When you’re an OTR (Over-The-Road) flatbed truck driver, your rig becomes your second home, and the highways your workplace. With freedom and adventure on the horizon, it’s easy to forget the importance of safety. But as the saying goes, safety should always come first, especially in OTR flatbed truck driving jobs, which are becoming increasingly popular. That’s why, in conjunction with HMD Trucking, we’ve put together some important tips for OTR flatbed truck drivers to help them ensure a safe trip and success with OTR flatbed trucks.
1. Cargo Securement: Your Load, Your Liability
Treat your cargo as gold-that is what it is. Securing is not just ordinary, plain work; it represents an integral part in the quest for safer roads. Always check your Load before going onto the highway! Recheck the balance, safety, and loading limit. A shifting load is hazardous to move, so always use proper equipment and proper securing methods according to the type of cargo.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect your load thoroughly before departure.
- Use appropriate equipment and securing methods.
- Know legal weight limits and abide by them.
2. Mind the Weather: Mother Nature Isn’t Always Kind
Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, and when your miles pile up you’ll be driving in the country through all kinds of weather. Rain, snow, or sleet: knowing the current climate changes is very important. Drive at appropriate speeds, leaving a good following distance, and keep your truck in good condition-particularly in bad weather.
Key Points:
- Stay current with weather conditions.
- Drive according to road conditions.
- Weather the storm by keeping the trucks in prime condition.
3. Pre-Trip Inspection: A Small Step for Safety
A good pre-trip inspection requires not to be taken lightly. Embark on your journey only after a proper scrutiny of your truck-brakes, tires, lights, and lots more. Find out the possible loopholes and take their remedial measures without delay. Regular maintenance and inspections allow preventing breakdowns and accidents on the road.
Takeaway Messages:
- Do a thorough pre-trip inspection.
- Immediately address any issues to avoid breakdowns.
- Regular maintenance indeed goes a long way in ascertaining road safety.
4. Fatigue Management: Sleep Your Way to a Safe Drive Up the Road
The fatigue after long drives may highly bring down your responses and judgments. Taking rest is highly necessary as well as managing your hours of driving. Stick to the HOS rules for rest times in order to avoid driver fatigue, and at the same time, always make sure you have rested enough before you begin driving.
Key Takeaways:
- Adhere to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
- Rest is necessary to avoid driver fatigue.
- Never drive if drowsy or sleepy.
5. Defensive Driving: The Best Friend
Defensive driving is the very bedrock to the safety of an OTR flatbed trucker. Be vigilant, leaving enough space between you and other traffic around you so that any sudden moves will not catch you by surprise. Also avoid aggressive driving behaviors. Remember: you want to arrive alive.
Key Takeaways:
- Practice defensive driving techniques.
- Stay alert and anticipate other drivers’ actions.
- Avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
6. Hazardous Materials Movement: Handle with Care
If your cargo in a flatbed involves hazardous materials, then you need to show more care. Get yourself trained and certified for hazmat transportation. Understand the requirements for placarding and emergency procedures. In the transportation of hazardous materials, safety is always first.
Key Points:
- Get properly trained and certified to carry hazardous materials
- Understand the placarding requirements and what to expect in an emergency
- When hauling hazardous cargo, at all times, safety must be first.
7. Communications are Key: Stay in the Know
Be sure to stay in contact with your dispatcher, other drivers, and appropriate authorities. Being privy to any new information regarding your route, including road conditions, traffic congestion, or weather-based road closures, can allow communication to alert you so you can make informed decisions to steer around any dangers.
Key Takeaways:
- Use communication equipment to stay updated about the roads and traffic conditions along the roadways.
- Always report any issues immediately to your dispatcher or the proper authorities.
- Share knowledge and best practices with other drivers.
Conclusion
As an OTR flat bed truck driver, safety is always number one. Securement, weather management, pre-trip inspections, fatigue management, defensive driving, hauling hazmat safely and communicating effectively are load-bearing columns to your safe travels on the highway. By merely following these easy safety tips and keeping in mind that safety always comes first, you would only be contributing not just to keeping yourself safe but also to making the roads a bit safer for one and all. So, as you get on with your next journey, always remember: Safety first and always.
