Trucks driven by professional drivers are involved in fewer road accidents per kilometer of road than other vehicles. However, when they collide with another vehicle, regardless of who is responsible, the consequences can be much more serious due to the heavy weight and dimensions of the trucks. The severity of an accident can also be exacerbated by the nature of the products being transported.
As a truck driver, you must always drive responsibly and demonstrate your professionalism on the one hand by preventing and, on the other hand, forgiving the dangerous behavior of other road users. You can help save lives, improve the image of your profession and help your industry secure a better legal framework.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Your own life and the lives of other road users depend on your preparedness and your reactions in case of danger!
Professional driving is extremely demanding. Therefore, you should be in good physical and mental condition. If you eat and drink healthy and exercise regularly, you will feel better, drive better and live longer!
1. Adjust the driver's seat so that you can sit as comfortably as possible and easily reach all vehicle handling points with your hands. Make sure that the position of your head corresponds to the head restraint that holds it in the event of an accident.
2. If you have a seat belt, fasten it, without forgetting the passenger seat belt. Even truck drivers can be killed if they break through the windshield! Anyone resting on the bunk bed must be tethered when the vehicle is moving.
3. Observe the provisions of the law regarding driving and rest times. Violation of the provisions and illegal interventions in the tachograph are illegal and a sign of disrespect for human life. Use the rest time to! Relax!
4. Do not drink alcohol before driving and do not take any medicine or substance that may impair your ability to drive. Avoid rich meals before driving, as they may make you drowsy.
5. Do not continue driving if you feel drowsy - STOP! Get out of your vehicle, stretch and inhale fresh air.
OR IS EVERYTHING ELSE?
1. Do you have all the required documents? Did you put the disc or card in the tachograph? Do you have the drives required by law in your truck?
2. Is everything in good working order? Have you checked the brakes and their piping (both trailer and trailer), tires (pressure and groove depth), coolant and oils? Have you adjusted the mirrors, checked the windows (do useless stickers block visibility?), The wipers, the lights, the indicators? What is the condition of the special equipment, such as fire extinguishers and snow chains? Is there a visible fault? Is the vehicle generally clean?
3. Have you evenly distributed the load and tied it properly? In case of partial unloading before your final destination do you need to redistribute and tie the load again?
4. Check your itinerary. Bridges, tunnels, etc. are included in the itinerary. where your vehicle may encounter a problem (dimensions, weight, dangerous products)? Do you use highways as much as possible, avoiding residential areas? Where will you take breaks? Get informed from the
meteorological bulletin!
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL ON THE ROAD
1. Remember that the blind corner of your vehicle prevents you from seeing the smallest users of the road network (cars, mopeds, cyclists, pedestrians) near your vehicle. Take special care:
2. Do not overtake unless you are sure that you have enough space and that you will not force other vehicles to slow down.
3. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front - In any case, at least the minimum distance provided by law. The higher your speed, the greater the distance that must separate you from the vehicle in front. This distance should be even greater in case of rain, mud, frost and snow, as well as in the tunnels.
4. At night, turn off your headlights early when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. Make sure your lights and reflectors are clean so that your vehicle is visible.
5. Adjust your driving to the weather. When the roads are slippery due to rain, mud, frost or snow (do not forget your chains!), Reduce your speed. The same applies to driving in fog, rain, poor lighting and tunnels.
6. Only park in areas where parking is permitted. Be careful not to obstruct the traffic or visibility of other road users and avoid residential areas. Make sure there is no risk of the vehicle moving in your absence. Do not start your engine for no reason.
7. Stop in case of overheating of the engine, brakes or deceleration of your vehicle. Do not start before making sure that there is no longer a risk of overheating or damage.
8. Use secure parking spaces as much as possible. Do not park in secluded areas that are not well lit, especially at night. Do not talk to strangers about your cargo or itinerary. Try, if possible, to travel in a phalanx. Before starting your journey again, inspect your vehicle and cargo for signs of tampering.
9. Try to anticipate and avoid problems. Avoid braking abruptly or accelerating too fast, as this is dangerous for other road users, causes increased fuel consumption and therefore more pollution.
10. Always follow the rules of the road. Do not adopt bad habits of other road users. Safe driving protects your life, the lives of others and your workplace!
11. In the event of damage, accident or any other emergency, inform your employer and / or local emergency services immediately. Enter emergency call numbers in your mobile phone memory.
12. Do not use your mobile phone while driving unless you have a handsfree installed.
13. Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to report to your employer any problems you had with the vehicle, the route you took or the deliveries you made, so that the necessary repairs or adjustments can be made before the next trip.
Show that you are a professional and they will respect you!
The International Road Transport Association and its members represent your business and work to ensure the best possible regulatory framework in the road transport sector. Your role as a professional driver is important to the economy and society. You should be proud of your profession and your driving!
Source: International Road Transport Union
Useful tips for driving light trucks.
1. Overconfidence is a bad advisor.
Many drivers think light trucks (pickups, SUVs and minivans) are much safer than mid-size cars. Many people believe that light trucks are more likely to withstand an accident. However, trucks can be more difficult to maneuver, which can be dangerous. It is also important to know that the increased weight and size of your vehicle will not necessarily protect you in a collision.
2. Heavy and taller vehicles can be a danger to other drivers.
Light trucks are generally heavier and taller, so their bumpers can be a deadly hazard to smaller cars in a collision. Drivers of light trucks should be aware of the dangers they pose to smaller vehicles.
3. Develop the skills needed to safely tow trailers.
Light trucks are commonly used to tow trailers for purposes ranging from general towing to caravans and boats. It is not easy to maneuver around corners and change lanes when towing an extra vehicle. Even the reverse can prove to be a challenge. Like driving uphill or downhill. Some key points to keep in mind: Do not tow too much weight - Use the right hook & other equipment - Load the trailer properly - Ask for help. Use proper wheels and tires when connecting. Add horsepower, avoid overheating, keep the tow truck level.
4. Create a complete box with essentials, especially for winter driving in remote areas.
Prepare in case you get stuck somewhere. Make sure you have a jack and cables suitable for the weight and size of your truck. Use a compact container (a heavy bag or pouch) for your box. Some things to include: street flares, woolen blankets, short circuits, snacks, a small oven, ready-made soups, pots and pans, thick socks, hat, gloves, medicines, tire chains, spatula, candle , flashlight and radio with new batteries, and something to read while you wait. Do not forget the medicines and the necessary supplies of personal items. Always have a first aid kit. Make sure your cell phone has enough battery power.
5. Prepare early to meet the special requirements of the different seasons.
You need to prepare your truck and tires much earlier for the winter as well as for the other seasons. Fog, heavy rainfall, snow and ice, glare and heat need special adjustment and maintenance. See our winter driving tips and the "Tire Maintenance" section on the website for more information.
