Many groups are getting together to organise better road safety for lorry drivers and other motorists, and now many national newspapers - such as the Guardian, the Independent, and other local and special interest newspapers like the Aberdeen News and The Trucker - are reporting on ways that your transport contract can be carried out with regards to road safety. Many of these websites and articles are specific to a certain area, and it's always a good idea to check for any tips that other drivers may have from that particular area (like tricky turns, narrow bridges, or blind spots). Care and knowledge are the best things to keep you and other road users safe. Here are some tips from experienced lorry drivers to help get you on the road safely.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Experienced truck drivers might tell you that the most important things you can do for safety are the ones that you do before setting off, and 10 or 15 minutes spent rechecking your plan will decrease the likelihood of any unexpected accidents. In order to ensure that your transport contract is completed safely and efficiently, there are three things that you should take into consideration: duration of travel; route; and weather.
• Route: though most SatNav systems are incredibly accurate, always make sure to double-check your route using good ol' fashioned paper maps. Sometimes the best roads for lorries aren't always the ones suggested by the SatNav, so make sure that all the roads will be able to accommodate a vehicle of your truck's size and weight. Also, be sure to check for road closures.
• Duration: leave plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination without feeling rushed, and allow additional minutes for any delays or unplanned stops that you may need to take along the way.
• Weather: before setting out, always be sure to check the Met Office's weather report and be vigilant for updates on severe winds, fog, ice, or rain, as these may cause dangerous driving conditions. You can visit the Met Office online.
Tip #2: Check for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Always expect pedestrians and cyclists where you least expect them. You can make sure that your transport contract is carried out safely for you and others using the road if you keep your eyes open for smaller vehicles, cycles, and people on foot.
Tip #3: Secure your Load
As a driver in the haulage industry, it's your responsibility to ensure that the cargo is secure, and that your truck's bed is not overloaded. Keep in mind that curtains are meant to merely protect your cargo and not meant to secure it, so make sure that all the belts are strapped tightly.
Tip #4: No-Zone Awareness
No one will know your vehicle better than you do, and this includes your No-Zone Awareness, or your 'blind spot'. While you may be familiar with these areas of limited vision, other drivers on the road won't. While you're carrying out a transport contract be sure you keep a close eye on the other vehicles around you.
Tip #5: Avoid Side-Swiping
Much related to the previous tip, avoiding side-swiping is a lot about knowing your vehicle's 'blind spots'. Indicate well in advance of changing lanes, and always double-check before manoeuvring into the other lane. Also, be aware that non-UK lorries will have limited visibility off the right-hand of their trucks, so take special precautions when passing a truck with foreign plates.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching transport contract opportunities and to buy and sell road transport and haulage work in the domestic and international markets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Norman_Dulwich/621817
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