Drivers are the most important asset in the trucking industry. Therefore, protection and safety should be a primary goal for drivers, as well as the goal for shippers and receivers across the country. Without the thousands of drivers behind the wheel, the entire country would go without the products that big rigs deliver every day. It is all of us in the industry that are responsible for looking after ourselves, employees, and drivers to ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of every workday.
Many rules, laws, and regulations have been put in place by local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of drivers, but there is only so much others can do to protect drivers from others and the elements. Drivers are forced to be resourceful through experience and learning to safeguard themselves and their rigs. They take daily precautions while driving on the road, fueling their trucks, resting at truck stops or rest areas, picking up and delivering at different locations, and many more situations. Manitowoc Transport is one such carrier, with many years of experience. They have been set up with ALC since 2008 and have moved many important loads for ALC, including many oversized loads. According to Manitowoc Transport, the most dangerous things they encounter are other semis and non-commercial vehicles speeding through truck-stop parking lots, vehicles not moving over for a broken-down vehicle on the shoulder, trucks without CB radios crashing into stopped traffic because they have no idea of what is ahead, and vehicles that pass and then slam on the brakes to get off an exit.
In order to protect themselves, it is essential that drivers are always aware of their surroundings. Many drivers prepare to defend themselves against intruders and thieves out on the open road. Drivers also have to be defensive and mindful of others driving on the road. They constantly have to be aware of blind spots, stopping distances between cars, spacing needed for wide turns, and situations that are up ahead of them before they can see them. The dangerous risks for drivers are high and numerous. So please, if you are driving on the road in any type of vehicle, watch out for others, take your time, obey all traffic laws, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and always be aware of your surroundings.
