Truck drivers are subjected to many distractions on the road. Not only are they dealing with stress from being behind the wheel, but they have to keep an eye on their mirrors and both sides of the truck. Oftentimes having to change between lanes. There are a number of ways that trucking companies can improve their drivers' safety.
Trucking companies are responsible for the safety of their drivers. However, they must also keep them productive. There are many ways to do this- some simple and some more complex. This article provides an overview of strategies for trucking companies to improve the quality of life for their drivers.
Monitoring drivers' movements is crucial for trucking companies, which is why GPS tracking for cars is becoming an essential tool in fleet management. This will allow them to see which routes are more dangerous than others. Consequently, they can take action against it. Knowing where there are large stretches of road without any exits or turns can help save time on planning out each route.
Monitoring drivers' movements can be done on a large scale through tracking devices. That is why companies use GPS camera tracking for fleets. It is equipment businesses can and should afford to implement into their fleet of trucks. Another method that trucking companies use is built into the truck itself- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These trackers record everything from vehicle speed to engine hours. This data can help various companies improve their drivers' safety.
Overtime rules for trucking companies have become stricter over the years. However, doing so restricts productivity while at the wheel. One way to stay within these limits while still giving employees a chance to be productive is by ensuring that their hours of service don't take away from their sleep. Drivers who get enough sleep will be able to focus more on the road and manage fatigue better.
Additionally, dispatch trucking companies can streamline the process of keeping track of how many hours their drivers have been on the road. Offering time-tracking applications that are easy to use will allow them to do this without any trouble. Companies can help drivers out by providing sleeping facilities at nearby truck stops. This can encourage them to rest when they can't afford to stop driving for too long.
Trucking companies can give their employees access to useful resources such as the DOT Hazardous Materials Table. This way they know what materials they're carrying. Thus, being compliant with federal laws about transporting hazardous goods. Employees can benefit from having access to online truck driving schools or other educational programs that they can use at home.
Not every trucking company is required to provide its drivers with these resources. But, they should be able to if they ask for them. Education can help drivers improve their skills and better the general safety of the trucking industry.
When companies see their employees make mistakes, they should train them to avoid those same errors. This will help decrease accident rates and improve morale within the company. Company leaders can invite outside groups like the American Trucking Association (ATA) to conduct regular training sessions with their drivers. Or, consider sending them online materials that they can use.
Ensuring that the employees have the best training will help ensure that they're safe on the job. It will also let them know that their company cares about them. Show that you care about their success. The costs of conducting training can be offset by decreasing accidents and higher productivity.
Trucking companies should remember to provide for the discomfort of their employees. This can help improve productivity and safety levels. Drivers need access to clean facilities with plenty of heating, cooling, and lighting. If there is bad weather around, ensuring all parking areas are cleared and having numerous small grit bins at key places is important.
The cost of installing these facilities can be offset by increasing productivity. Trucking companies won't have to spend as much time and money on repairs due to truck breakdowns or accidents because their employees will be healthier. Hiring more employees also becomes unnecessary when employers care for their current staff members.
When drivers aren't driving, they should be resting at home or doing things to improve their safety. Trucking companies can decrease idle time by allowing their employees to use the sleeper berth to the fullest. For example, they can encourage drivers to park in a safe place to rest for shorter periods of time. Encourage them to take naps when they don't have enough time to sleep for eight hours straight.
Another way to do this is by managing their routing better. If drivers aren't driving, they should be resting either at home or in a safe place nearby. This way, drivers will be less likely to fall asleep at the wheel or get stuck in traffic jams that make them late for their deliveries.
These are just a few ways that trucking companies can improve their drivers' safety while also boosting productivity. Truckers have stressful jobs that keep them on the road for long hours at a time, so it's important that they're rested and ready to work.
