The key to success as a commercial van or truck driver is having a safety-first mindset at all times. Most drivers think that they don’t have to worry about safety after they receive their CDL license.
However, keeping health and safety at the forefront of your endeavors will strengthen your skills in the shipping industry while protecting you at the same time. Here are a few health and safety tips for commercial van drivers or truckers.
Fully Prepare for Each Trip Before Hitting the Road
Increasing commercial van driver safety starts before you even enter the vehicle. Go through a rundown of your commercial van and truck equipment to ensure that everything is working properly. You must eat well, get eight hours of sleep per night, and exercise when you can in the days leading up to the job.
Use precision when you plan your route, and take traffic patterns, bad weather, construction, and road conditions into consideration before you leave. When you enter the van, find a comfortable position behind the wheel—you will be sitting there for a long time. Put your phone in the cupholder or glove compartment before leaving to avoid additional distractions.
Remain Cautious While Driving the Truck or Van
Thousands of accidents each year involve a truck, and you can prevent more by being an alert driver. First, always wear your seatbelt to keep safe and obey the law. Next, check your blind spots often to ensure that nobody is hiding, and be extra careful if you turn or switch lanes.
Use your best judgment and slow down if you must turn and flick your lights to communicate with other drivers if you plan on turning. Stay distant from the vehicle in front of you, especially when the weather is terrible, and always be sure to stay in your lane. As long as you follow the road signs, obey the law, and remain vigilant, there should be no problems on your journey.
Maintain Safety After You Arrive at Your Destination
Once you reach your destination, it’s time to unload the truck. If you are tired after the long drive, take a short break to energize yourself, so you aren’t careless while you unload.
When you first open the door, watch out for any loose freight that will fall out. After ensuring that the coast is clear, use both hands to swing open the door and secure it with a chain or cable.
Make sure to bend your hips and knees when you pick things up to avoid putting extra pressure on your back. Also, observe your surroundings before exiting the truck; you never know who will be walking outside when you exit.
After locking your doors and calling it a night, you should feel proud of your work. Health and safety tips for commercial van drivers and truckers are not always easy to follow, but they are vital.