5 Ways Truck Drivers Keep Others Safe on the Road

It was a regular monthly safety meeting, and the fleet manager asked the assembled truck drivers, “Who do you drive for?” As driver after driver passed through the room, their answers were, “Jones Trucking Company,” “You, sir,” “My wife and kids,” and “The VISA credit card people,” an answer that drew laughter of recognition.

The fleet manager turned on the large TV screen in the room, knowing that the morning traffic report would be on the local news station. Images of bumper-to-bumper traffic appeared on the screen. “Everybody,” the fleet manager said, pointing at the TV. “You’re driving for everybody out there.”

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Truckers knew they had to watch out for the other guy, of course. But all those “other guys” at once? Yes, said the fleet manager. Here’s how you do it:

• You are professionals. You have professional training, a driving license and experience, so you know how to drive safely on congested roads.
• You’ll see what happens next. Many people on the road only see the car in front of them and the one behind them. You sit higher and see the bigger picture. You use your blinkers, brakes and turn signals to warn others of trouble.
• You expect the unexpected. For many, commuting is a mindless routine. But you’ve logged enough miles to know that a flat tire or drunk driver could suddenly appear. You’re prepared to react.
• You don’t get distracted. And it’s not just because company policy says to put away your cellphones. It’s also because you do a pre-trip inspection and you know your truck is ready. It’s because you adjust your mirrors and review your route before you even turn the key, so all you think about is driving.
• You read your surroundings. That wooded area on the edge of town? You’ve seen deer on the side of the road, just as tractors have appeared where trees give way to plowed land. And not far ahead is another set of city lights, where you expect to see more commuters, pedestrians with headphones in their ears, and drivers looking for a parking space. You’re prepared.

One truck driver raised his hand and asked, “If we’re already doing all these things, why are we having safety meetings?” The fleet manager responded that next month we might be talking about a change in federal regulations or a new piece of technology added to our trucks…all important things that will hopefully improve safety. But we can never lose sight of the bigger picture: You drive for everyone on the road. It’s your skills, knowledge and awareness that save lives.