For carriers, transporting cargo and returning loads on the way back can be challenging. Safety should always be paramount for every logistics manager and driver. However, there are certain factors that can work against a transport driver’s efficiency on the road, and these can have negative impacts. Here are some measures to keep the trip as safe as possible.

manage fatigue

Fatigue is a sneaky and insidious thing: Transportation drivers, especially those who work overtime to deliver return loads, are sometimes prone to self-defeating decisions. This happens because people generally overestimate their physical stamina and stamina, thinking that it is possible to give up sleep and stay awake and functional by an act of will. It is not; in fact, the statistics indicate quite the opposite, with a significant number of traffic accidents due to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Additionally, driver fatigue is far more dangerous than other factors because it is self-perpetuating, affecting a person’s ability to judge their own level of fatigue. Therefore, to stay safe, especially as a transport driver, sleep must be managed carefully and sensibly. On a long-distance journey, the advice is to find a safe place to nap for an hour or so if you feel fatigued.

Unsafe driving behavior

As a transport driver, navigating the roads with loads and often doubling loads back, you are responsible for your own driving behaviour. Large vehicles often have many blind spots, which means you need to be extra vigilant when driving on the highway. Plus, with all the modern gadgets on offer, it’s easy to succumb to distractions. You should understand that simply answering a mobile phone or texting while driving can distract you enough to commit unsafe driving acts, such as crossing lanes on a multi-lane highway, driving inconsistently, or failing to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front of you When driving, there are two things to consider: the value of the cargo entrusted to your care and the lives of others on the road. If you must respond to a text or phone call, find a safe place to stop.

Sharing the road with heavy vehicles

As mentioned above, heavy vehicles have multiple blind spots; As a transport driver, you will most likely drive one of those vehicles – the size of the cargo hold is important to accommodate as much cargo and return as possible. When sharing the road with heavy vehicles other than the usual ones (cars, minivans, and motorbikes), you must be cautious and make sure to obey the letter of the traffic rules. Heavy vehicles are not as maneuverable as others and it is necessary to take into account the existence of blind spots. The key word here is ‘patience’ – prioritize safety over speed, as it’s always better to suffer a bit of delay than risk yourself and everyone else on the road.