Distractions occur no matter what time of year it is. As over-the-road drivers, we experience plenty of distractions on the road caused by other people or even the weather. Your chances of an accident are doubled after being distracted for as little as 2 seconds! That is why it is so important to limit (and even eliminate) the amount of distractions that you encounter when on the road.
Use technology wisely and safely. We know that OTR driving means long hours, and sometimes you just need to relax. However, watching YouTube videos on your phone can wait until the next rest stop. Phones are one of the largest sources of distractions for OTR drivers, and if not used properly, increase the risk of getting into a crash.
If you need to make a phone call, initiate the phone call once you are parked. If you need to be able to answer phone calls on the road, use a Bluetooth device. Ask your employer about their specific policies regarding hands-free calling. When talking on the phone, whatever is in front of you on the road ALWAYS comes first. If you come across a road hazard, stop talking, focus on what’s in front of you, and then come back to the conversation once you are ready.
The same concepts apply to using a GPS or other location device. Alter your routes and settings when you are safely off the road and parked.
Learn to be picky about what and how you eat, and examine your “on-the-go” eating habits. Eating soup or noodles from a bowl (and with a fork!) are probably not the safest options. Eating some chips or drinking water will pose less of a safety risk to you as a driver should you run into road trouble.
Lastly, the single most important way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes is to wear your seatbelt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing your seatbelt doubles your chances of surviving a motor vehicle crash. Doubling survival by buckling your seatbelt? We like those odds!
At Bay & Bay Transportation, we are committed to taking excellent care of our drivers as well as our clients. If you are a safe, experienced CDL driver looking for a job with a company as dedicated to you as they are their clients, consider becoming an OTR driver with Bay & Bay Transportation. Visit our careers page to apply today!