Driving a truck is not the same thing as driving a car. Truckers have to use much more caution behind the wheel. They require specialized training and licensing. A myriad of regulations, procedures and laws govern trucking company and operator practices. As a commercial venture, a trucker’s driving serves more than just their personal needs. Therefore, they have to operate with the utmost caution.
If you’re a trucker, there are precautions you likely have to take to keep yourself safe during a dispatch. You owe it to your clients and employer to deliver these goods safely. That means being an ethical driver. If you fail to do so, you might expect penalties.
Put Safety First When on Dispatch
As soon as you start a trucking assignment, you take responsibility for your actions as a driver. Your behavior might be the difference between a successful delivery or a failure. Keep these tips, at minimum, in the forefront of your mind. They can help you avoid potential mistakes.
- Keep verification of your trucking insurance in your cab at all times. Most truckers have to carry insurance, such as liability protection or collision coverage. It can help you, your tucking company and others receive help in case you have or cause an accident.
- Find out about your trucking company’s tracking and metrics practices. Many companies use GPS tracking to enforce driver safety. For example, you might face penalties for speeding or misrepresenting yourself in your travel log. Therefore, always report your behind-the-wheel practices accurately.
- Follow the rules of the road at all times. Truckers usually face extra rules compared to the standard driver. Remember your best driving skills in high-risk situations like congestion, bad weather or on poor roadways. You’re just as accountable to the police as you are to those you serve.
- Remember trucker regulations, which state and federal laws govern. For example, most truckers have to take mandatory rest periods every few hours. You should not attempt to wiggle around regulations, at risk of lawful penalties.
- Take care of yourself on the road. Eat healthy, utilize safe truck stops, don’t consume alcohol and stick to your assignments. If you take care of yourself, then you will likely perform much better under pressure.
Attempting to stay safe on the road will make a big difference in your trustworthiness. You should abide by all trucking requirements to keep yourself and others safe. If you need assistance getting trucking insurance, our agents are here to help. Call us at 478-788-9188 for a Georgia trucking insurance quote.