It is easy to let good habits and rules slide the longer you have been doing something. With time, we tend to allow repetitive tasks and best practices to come second to a more comfortable, and often less safe routine for the sake of efficiency and speed.
If you are a truck driver, it is important not to fall into this trap! Your safety, vehicle, cargo, and the safety of other people you share the road with can all be impacted when you fail to follow protocol. If you have found yourself getting complacent or forgetful when it comes to your pre-driving routine or time spent on the road, consider signing up for a refresher course and individual truck driving lessons at a driving school in Abbotsford, Langley, Coquitlam, Surrey, or Burnaby. An affordable lesson can jog your memory, teach you some new tips and techniques, and ensure you always stay sharp behind the wheel.
Reasons You Should Always Log Your Hours & Complete Your Pre-Trip Inspection
Skipping pre-inspections is a common occurrence in the trucker industry. They are supposed to be completed within the first 80 kilometres, every time a duty status changes, or after more than 3 hours on the road. They can seem cumbersome and time-consuming to complete, but a thorough check can prevent a lot of avoidable accidents and ensure drivers are protected from liability in case of an accident. Don’t start up your truck before completing these pre-trip inspections:
Brakes and Steering – Trailer brake connections, service brakes, parking brakes, and steering mechanisms all need to be tested and inspected before taking on the open road. If you cannot stop safely and quickly, you are not driving safe.
Visibility – Mirrors, lighting devices, reflector strips, rear-view mirrors and windshield wipers should also get a thorough check. Visibility for drivers and for the truck is especially important in turbulent weather conditions or when driving at night. If it is dark outside or you are facing a forecast that includes sleet, rain, fog, snow, or ice, having full visibility and fully functioning lights are crucial.
Tires – Check air pressure, wheels, and rims. Every season has its own challenges and hazards on the road. Your tires connect you to the ground and can only provide the level of control you need when they are in good working condition.
Emergency Kit – Do not forget to check your emergency equipment! It can seem like a no-brainer checkmark to make, but you will be glad you took the time to inspect it properly when you need to use it. Especially if it is missing a key item or the tool you need has become damaged. It can be extremely frustrating and dangerous to have useless, broken, expired, or ineffective tools on hand in emergency situations. Include your emergency kit in your checks so that you are truly prepared for anything the journey brings your way.
Refresh Your Safe Driving Habits at a Truck Driving School
Proper logging, inspections, and information can make the difference between a safe, successful, and uneventful journey, and a major issue on the roads. Whether you are an experienced driver or just preparing to start your career in the industry, North Shore Driving School offers a wide range of truck driving courses. Sign up for suitable truck driving lessons in Vancouver, Abbotsford, Langley, Coquitlam and Surrey to stay alert on the road. Work with our team to remind yourself of the best practices for your own security and protection.
Call our truck driving school in North Vancouver at 604-299-9292 to find out more about the best truck driving courses for your needs. You can also contact us online for answers to your trucking questions.0