In principle, heavy truck drivers are confronted with several risks, including road accidents related to their job as a transporter. Indeed, accidents happen all the time on the road and each of them can be fatal for the driver. But, what are the preventive actions to avoid an accident?
Parts and systems, key items to check on your heavy truck
Before driving, the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises on the road is to do a mechanical inspection of your heavy vehicle.
The suspension
For the suspension, checking the tools that directly relate to the axles on the ground remains mandatory. Thus, starting with the suspension with metal springs and then with pneumatic will be necessary.
Regarding the first suspension, the position of each part should be checked, then detect those that are loose, broken, damaged or cracked. Don’t forget to call our truck center if there is a defect! Lastly, could you focus on the condition of the leaf springs? The procedure is quite tricky for air suspension because it requires an expert to ensure the compressed air flows through the suspension. Study the vehicle’s balance since this is how to identify the air springs’ inflation.
The brakes
When it comes to heavy trucks, brakes are mandatory items to check. The brake of a pneumatic system must be examined thoroughly, especially the pressure of the compressor. If the compressor stops working, it can lead to accidents. Before leaving, you should focus on the air volume useful for the service brakes’ operation. Next, you need to look at how tight the system is and the pressure the compressor receives when the vehicle runs. Finally, it would be best if you looked at the air pressure gauge of the air brake system.
The chassis frame
As the primary support for the truck’s structure, the chassis frame must also be among the components examined. For the chassis frame, it will be necessary to look at the condition of the side and cross members. It is enough to detect if the wing or the web has any cracks in the visible part. After identifying the defective elements, passing on the frame’s strength will be necessary because a broken part causes contact with the body.
Heavy truck: the steering
The steering is a crucial part of your vehicle and should be addressed during a mechanical inspection of your heavy vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the amount of fluid present in the power steering. The power steering system ensures the movement of the steering wheel, which is why it is essential to check the pump in this tank. Since the procedure is tricky, taking the necessary steps to function the engine properly is advisable. After checking the fluid of the power steering pump, you need to observe the belt’s condition.
Preventive measures to increase the safety of heavy truck drivers
Considering that a road accident can cause a lot of damage to the driver and users, it is always necessary to take preventive measures and inspect your heavy truck. Therefore, road safety officials have implemented preventive measures focused on heavy-duty vehicles.
Take breaks
According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, driving fatigue causes an average of 78 deaths and 8,532 injuries. Most drivers surveyed on this topic admitted to ever driving while fatigued and even falling asleep at the wheel. To better manage fatigue problems, the driver will need to take a considerable amount of time off before leaving the next day. On the other hand, if fatigue occurs while driving, some provincial areas have established signs indicating exits and places to rest.
Electronic loggers: real innovations!
Electronic onboard recorders are elements for monitoring the stability and time of vehicle use. These elements aim to prevent the risk of collisions as they help drivers improve steering stability. These devices have become mandatory for heavy truck inspections and allow drivers to comply with various regulations concerning the hours of service they must perform.
Take heavy truck training on the safety round
The ability to conduct driver training in relation to how to perform a safety walk-around is within the employer’s authority. With the implementation of a fine by road safety officials, it is increasingly important to be trained on how to check parts and various components of the truck. Drivers and owners wishing to have a suspension and mechanical repair done on a heavy truck can go directly to C.T.Cam & Ressorts Industriels Laval Inc.
