The latest data shows that fatal large truck crashes have increased from 10.6 to 13.49 per one million people. That’s a 27 percent increase.
If you work as a driver or employer in the trucking industry, it’s vital to understand how you can minimize these and other accidents for those on the road.
Some of the most significant safety concerns for truck drivers are discussed below, along with preventative measures employers can implement to reduce them.
Common Safety Risks for Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are at risk for several health and safety issues. The following are some of the most problematic ones to be aware of:
Crashes and Other Vehicle Accidents
Crashes and other vehicle accidents are common incidents for truck drivers.
The size of their vehicles makes it difficult for drivers to maneuver through traffic. They also have large blind spots, which increase their accident risk.
Weather is also a significant factor. Truck drivers spend hours on the road in all conditions, including rain and snow, further exacerbating their chances of crashes and injuries.
Ergonomic Injuries
Truck drivers spend hours at a time sitting in their vehicles. This prolonged position can cause pain in the back, legs, arms, and hands. Some truck drivers also risk back and neck injuries from loading and unloading the cargo being transported.
Falls
The doors on large trucks are farther away from the ground compared to other vehicles. This extra height creates an increased risk of falls (and fall-related injuries) for drivers as they climb in and out of their trucks.
Chemical Exposure
Depending on the cargo they’re moving, drivers may be exposed to harmful chemicals and biological hazards. Exposure to these substances can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as more serious and long-lasting effects.
Psychological Stress
Many truck drivers also struggle with psychological stress and mental health challenges while on the road.
The isolation and physical challenges of the job can trigger depression and anxiety for many drivers. They must also deal with the added stress of being alone on the road in isolated locations, which presents additional safety risks.
How to Prevent Trucking Injuries and Accidents
Many trucking injuries and accidents can be prevented with proper training and planning. Here are some practical strategies employers can implement today to protect drivers on the road:
Encourage Defensive Driving
Defensive driving ensures that one is always aware of their surroundings and potential hazards.
Ideally, all drivers would be defensive drivers. However, it’s especially important for large truck drivers to practice this approach.
Some fundamental tenets of defensive driving include watching out for blind spots, maintaining a cool head, and following the three-second rule (allow three full seconds from the time the car in front of the driver reaches a point on the road and the time it takes for them to get to that same point).
Preventive Maintenance: A Safety Imperative
Many car accidents and roadside issues can be avoided with proper preventive maintenance.
Managers and other higher-ups in the company should create and stick to a maintenance schedule for all vehicles. Regular repairs and tune-ups ensure the truck continues operating correctly, efficiently, and safely.
The Importance of Routine Inspections
An inspection schedule is also crucial for truck driver safety. Inspections should take place before and after every trip.
Inspections alert drivers to potential issues with their vehicles, allowing them to schedule repairs and get problems taken care of immediately instead of waiting for things to escalate (and put their safety at risk).
Discourage Distracted Driving
Employers should discourage distracted driving among drivers during training and safety meetings.
They should also consider using dual-facing dash cams to monitor drivers and ensure they’re abiding by safety rules and regulations. Some of these cameras also come with in-cab alerts that allow drivers to correct risky behaviors before a manager gets notified.
Prepare for Varying Road Conditions
Truck drivers travel across the country, often covering several states in one day. Weather conditions can change dramatically from place to place, and it’s vital that drivers can adapt to different situations.
Access to live weather and traffic updates can help drivers stay safe and know what’s coming their way throughout their trip.
They should also have easy access to equipment that helps them communicate with higher-ups. For example, voice-to-text technology allows them to send messages without looking down at a screen.
Use Real-Time GPS Tracking
Knowing where drivers are on the road helps managers ensure they stay informed about weather and traffic changes. Real-time tracking also allows them to estimate when the drivers will reach their final destination.
Schedule Rest and Breaks
Make sure drivers stick to a consistent schedule for rest and breaks. When drivers are overly tired or struggling with physical discomfort from sitting for extended periods, they’re more likely to get into accidents or experience long-term injuries.
Implement a Rewards Program
A rewards program can motivate drivers to prioritize safety while on the road.
With the help of tools like dash cams, managers can keep track of when drivers are abiding by specific safety rules. At the end of a particular period, they can reward those who have the strongest safety records with cash bonuses, gift cards, and other prizes.
Provide Proper Protective Clothing
The standard truck driver uniform includes comfortable, durable shirts, pants, and boots. They should also have a high-visibility vest or jacket on hand so they can be seen when stepping out of their vehicle for breaks or repairs at night.
Because weather conditions can change throughout a trip, it helps drivers to have clothing for different temperatures and climates readily available.
Increase Trucker Safety with These Guidelines
From proper defensive driving training to adequate protective clothing, employers can take several steps to increase trucker safety and prevent accidents or injuries while on the road. The guidelines discussed above are excellent starting points for all employers and drivers.
About the author:
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
