Safety on the road isn’t just a priority — it’s a necessity. And as all truck drivers know, when you spend your workdays behind the wheel, you have to take numerous factors into consideration to ensure you’re being a safe driver: weather, traffic, your personal sleep routine, FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and much more. You also need to carry a stash of commercial truck safety gear with you at all times to ensure you’re ready for whatever the highway throws at you. Let’s explore some of the essential items you ought to have on board when you hit the road.
Essential Commercial Truck Safety Gear
Emergency Kit
You never know when an emergency might strike! This kit will keep you prepared for a variety of common scenarios:
- A first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basics
- A fire extinguisher, which is required by DOT and must be regularly inspected
- Warning triangles and/or road flares to alert other drivers of a breakdown or roadside emergency
- A flashlight with extra batteries and a rechargeable LED light will undoubtedly come in handy during nighttime emergencies
- Reflective tape to increase your vehicle’s visibility in low-light situations
- A toolbox with cutting pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, a pry bar, a socket set, duct tape, a knife, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
How will you stay safe and warm in an emergency situation? Be sure to carry this PPE in your truck:
- A high-visibility vest to ensure other drivers can spot you when you’re walking around outside your truck, especially in low-light conditions
- Gloves to protect your hands from sharp and abrasive objects, chemicals, and, of course, chilly temperatures
- Steel-toe boots to prevent foot injuries when you’re loading and unloading cargo
- Safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris, dust, and other hazardous materials
- Rain gear to keep dry in downpours
Vehicle Safety Equipment
Now that you’re protected, let’s take a look at your truck. To keep your truck in working order, avoid accidents, and comply with DOT regulations, keep the following commercial truck safety gear on board:
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to maintain proper tire pressure, preventing blowouts
- A dashcam to provide objective evidence in case of an accident
- Wheel chocks to keep your truck secure in certain situations
- Load securement tools, such as tow straps, ratchet straps, bungee cords, and tarps, to ensure your cargo stays in place and complies with DOT rules
- Back-up fluids, such as oil, coolant, and antifreeze, might save the day if your vehicle breaks down far from a service station or mechanic
- Jumper cables and a portable battery jump starter in case you’re on an empty highway and no one’s around to lend a helping hand
- A tire inflator to top off your tires when needed
Weather-Related Gear
If you ever drive in states with extreme weather — whether hot or cold — it’s important to carry some extra supplies so that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
- Tire chains are required for winter driving in some states
- A bucket of sand/salt mix and a shovel
- An ice scraper and snow brush, along with a de-icing fluid
- Thermal blankets and extra warm clothing in case you become stranded, as well as hand and foot warmers
- Non-perishable food and water are both critical to keep on hand in case of extreme weather conditions
- Candles and matches, just in case!
Communication & Navigation Necessities
Communicating with other truckers and navigating the roads are both essential parts of the job, but they can become tricky in certain situations if your equipment fails. Be sure to keep these items handy just in case:
- A CB radio to talk to other drivers about road conditions
- A GPS with truck routes to help you avoid restricted roads and low-clearance bridges
- A mobile phone with a charger — obvious, perhaps, but we couldn’t fail to mention it! You might need it to call an emergency contact, pull up navigation, or even jot down important details if an accident occurs.
- A road atlas may seem useless in this day and age, but if your phone dies and your navigation system fails, you’ll be glad you have it
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Carrying the right equipment with you isn’t just about rules and compliance. By keeping this commercial truck safety gear on board with you at all times, you’ll be prepared to react to a variety of situations — and as an added bonus, you’ll boost your peace of mind.
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