When you drive goods across the country for your company, there are things that can go wrong. Whether you’re most afraid of accidents, flat tires, or health issues, cross-country shipments don’t need to be stressful. By taking these actions, you decrease the chances of an accident occurring and speed up your recovery and repair if one does happen.
Educate Yourself on Truck Repair
You don’t want to have something go wrong when you’re on the middle of the highway, miles from the nearest repair station. Work with a mechanic to learn basic repair techniques such as how to change a tire. For more serious situations, search for “truck road service near me” for every city on your route. Find reputable roadside repair services and save their numbers to your phone so you’re ready when your engine fails or your brakes wear out.
Avoid Fatigue
If avoiding fatigue were easy, your life would look a lot different. While it’s difficult to get the rest you need, prioritize sleep as much as possible. Don’t work back-to-back shifts without at least a few hours’ sleep, and ask friends and family for help with your kids so you can rest on your days off. Keep coffee, soda, or other caffeine sources in your cab in case of an emergency.
Pack Emergency Supplies
Some accidents have short repair times; others result in hours of waiting on the side of the road. To prevent your problems from expanding with hypothermia or low blood sugar, keep plenty of emergency supplies in your cab. These include bottled water, snacks, blankets, flashlights, and matches. Consider a portable charger for your phone in case your engine dies or you’re out of gas.
Staying safe on the road involves more than having good driving techniques; it also means preparing for emergencies.
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