Truck Stop Safety
Truck Stop Safety is very important. The golden rule of trucking is to always be courteous and respectful, and this applies to every mile you drive. When truck drivers hold themselves accountable for practicing good truck stop etiquette, they are doing their part to keep themselves and others safe.
How Can I Be Safe at a Truck Stop?
- Truck Stops are Critical For Truckers. Across the nation, there will always be hazards. The following truck stop tips will address common hazards and how to address them to stay safe at a truck stop.
- Take It Slow and Observe Surroundings. Truck stops are often bustling and congested with traffic and pedestrians, CDL drivers should familiarize themselves with traffic patterns and drive slowly, in designated pathways, scanning for pedestrians and hazards. Drivers should avoid poorly lit areas whenever possible.
- Park in Designated Spots. Truckers can prevent congestion by parking in designated spots, backing into the spot, and pulling through when it’s time to leave the spot.
- Be Considerate of Neighbors. When possible, drivers should leave space between their truck and the next parked truck so that there is less chance of a collision, and everyone can get rest.
- Ask for Help When Needed. Class A truck drivers must be vigilant. If they sense trouble, they should flash their lights and honk the horn to get the attention of surrounding drivers.
Do Truck Drivers Sleep at Truck Stops?
Truck drivers spend many hours on the road, and getting enough good rest is crucial. Many truckers pull off the road and park their trucks at a truck stop for their mandated breaks or to sleep. Long haul truckers will spend the night in their sleeper cabs, equipped with a bed and furnishings, a minifridge, microwave, and television – everything needed for comfort and a good night’s sleep.
Can Anybody Take a Shower at a Truck Stop?
While truck stop showers were initially designed for use by truck drivers, a shower can be used by anyone that needs to use them. Anyone wanting to use one must buy a numbered coded ticket that relays when the shower is ready, which room to enter, and contains the access code for the individual shower. Showers are often free after spending a certain amount on diesel fuel.
While waiting, a ticket holder can browse the truck stop store, wait in the lounge, or even play a game at the arcade at some truck stops.
Anyone using the shower needs to bring their own shower supplies, most easily carried in a caddy, towel, and fresh clothes. Once in the shower, they can lock the door, and they will find that the shower is well-appointed, resembling many hotel-style bathrooms, and are cleaned in between patrons.
What Should a Truck Driver Not Do?
Truck stops are a refuge for truckers who spend long hours on the road, providing a great number of amenities and space to refuel their truck and themselves, as well as get some much-needed rest before completing their next driving shift. The following actions and situations should be avoided to help minimize hazardous situations that can be found at truck stops.
- Do Not Park on the End Row. After a long day on the road, it may be tempting to park in the closest spot at the end of a row. This can cause unneeded congestion, plus the hazard of backing out when it is time to leave.
- Do Not Disclose Cargo Information. Regardless of the cargo being transported, truck drivers should be discreet about this information to avoid any unwanted attention. Cargo theft is a serious matter and can be minimized by keeping cargo information confidential.
- Do Not Leave Windows or Doors Unlocked. When away from the front of the cab, either shopping, showering, or sleeping in the back of the cab, drivers should lock windows and doors to minimize the risk of theft.
- Do Not Keep In-Cab Valuables in Sight. Plainly visible valuable items make for an easy target. They should be kept out of sight and can be better shielded from view with a windshield blind or monitored with a dashcam.
Join Your Truck Driving Family at Duncan & Son Lines, Inc.
By following these truck stop tips for safety and etiquette, truck drivers can return to the road safely, well-rested, and showered. Voted as one of the best trucking companies to work for, Duncan & Son Lines, Inc. celebrates its 78th anniversary in the Phoenix area trucking industry with a commitment to safety and positive work culture.
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