If you drive trucks and operate a trucking business, you know how important safety is. The roads are a dangerous place. Driving is probably the most dangerous thing we do all day. And that’s why it’s important to minimize the risk to your drivers as much as possible. One way to improve safety at your trucking business is to implement workplace safety policies designed to encourage good driving habits.
What kind of workplace safety policies or protocols should you put in place?
We’ve got five ideas to help you out.
1. Distracted driving.
This one is a big deal:
Distracted driving (texting and talking on the phone are two big culprits) have contributed to a rise in traffic accidents and fatalities. It takes almost five seconds to send or read a text. A truck traveling 55 miles per hour can travel 403 feet in that time.
That’s one football field…plus one-third of another football field. Without looking at the road.
Scary, right?
Make it clear to all of your employees that your expectation is no distracted driving. No talking on the phone without a hands-free device. No texting. Create a policy that outlines your company’s expectations. Besides, the FMCSA hand-held cell phone ban outlaws the use of hand-held cell phones by CMV drivers – may as well make it clear that you expect your drivers to uphold the law.
2. Following distance.
Following too closely can lead to rear-end collisions. Keeping a safe following distance is an essential part of avoiding preventable accidents. Having a policy about it can raise awareness on the part of your drivers and remind them to play it safe.
This is an easy way to avoid accidents. Not only will that help your drivers stay safe, but it will also help you save money on your truck insurance. Accidents tend to make your rates increase because you’re seen as more of a risk to insure.
3. Speeding.
There are many reasons why speeding is dangerous. Although trucking is focused on meeting deadlines, it’s important to convey to your drivers that you expect them to drive at a safe speed by obeying posted signs and slowing down in poor weather conditions.
When a car is speeding, there is less time for the driver to recognize and respond to hazards, brake, and safely stop. It’s easier to lose control of the vehicle, and any accidents may be more severe because of the increased force. So, you can see why it might be a good idea to make one of your workplace safety policies about driving at a sensible speed for road and weather conditions.
4. Seatbelts.
Seatbelts aren’t just there to look pretty. They serve an important purpose when it comes to keeping a driver safe if there’s an accident. They distribute the force of the crash over a large, strong area of the body. They prevent the driver from being thrown from the vehicle. They keep the driver from flying into (or through) the windshield and dashboard. And they protect the head, neck, and spine.
So, encourage your drivers to take the second to buckle up with a seatbelt policy. The purpose of seatbelts is to keep the driver as uninjured as possible.
5. Pre-trip vehicle inspections.
Doing a pre-trip vehicle inspection means checking that the truck is operating properly and that it’s safe to drive. The goal is to catch any mechanical problems before they become hazards.
It should be the protocol for your drivers to conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection and keep records. That way everyone knows the truck is sound.
So, workplace safety policies are opportunities for you to lower your risk and avoid accidents. The purpose is to lay down your expectations and guidelines for safe driving. Setting up these policies can help you protect your most valuable asset – your employees.
Are you looking for the best truck insurance coverage at the best rate? We would be happy to help you shop for your truck insurance so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best price for quality truck insurance. All you have to do to get started with truck insurance quotes is call us today or fill out our online form.