practice preventative maintenance. You can do this by:

- Checking and changing fluids

- Inspecting tires and tire pressure

- Doing a battery load test

- Checking your exterior lighting

You can find more tips to help you establish a program here.

Planning Ahead

Just like taking a regular road trip, it’s important for each of your drivers to plan ahead. They need to understand the roads, know where the nearest stops are and what the weather condition will be like, so they can drive safely. Luckily, there is software available that can help keep your drivers organized. Check out these apps that every trucker needs to get started. Some help with logging shifts, while others can locate accommodation and restaurant facilities to make life easier.

Safe-Driving Habits

Finally, the key to preventing and minimizing accidents in your trucking business is for your drivers to practice safe driving habits. While training will cover the technical side of things, it’s up to them to be responsible while they are on duty. This includes getting the appropriate rest, avoiding distractions, taking care of their health, and not drinking while driving. All of these should be outlined in your policies and procedures for reference.

And that’s it. By following the above, you can grow a successful trucking business while ensuring that everyone is safe out on the road. Good luck!

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