Each year in the UK alone there are in excess of 20,000 road traffic accidents involving vans and Trucks.
As a professional driver you should set a good example of driving to others, as well as ensuring your own safety on the road. In addition to making our roads safer, driving responsibly can also help you to reduce the costs associated with accidents such as insurance, repairs, compensation and loss of earnings.
Below are some tips and advice on safe driving practice for Truck drivers.
Are you fit to drive?
As a heavy goods vehicle driver you are required to pass certain medical tests in order to be allowed to drive. If you do have any medical conditions which may affect your driving it is your responsibility to inform the Drivers Medical Unit at DVLA. You are also required to have an eye test to ensure you can see adequately.
Are you prepared?
Planning ahead can help save you time and money, as well as making any journey a more enjoyable experience. Make sure you plan your route to allow for rest breaks and to identify any potential problems such as road works or low bridges. Where possible try to plan routes which avoid congestion areas at peak times. It is also good idea to check the Highways Agency Traffic Information website before starting a journey to help you avoid traffic hold ups and accidents.
Another important part of planning any journey is to take the time to check the weather forecast. This is especially important in the winter months. Being prepared for the weather conditions can help save you time and keep you safe on the roads. In adverse weather conditions such as snow, fog and rain be sure to allow extra time for your journey and make any necessary safety checks/alterations to your vehicle.
Safety checks
Before staring any journey it is important to carry out some basic safety checks. As the driver of the vehicle you are responsible for checking the vehicle is roadworthy, ensuring any equipment is present and in correct working order and checking all the warning systems and lights are working. Never begin a journey if your vehicle is not road legal and safe to drive.
Belt up!
It may sound obvious but always wear your seat belt. Not only is the use of a seatbelt required by law, it can save your life in the event of an accident. Always remember to wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same, no matter how short the journey.
Mobile phones
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving and those caught can face a heavy fine. As well as the financial implications, the use of mobile phones whilst driving poses a serious safety issue. Doing so can cause you to react more slowly, to fail to pay attention to other road users and to fail to maintain a proper lane position at a steady speed. All these factors make you are much more likely to be involved in an accident. The safest alternative is to keep your phone off when you are on the road.
Feeling Sleepy?
In the UK driver fatigue is one of the biggest causes of HGV related accidents. To combat tiredness at the wheel always factor in frequent rest stops, preferably one stop for every two hours of driving. In addition you should always have an adequate amount of sleep the night before a journey and never start a journey feeling tired. If you do feel tired at the wheel find a safe place to stop and have a caffeine rich drink and a nap.
Here are some tips to keep you more alert:
These tips should help you stay more alert when driving but they are no substitute to adequate sleep and rest breaks.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the cause of thousands of accidents each year, many of them fatal. Alcohol affects everyone differently and some may be able to drink more than other and still remain under the limit. Even if you remain under the legal limit, any amount of alcohol will affect your driving ability by impairing your concentration, slowing your reaction times and distorting your perception of speed and distances. There is no sure way to know how much you can drink and still drive safely. As a professional driver the best option is to never drink and drive.
Alcohol can stay in the body for up to 24 hours so if you have been drinking heavily the evening before a journey, you may still be over the limit the next morning. Remember that a conviction for drink driving in any vehicle will result in the loss of your HGV license and as such the loss of your livelihood. It’s not worth the risk!
Drugs
As with alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs is both illegal and highly dangerous. Taking drugs can have many negative effects on your ability to drive safely, including a loss of concentration, an inability to judge distances and an increased level of risk taking. Be aware that many legal medicines can also affect your driving by making you feel drowsy and lethargic. Always check the label or consult a pharmacist before taking any medicines whilst driving.
Cruise control
Many trucks have cruise control which can help you to improve fuel efficiency when used correctly. Never use cruise control to brake or accelerate as you are not in control. Remember cruise control is not a substitute for your concentration! Always pay attention to the road and the actions of other road users.
Keep in lane!
Unless you are overtaking a slower moving vehicle always keep to the left hand lane. Trucks are not allowed in the extreme right-hand lane on three or four-lane motorways. In addition, avoid making any sudden lane changes as this can cause problems for other road users. Make sure you indicate your intentions well before carrying out any maneuvers.
Reversing
Always take care when reversing your heavy good vehicle, especially at night or in poor visibility. Be aware of other road users, pedestrians and cyclists when negotiating any reversing manoeuvre. Although there are audible devices that signal your vehicle is reversing, it is your responsibility to ensure it is safe to reverse your vehicle. Where possible use a banksman.
Bridge Strikes
Bridge strikes are a huge safety concern for all truck drivers. As well as damage to yourself and your vehicle, bridge strikes can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians and other road users. If you cause such an accident you will not only be liable for the damage caused to your vehicle and the road, but if you hit a railway bridge Network Rail will hold you responsible for the cost of examining and repairing the bridge. In short it is a costly and dangerous mistake to make.
The main reason for such incidents is the driver being unaware of the height of the vehicle so the best way to prevent such accidents is to always be aware of the travelling height and width of your vehicle. If you are driving an artic be sure to measure both the tractor unit and semi-trailer as they may be of different heights. In addition you should always check the height again after unloading or reloading as your vehicle’s suspension could increase the height of the unloaded vehicle.
Parking
Even after you have completed your journey safely should still be your utmost priority. When you attempt a parking manoeuvre it is crucial you are aware of the length, width, and height of your vehicle, as well as being mindful of any potential dangers in the surrounding area.
Always choose a safe place to park which is in accordance with the Highway Code and local signposting. When parked on the road or in close proximity to a road at nighttime, make sure you leave your lights on so that other road users are aware of your presence. Only if you are parked in a well lit lorry park well away from traffic can your lights be switched off.
Tags: safe driving
This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 11:33 am and is filed under Truck Advice & Guides. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.You must be logged in to post a comment.