David Thacker
The HGV industry offers fulfilling career opportunities that can help individuals travel to different locations. Besides touring the globe, the career prospects in this industry come with job security and substantial monetary benefits as well. Due to their numerous benefits, it is quite clear why HGV jobs are continually becoming popular among job hunters.
Significantly, the role of an HGV driver comes with the critical responsibility of guaranteeing their own safety and that of other motorists. When driving HGVs, here are some of the most important safety tips and precautions to take:
Stay Vigilant When On The Road And Be Ready For Whatever Other Road Users May Do
Certainly, working as an HGV driver is not without some challenges, but the collective role of HGV drivers in the economy is exceedingly vital. Every time you are on the road driving the vehicle, you must take responsibility for your well-being and ensure the safety of other road users near you.
Consequently, it is important that you remain aware of your environment while on the road.
HGV drivers are professionally expected to be watchful of what is happening around them when on the road. Therefore, ensure you always use the mirrors and make quick glances around before you turn or cross a lane.
In addition, stay away from common sources of distraction, like the need to look at your phone, eat, or play music while driving. In case an accident occurs, be mentally ready to undertake the required safety measures to keep everyone safe.
Rest Regularly During Long Trips To Prevent Body Fatigue
Many HGV drivers understand the risks involved in driving while tired. Unfortunately, most continue to ignore the need for rest or other precautions to prevent such situations. However, it is critical that HGV drivers take regular breaks whenever they are fatigued and rest before they resume the journey.
Remember, HGV drivers have to operate large and bulky vehicles, which often demand physical endurance and mental concentration to guarantee road safety. Moreover, HGV drivers are expected to work for long durations and may have to continue driving at night from time to time. These factors can make it difficult to remain alert all the time when driving.
Now, the HGV training course doesn’t have to be expensive – particularly if you opt for a more fast-tracked training route. By choosing a training school, you can take advantage of a very competitive price, and get on the road faster too.
Keep The Vehicle’s Load Well Balanced And Secured
Another important safety consideration for HGV drivers is to keep the vehicle’s load well balanced. If the load is unbalanced, it could destabilize the vehicle and make it difficult to control. In addition, it leads to higher fuel consumption, while the uneven weight distribution weakens the axles and tyres.
To guarantee the vehicle’s load is well balanced, HGV drivers must carefully monitor the loading and unloading processes. They must focus on the weight distribution of every bag or package to ensure it is stable, well-positioned, and will not shift around during transit.
Also, the HGV driver must be aware of the quantity of cargo they can safely load and carry in their vehicle based on the guidelines from the manufacturer or local authorities.
Ensure The Vehicle Is Well Serviced And Maintained All The Time
HGV drivers and their employing companies have a common duty to keep their HGVs well maintained and in functional condition for the safety of the drivers and other road users.
Other than safety, keeping the vehicle in good condition through regular maintenance practices protects the owner from incurring avoidable repair costs or suffering demurrage as a result of downtime.
For example, conduct pre-journey checks on the vehicle before you begin the journey; it is best if these checks are incorporated as part of the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
In addition, other components that need to be checked regularly include oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and condition, headlights, indicators, brake fluid levels, fuel tanks and filters, and battery charge levels, among others. These checks should be recorded and updated regularly for future reference.
Ensuring the vehicle is kept in good and functional condition can help the driver identify performance issues before they go on a long journey and potentially avoid accidents caused by faulty car parts. A well-maintained vehicle is easy to operate under different road conditions and significantly lowers the probability of HGV road accidents occurring.
