Driving a truck can be a dangerous profession at times, so it’s crucial to prepare for emergencies. Several pieces of equipment will help to keep you safe on the road. Here’s a list of the essential safety gear truckers should have in emergencies.
Fire Extinguisher
The first piece of essential safety gear that truckers should have in case of emergencies is a fire extinguisher. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all truck drivers have a fire extinguisher on their truck, and there are also certain requirements for its mounting location. So in case of a fire, you need the necessary safety equipment to put it out quickly and effectively.
Warning Signals
Warning signal devices are the next piece of safety gear that truckers should always have with them. If you have to pull over on the side of the road in an emergency or if you’re dealing with maintenance issues, it’s essential to have signals that allow other vehicles to see you clearly. It’s an FMCSA requirement for all truck drivers to keep at least three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles with them to use as warning signals to other drivers on the road.
Emergency Tool Kit
Another important item that truckers should have is an emergency tool kit. One of the main emergencies that truckers face is a breakdown. Having an emergency toolkit is necessary when deciding how to handle a truck breakdown. There are many things to include in this kit. Some examples include fuses, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, jumper cables, tow straps, duct tape, flashlight, first aid kit, etc. Carrying these tools with you is essential because you never know when you might need them. Therefore you should keep an emergency tool kit on your truck with you at all times.
So the next time you get in your truck, double-check to make sure that you have all the essential emergency safety gear that truckers need. Safety is the first priority, especially on the road. So make sure that you prepare for anything.
