Reducing Risks When Driving Heavy Haul Trucks

The season is here when roads in the United States are more treacherous, and drivers in heavy haul trucks need to take extra care when traveling.

By following a few simple guidelines, heavy haul drivers can make it to and from their destinations safely.

Understanding Your Route

Heavy haul trucks can only travel along certain routes because of the size and weight of their loads. If possible, try to map out alternate routes in case of traffic hold-ups or inclement weather. Fleet managers can also keep track of drivers using GPS and telematics.

Avoid Drowsy and Distracted Driving

Most trucking companies have policies in place for drivers to use if they find themselves exhausted or distracted on the road. Since driving while drowsy or distracted are the leading causes for accidents in the United States, knowing when to pull off the road and rest is essential – especially when heavy haul trucks, due to their size and weight, can make crashes exponentially worse.

Safe Driving Habits

Heavy haul trucks handle differently than any other vehicle. Drivers need to know how to navigate close quarters and even residential areas to protect their vehicles, their loads, and most importantly, themselves.

Compliance Is Key

There have been a number of changes to hours of service, compliance, ELD requirements and more over the past year alone. Safety regulations help a great deal during the winter months, but if a truck is out of compliance, the vehicle and driver can be pulled off the road and placed out of service.

Heavy Haul Drivers and Traffic Incidents

Traffic accidents, including fatalities, can cost fleets upwards of $500,000 per incident. Each incident increases insurance premiums, restricts cash flow, and makes it hard for drivers to get hired if they are found at fault. We are expected to encounter some terrible storms this winter, making last year seem mild by comparison. By practicing compliance and sticking to safe driving policies, heavy haul truckers can keep themselves and others safe. While we cannot anticipate or control the actions of other drivers on the road, if we’re responsible for ourselves, that greatly reduces the chance of an accident.