One of the factors that makes long-haul trucking so dangerous is outdated vehicles. The way to fix this problem is obvious. Unfortunately, there is one major barrier: cost.
Replacing or updating an entire fleet is no small investment. Most companies simply don't have the budget to do this.
Thankfully, there is a much more cost-effective alternative.
With proper inspections and a good preventative maintenance program, companies can stagger upgrades. Instead of replacing an entire fleet at once, management can upgrade or replace vehicles on an as-needed basis. This spreads out costs and extends the lifetime of existing vehicles, all while minimizing the danger to drivers and the public.
This process can be further optimized with the right technology. Drivers can use mobile devices equipped with tailor-ma
de software that will walk them through each step of a thorough vehicle inspection. That data is then aggregated and analyzed by the software to determine which vehicles need servicing or replacing first.
Of course, maintenance and inspections alone won't be enough to protect truckers while they're on the road. Better training, sufficient rest, and clear emergency procedures all go a long way to keeping them safe.
But the trucks these workers operate are heavy and powerful pieces of machinery, so it's essential that they stay in good working order. The smoother the ride, the safer the trucker will be behind the wheel.
Truck drivers can only be as safe as their vehicles. The best thing you can do to protect them is upgrade your fleet, even if you have to do it one vehicle at a time.