Some people are concerned about becoming truck drivers because they believe it might be a dangerous occupation. The good news is that trucking has recently experienced a decline in the number of illnesses and injuries from truck drivers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). You can also avoid contributing to injuries and fatalities by following a few simple tips to increase your safety while you are on the road.
Take Breaks to Move
You should not try to drive all the way through without making any stops. If you do not take any breaks or stop and get out of the truck, you may start to lose your focus. It is good to avoid sitting in the driver’s seat when you are at a rest stop. Try walking around the truck a bit during a short stop. If you have a longer stop, you can even try to lie down in your cabin’s bed.
Stay Comfortable
Try wearing comfortable and loose-fitting clothes to ensure that you have the right amount of blood circulation. You should also have good footwear. If you do not have good blood circulation, then you may be uncomfortable and have long-term health issues.
Look at the Truck’s Interior Design
You should consider factors such as the cab’s insulation to reduce noise incise, as well as the way that the switches and panels are laid out. It is a good idea to have a cruise-control setting. Depending on your height and weight, you will need to position the backrest, seat height, and steering wheel so you are as comfortable as possible. You do not want to restrict your movement.
Don’t Overdo Things
When you are getting out of your truck, do not jump to the ground. That can place a lot of stress on your lower extremities and your truck. Your body is not prepared for the impact. If you are not careful when you step down out of the truck, you could injure yourself. For example, you might miss the step when you try to get out. You should make sure that you always have three of your four extremities contacting the vehicle when you are getting on and off. You should always hold on with both hands and use your foot to support yourself. That will make sure that you can recover if you accidentally lose your grip or begin to slip. That is also true if you are climbing on or taking off the tractor lines from your trailer. If you can, you should use mechanical equipment, such as forklifts or pallets, to load and unload your trailer. If you have to do it manually, don’t feel that you have to do it by yourself. Some loads just weigh too much for you to handle safely by yourself.
Look Out for Road Vibrations
You should have good anti-vibration characteristics in your cab seat. If it is at just the wrong frequency, then your spine may suffer long-term injuries. Try tilting your seat a bit further back from the vertical position. That may help you to reduce the amount of road shock and vibration that will move up your spine. It is also important that you have the right suspension systems and tire pressure. If you can, try to lower the seat’s back, so you aren’t supporting all your body’s weight on the bottom of your spine.
Here at FCC, we believe that with a bit of effort, you can make sure that you stay safe while driving a truck. That will help you have a long and fulfilling career.