HGV jobs provide exciting career opportunities with the chance to take you places. Not only do they allow you to see the world, but they also provide job security as well as significant financial rewards. With so many advantages, it’s hardly surprising that HGV jobs are increasing in popularity among job seekers.
Safety-wise, however, it’s the responsibility of all drivers to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of other road users. Here are some excellent driving tips for HGV operators:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Anticipate Other Drivers’ Actions
It’s tough being an HGV driver, but it is also very important for the economy. When you are behind the wheel of an HGV, you’re responsible for your safety and that of everyone around you. That’s why it is so important to be always aware of your surroundings.
You need to make sure that you always stay vigilant and keep your eyes open. Check the mirrors regularly and have a quick look around before you change lanes or turn. Avoid all distractions while driving, such as eating, checking your phone, or even playing music too loudly. If anything goes wrong, be prepared with the proper safety procedures to take action and ensure everyone’s safety.
- Avoid Fatigue by Taking Regular Breaks
The vast majority of HGV drivers know about the dangers of driving while fatigued, but many still don’t take the necessary precautions to avoid it. HGV drivers need to take breaks whenever they feel tired and make sure that they get enough rest prior to embarking on a long journey.
Fatigue is such an issue for HGV drivers due to several reasons. First, HGV vehicles are large and heavy and require a great deal of concentration to drive safely. Secondly, HGV drivers usually work long hours, sometimes driving through the night. This can make it difficult to remain awake and alert behind the wheel.
There are many HGV training schools in the UK. They have dedicated training advisors so that you can feel confident in the whole process. They also organise your medical, theory & practical training and tests, and even a job-finding service when you pass.
- Ensure that Loads are Balanced and Secured
HGV drivers are required to make sure that all loads are properly balanced. Unbalanced loads can have serious consequences, which include increased fuel consumption, reduced vehicle stability, and damage to the tyres or axles caused by the uneven distribution of weight.
To ensure that a load is properly balanced, HGV drivers need to pay attention when loading and unloading their vehicles. They need to carefully check each package’s weight distribution to ensure that it will not cause any problems on the road. Drivers also need to know the exact amount of cargo that can be safely carried in their vehicle by referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines or regulations in their area.
- Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained
It’s the responsibility of HGV drivers and companies to ensure that their commercial vehicles are properly maintained and in good condition. This is critical to the safe operation of the vehicle as well as preventing costly repairs and downtime, especially on long journeys.
Pre-journey checks also need to be carried out regularly before the driver sets off as part of routine maintenance. The driver needs to check the coolant levels, oil levels, tyre wear and pressure, headlights and indicators, brake fluid levels, battery charge level, fuel tanks and filters, as well as any other relevant vehicle parts. It is also important to ensure that any paperwork relating to the aforementioned checks is up-to-date.
Keeping a vehicle in good condition can be very effective when it comes to avoiding accidents on long journeys caused by faults that could have been avoided with proper maintenance and servicing. A properly maintained vehicle will be more likely to handle better under virtually all driving conditions, helping to reduce incidents of road accidents involving HGVs.
