Trucker Safety Checklist

I'm a big fan of check lists and being prepared. Call me crazy, but I like for life to be as smooth and efficient as possible. Sometimes things happen that we can't predict or control, but if it can be predicted or controlled, then I try to be on it!

Here's a few easy trucker safety tips to mark off your list next time you're heading out to drive! (These tips can be modified and applied to ALL drivers to ensure safety for everyone on the road.) 

Stay Fit, Not Fatigued

Keeping your body and mind in good working condition is the first, and possibly most important, step for maintaining trucking safety. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgement and driving skills. Eating healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water throughout the day and getting adequate sleep each night can help you to stay feeling in tip-top shape!

Have a Truck Check-up

Start at the front and give your truck a good look over all the way around. Checking the windows, lights, wipers, brakes, tires, and any extra equipment you may have on board is an easy way to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Having your truck inspected by a trusted professional routinely can also help provide another layer of protection.

Check the Cargo

Is everything secured and properly distributed? Sometimes this is up to whoever loads the truck and sometimes it’s up to you. Sometimes cargo may need to be redistributed and secured again, which is especially true when there’s a stop-off and there’s unloading done before more cargo is delivered. Checking the trailer for holes, rust, and leaks is also important when it comes to protecting yourself and your cargo.

Documents and Devices

Making sure you have all the proper documentation in your truck can save you lots of time and trouble later. There’s no frustration like not having the correct documents and paperwork you need. Do you have to drive back and get it, stop somewhere and find a fax machine for someone to send it to you, digging through your laptop and finding somewhere to print it out.  Some documentation is legally required depending on your load, state, etc. Have a designated spot in your truck for all your needed documents and remember to check it before you leave for everything you might need.

Look Ahead

If only we could see into the future for what was in store… oh, wait, I think there’s an app for that. Okay, maybe you can’t see everything in the future, but when it comes to weather and road conditions there are apps like AccuWeather and Weather Underground for weather and WAZE and Google maps for road conditions to help you out. It’s better to beat the weather and traffic than be stuck in it when you can. Of course, things can still happen that are not reported or happen all of a sudden, but knowing what you can certainly help!