How Trucking Companies Can Prevent Accidents
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In recent years, the number of accidents involving commercial trucks has increased, causing a significant impact on the industry and public safety. Between 2011 and 2020, there was a 33% increase in fatal accidents involving trucks. As a result, trucking companies need to take measures to prevent accidents from happening and address the issue before the government is forced to increase regulations.
Trucking companies play a crucial role in the transportation of goods and products across the country. However, truck accidents can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. As such, it is essential for trucking companies to prioritize safety and take measures to prevent accidents from happening.
By implementing the following strategies, trucking companies can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of their drivers and other users of the road.
Understand the Causes of Truck Accidents
To prevent accidents, it is crucial to understand the causes of truck accidents. According to the truck accident lawyers at Miller & Hine, some of the leading causes of truck accidents include distracted driving, poor maintenance, inclement weather, and poor road conditions. By understanding the causes, trucking companies can take appropriate measures to train drivers and implement policies to prevent accidents.
Hire Qualified and Experienced Drivers
One of the essential steps in preventing truck accidents is hiring qualified and experienced drivers. Trucking companies should ensure that their drivers have the necessary qualifications and experience to operate a commercial truck safely.
This includes possessing a commercial driver’s license, undergoing regular training, and having a clean driving record. Hiring managers should look for drivers who are willing to buy into the company’s emphasis on safety.
Conduct Regular Safety Training Programs
Regular driver safety training is crucial to prevent accidents. Trucking operations should require regular safety training programs for their drivers to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest industry safety protocols and best practices. The training should cover topics such as defensive driving, handling emergencies, and load securement. Newer hires should be re-trained more frequently than those with a longer tenure.
Implement Safety Measures for Vehicles
Well maintained trucks prevent accidents. Companies should incorporate regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs into their safety protocols. Develop and implement a stringent policy for completing scheduled maintenance and mandatory replacement metrics for wear items such as tires, brakes, and clutch.
Monitoring Driver Behavior and Performance
Monitoring driver behavior and performance is crucial to prevent accidents. Trucking companies should use technologies such as GPS tracking, dash cameras, and telematics to monitor their drivers’ behavior on the road. This allows companies to identify and correct any unsafe behavior before an accident occurs.
Use Technology to Prevent Accidents
Trucking companies can use technology to prevent accidents. For some companies, it may be worth investing in more advanced safety systems such as blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure systems. According to the FMCSA, a crash involving a large truck has an average cost of $91,000. So for many companies, advanced safety systems are worth the price.
Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan
Trucking businesses should develop a comprehensive safety plan that outlines the company’s safety policies, procedures, and guidelines. The plan should also include measures for identifying and addressing potential safety risks.
Encourage a Culture of Safety
Creating a culture of safety is crucial to prevent accidents. Trucking companies should encourage their drivers to prioritize safety and reward safe driving practices. This can be achieved by offering incentives for safe driving, such as bonuses or recognition programs.
Monitor and Evaluate Safety Performance
Trucking companies should monitor and evaluate their safety performance regularly. This allows them to identify any areas for improvement and make changes to their safety plan as needed.
Trucking Companies Need to Get Ahead of the Issue
Preventing truck accidents should be a top priority for trucking companies. An increase in government regulation would likely be much more costly to the trucking industry in contrast to trucking companies self regulating. By understanding and following these tips, trucking companies can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of their drivers and the public.
