Flatbed Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

It’s crucial for all truck drivers to be well versed in flatbed safety if they are going to be doing a lot of work with flatbed trucks. Sure, any driver in the industry is going to have gone through safety training before they actually begin taking on jobs, but it’s still important to review flatbed safety information every now and then as a refresher so you can always keep safety at the forefront of your mind.

Here are some safety tips that will hopefully help you avoid the need for emergency flatbed truck repair in La Salle, CO.

Secure your loads

No matter what kind of cargo you’re hauling, it’s crucial that you make sure it’s been properly secured before you drive off with it. Don’t even consider the value of the load—just think about your safety and the safety of others sharing the road with you.

It might be a pain to have to perform a pre-trip inspection every time you head out, but it’s crucial that you do so. This is your chance to catch any issues that you might not otherwise notice without a careful inspection, such as a damaged bungee or tie. Make sure you secure the load with tie-down straps, a heavy tarp and bungee cords. Bungee cords should be hooked facing away from the tarp to prevent any damage that could occur if the cord snaps. Check to make sure the load is still secure when stopping for fuel, a meal or a quick rest.

Roadside safety

Always avoid re-securing or tarping loads on the side of a roadway. This is why rest stops exist—they give you a chance to rest up, but also to make sure your vehicle is safe. If there’s no specially designated rest stop nearby, get off the highway when you can and go to a parking lot. Even if you’re on the shoulder of the road, you can’t assume you’ll be safe from distracted drivers.

If you do have to pull over to the side of the road, it’s important for you to have some high-visibility outerwear to put on, especially if the weather is foggy or if it’s dark outside. The more visible you are, the more likely it is that other drivers will be able to notice you.

Proper loading and unloading

You should make sure you’re fully trained in how to properly load and unload a flatbed truck. This activity will probably take up more time than anything other than the actual driving. Use the proper location for the loading. Consider the side grade and slope, and make sure you’ve secured the load in a safe location. Always be aware of your surroundings as well. Make sure you stay clear of machinery or debris on the ground. Identify any potential hazards before you start loading and unloading so you can keep yourself and anyone helping you safe.

These are just a few issues to consider to ensure greater flatbed safety. To learn more about flatbed truck repair in La Salle, CO, reach out to the experts at J.H.T. Service & Repair, LLC.

Categorised in: Flatbed Trucks

This post was written by Writer