As a professional driver, your work day begins well before you step into a truck. Megasafe7 Rule 1: Prepare to Drive is a critical component to ensuring your safety—and the safety of those with whom you share the road.
One of the most important factors is you—your health and fitness are critical to guaranteeing you are focused and engaged in driving at all times. Get a good night’s sleep so you are not at risk for fatigued driving. Don’t come to work if you are ill, and make sure your mind is clear of distracting personal issues or problems.
Before you leave your terminal, it is critical that you make sure your equipment is safe by conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection. Do a full, 360-degree/4D walk around of your vehicle so you can see any and all potential hazards. If you find something wrong with your unit, contact a manager immediately to devise a plan to fix the problem.
Next, adjust your seat, radio, mirrors and temperature before getting on the road. Adjusting these items while driving can be a distraction—and a hazard. Also, put your cell phone out of reach so there is no temptation to use it while driving. Remember, Ruan policy prohibits the use of hand-held and hands-free devices while driving.
Preparing yourself, your equipment, your space and a plan will limit distractions and allow you to focus on the road to deliver your load safely.