INVOICE FACTORING SAFETY TIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

Driving a truck may seem pretty straightforward. However, due to the size and power of these vehicles, safety is a top priority. That’s why a large portion of truck driver training is devoted to teaching drivers how to keep themselves and others safe on the road while protecting their cargo in the process. Whether you are new to the industry or have years of experience behind the wheel, below are some important invoice factoring safety tips for truck drivers to keep in mind.

LOAD YOUR TRUCK CAREFULLY

If you are responsible for loading your own shipments, it’s important to be careful about how you do so. Doing so will help you avoid potential problems on the road. Remember that the higher you stack your load, the more drag it will have on your truck. By stacking merchandise lower and distributing cargo throughout the space of the truck, it will be easier to control and maneuver, making it safer in the process. As an added bonus, you’ll also reduce the amount of fuel you use.

BE AWARE OF BLIND SPOTS

No matter the vehicle, there are certain areas known as blind spots from which a driver is unable to fully see what’s around them. For semi-trucks, common blind spots include in front of the cab, the area off to the side, behind the side mirrors, and behind the truck itself. Furthermore, it’s important to take extra precaution when operating certain maneuvers like backing up or changing lanes. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that other cars around you may be unaware of these blind spots. That’s why you may want to consider placing warning signs of your blind spots on the back of your truck to inform others of the potential dangers.

REDUCE SPEED ON CURVES

Posted speed limit signs, particularly on roads that feature lots of curves are meant more for regular vehicles. Larger trucks aren’t meant to reach the speeds of these higher limits, especially around sharp corners and bends. Driving too fast in these areas can increase the risk of your truck toppling over. That’s why it’s important to slow down and reduce your speed below the posted limit around curves.

DRIVE ATTENTIVELY

While there are plenty of things you can do to ensure the safety of your truck, it’s also important to take into consideration all the other drivers sharing the road with you. That’s why you need to drive attentively by being alert and prepared for any given situation. Doing so will help you avoid any life threatening collisons.

ADAPT TO BAD WEATHER

1 out of 4 speed-related accidents involving trucks is caused by bad weather. That’s why it’s important to reduce your speed and adapt to bad weather accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by ⅓ when the roads are wet, and ½ when snow or ice is present. Even more, it’s just as important to allow ample time for other vehicles to see your signals before changing lands. Keep in mind, that if you see other trucks pulling over due to bad weather, you may want to do the same thing.

DRIVE CAREFULLY IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES

Unfortunately, nearly ⅓  of accidents involving large trucks are in construction zones. That’s why truck driver training includes a detailed focus on how to avoid and watch out for such situations. When it comes to construction zones, it’s important to pay careful attention to all road signs and drive with caution by reducing your speed in these areas.

MAINTAIN YOUR TRUCK

Prior to getting on the road, it’s your responsibility to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection of your truck. If you spot any problems, they need to be reported and/or corrected immediately. The act of properly maintaining your truck will drastically reduce the number of safety incidents you may experience while on the road.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Being a truck driver can be exhausting. That’s why it’s important to take proper care of yourself by getting the right amount of sleep before you get behind the wheel of your truck. It’s also just as important to eat right, get enough exercise, stay current on health checkups, and take some time off as needed. Doing so will keep you healthy, refreshed, and rejuvenated, which will lead to safer driving.

INTEGRITY FACTORING

At Integrity Factoring, we understand that the most important aspect of truck driving is safety. It takes a concentrated effort along with well-planned execution to avoid accidents and other dangerous situations behind the wheel. That’s why it’s important to follow the important safety tips mentioned above to keep yourself, your truck, and your fellow motorists out of harm’s way.

Integrity Factoring is a leading provider of factoring services in the trucking industry. We provide invoice factoring services and and access to immediate cash. This ensures trucking companies are able to meet payroll, manage equipment, and take on new opportunities for growth. For more information about the services we provide, contact us at 1.866.834.2746.