Proper Rest Precautions for Truck Drivers

The law requires most trucking operators to rest after a certain number of hours on the road.

Before many areas had these rules, truckers often worked long hauls with very little rest. When fatigued, overworked truckers hit the road, they dramatically increase driving risks. Exhaustion routinely leads to wrecks, and truckers are not exempt for this rule.

By implementing rest regulations, trucking companies increased the personal security of their drivers. They also to an important step to decrease their insurance risks. Trucking insurance usually protects drivers in many cases of accidents. However, some insurance providers may not cover accidents if truckers violate rest laws.

Therefore, it is important that truckers follow rest laws. Safe practices when resting can help you guard your own safety and your insurance risks. Keep these safety tips in mind when you pull off the road for a rest:

1. Seek Only Safe Areas

Most truckers use networks of safe, reputable truck stops to rest. By doing so, you can protect your personal safety, the truck, and the truck’s cargo. Stops like trucker resorts and rest areas provide lighting, access to resources, and often service areas. They’re a great place to take a rest, recuperate and check your truck for any small problems. These areas often have better security resources on hand.

2. Secure Your Truck

Even though you may have to follow trucker rest laws, you are still on the job while you rest.

Whenever you take a rest, make sure you secure your truck and cargo. Park your truck in an area that is away from potential theft risks. Arm any security systems within the truck.

3. Keep Accurate Logs

Companies often have drivers keep progress logs. These help ensure that truckers do not break laws. Make sure you don’t overestimate or underestimate your travel times so that you don’t cross the line into a period of overwork.

4. Be Safe On The Road

Do not rush while you truck. Make sure you take your time, don’t speed, and follow driving laws. If you follow the laws, you reduce your chances of accidents. Stay on time to reduce your chances of having to rush to meet a deadline.

5. Take Care of Yourself

When you have to rest, do so productively. It can be hard for truckers to maintain a healthy balance while on dispatch. Eat and drink responsibly, and also make sure that you rest during your down times. Do not engage in illicit and illegal activities. Trucking companies usually have strict conduct requirements from their drivers.

Most importantly, don’t let yourself get tired. If you feel yourself becoming tired, take a short break. Doing so greatly improves your truck’s safety on the road.