Truck driving continues to be in the Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs list year after year. At the same time, inexperienced drivers are taking the wheel and beginning their new careers in the midst of an ongoing driver shortage. Often, this means drivers are pushed to their limits, companies make promises to shippers and receivers, and drivers need to balance the demands with their own well-being.
Essentially, trucker safety and well-being come down to the driver and what is best for them, regardless of the demands of the job, the dispatcher, or the shipper/receiver. Sadly, for some, this costs them their job – but no job is worth your life.
Drivers can find themselves in unsafe surroundings making higher-risk deliveries. I was on a run in an area of Memphis, Tennessee that was known to be unsafe. Fortunately for me, my dispatcher advised me that the receiver was closed and, rather than spend the night in their lot, I should travel across the state line to Arkansas to stay in a safer location where I was, and I quote, “Less likely to be shot.” I appreciate that! Like I said, no job is worth your life.
Each driver is responsible for themself. Taking steps to ensure safety may not seem like the independent-road-warrior thing to do, but put your ego aside and let’s take the steps we can to get home at the end of the run.
Plan Ahead
I am a big fan of Google Earth. I use it for every stop I make when traveling to a new area because it gives me a solid overview of the yard, the surrounding area, and even a street view to give a sense of the neighborhood. As well, don’t hesitate to contact the shipper or receiver for more information about the immediate area and any potential concerns that you should be aware of, and whenever possible, plan your arrival during daylight hours.
A Truck Driver’s Guide to Road Trip Planning – The Truckers Network
Be Aware
Keep your head in the game. Look around for obstacles, dark areas, and anything that could contribute to a risky situation. Keep your doors locked and your cell phone charged in the event that you need to make an emergency call.
Contact Dispatch
In the event that there is a high-risk situation at your destination, don’t hesitate to contact your dispatcher. Finances and timelines are typically the primary concern for any trucking company so drivers need to look after their own safety needs. Advise your dispatcher if there is any reason that you cannot safely load or unload your truck and trailer.
Emergency Authorities
Keeping your cell phone charged at all times is more than convenience – it can be life-saving. When needed, don’t hesitate to contact the police for assistance in an emergency situation.
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