Staying Safe on the Road Lorry Drivers

However, sadly, becoming a safe driver doesn't just happen overnight and takes a lot of practice and experience. In this blog post we will be taking a look at just a few tips and tricks on how to become a safe driver. Daily Checks Maintaining your vehicle is just half the battle of staying safe on the road. 

You should inspect your vehicle daily for any signs of wear and tear and alert your employer immediately if you find anything at fault. You should check your tyres and tyre pressure, mirrors, interior and exterior lights and general bodywork on the outside of the vehicle. Route Planning Knowing your route before you set off can help you avoid the disaster of getting stuck on a narrow country lane or getting caught in traffic 20 minutes away from your destination. 

While satnavs are used by most, fleet tracking systems can help your manager to track your current progress, allowing them to notify your customers in advance if you're going to be late. In addition these systems can help your manager monitor your average speed and plan your route efficiently. Weather In the UK, the weather can wreak havoc for lorry drivers everywhere, making it important that you stay updated on the forecast for your next working day. Sadly, these forecasts aren't always correct, but it's still worthwhile having a rough idea of how the weather is going to look the next day. By doing so, you can adjust your driving accordingly; for example, if the weather is predicted to be rainy, it's important that you stay alert and reduce your speed limit to avoid skidding on the road. 

It's also worth reminding yourself of stopping distances in common weather conditions so that you can make a better judgement when on the road. Fatigue One of the biggest issues with lorry drivers is fatigue; as most have to set off fairly early it is vital you have enough sleep to ensure you are alert on the roads. Below we have compiled a few tips that you can follow in order to diminish the risk of driving with fatigue:

• Make sure you plan enough rest breaks during the day so that you get a break from driving. Ideally you want to be looking at 15-20 minutes per break and up to 3 breaks, depending on the distance and how long it will take to get there
• Never consume heavy meals before setting off or during one of your planned breaks
• Make sure you allow plenty of fresh air to enter the vehicle

Cruise Control A lot of vehicles nowadays come with the convenience of cruise control, but understanding how it works and learning when to use it is very important. Firstly, you should never use cruise control to brake or accelerate as you are not in full control of the lorry when you do. 

A lot of companies choose to use cruise control as it can help to improve fuel efficiency by providing the vehicle with just the right amount for the current situation. These are just a few of the ways you can become a safer lorry driver and diminish the common risks on the road. If you believe that your business or manager could benefit from a fleet tracking system and you'd like a bit more information on installation or other general enquiries, please get in touch with our friendly customer service team today. We would be happy to take your call.