The career of a truck driver can be quite a dangerous one. Compared to a desk job, a truck driver’s job can be quite stressful and there’s lots that can go wrong. From traffic conditions, weather problems and driver fatigue, many factors can influence how you perform at work. At Brent Higgins, our drivers are our most valuable asset. With this in mind, we’ve put down the three most important trucking safety tips to consider. Whether you’re a veteran driver, a newbie or just thinking about this career, you’re sure to find these useful.

Stay rested and healthy

The majority of trucking accidents occur because of human error. Lots of them have to do with the driver being exhausted or sleepy because of a long haul. If you feel that you are slowly losing focus and you’re getting tired, stop as soon as possible. Take a quick nap to recharge your batteries and get some rest. The hour you will lose here is insignificant compared to the damage you can do to yourself and your truck and load if you drive tired.

Additionally, make sure to stay in good health. Constant health problems can also affect your focus and divert your attention. Having in mind the trucker lifestyle, the biggest issue that arises is getting enough exercise. Take time to plan out an exercise schedule between hauls and on your stops. Aside from physical, mental health is just as important. Try to spend as much quality time as you can with your family and friends. Truckers can get quite lonely and it’s important to maintain quality connections with your close ones to keep your mental well-being in check.

Regular maintenance is a must

Truck driver hauls can be really long and arduous, sometimes up to several thousand miles in one direction. One of the worst things that can happen is that your truck breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Even if you break down somewhere near a populated area, you’re just in a slightly better position. The best way to prevent this is to have regular checkups before you head off. You don’t need a mechanic – you can go over the basics on your own. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your dispatch before you go.

Stay on top of the weather

This one has a lot more to do with safety than you think. A big chunk of trucking accidents happens because of weather-related issues. Heavy rain or ice can severely impact your stopping times. This means that you need to adapt to weather conditions within minutes. There are many ways to stay updated on the weather today, and you should pay close attention to the forecast. Knowing what lies ahead means that you can change your route in time and adapt to the weather conditions.

At Brent Higgins Trucking, we take care of our drivers. We know how important it is for you to feel safe while you work. We make sure all of our fleet is in top condition and that you have the top working conditions at all times. If you’re looking to work for a trucking company that puts its drivers first, contact us today.