In 2019, the National Transport Insurance company found that the number of truck driver fatalities more than doubled in 2019 when compared to any year over the past decade.

The same report also found cars were responsible for about 80 per cent of deadly multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks, though, truck drivers were less likely to be killed in these scenarios.

And young drivers (18-25 years old) were four times more likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes.

Considering that trucks transport about 75 per cent of Australia’s domestic freight, and that figure is expected to double by 2030 (meaning, more trucks will be on our roads), Australians need a two-sided educational approach to truck safety.

One that encompasses how to share the road with trucks safely and how truck drivers can minimise the associated risks of their job.

How Drivers Can Safely Share the Road With Trucks

There are several things car drivers can do to prevent accidents when sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

Be aware of truck blind spots

On average, trucks have four blind spots. These are directly in front of the truck, beside the truck driver’s door, on the passenger side (this one runs the entire length of the truck and extends out three lanes!), and 10 metres behind the truck.

Keep your distance and give plenty of notice

Trucks are heavy, which means they are slower to stop than a car. Considering it will take longer for a truck to stop, and they have multiple blind spots, keeping your distance and giving plenty of notice for turns and stops is vital.

Lane changes can be dangerous

Avoid unnecessary lane changes and stick to your side of the road, away from heavy vehicles, for the simple reason that trucks cannot easily get out of your way. Likewise, when a truck needs to change lanes, give the vehicle plenty of space.

Don’t be a distracted driver

Mobile phones, food packaging, stereo systems and fatigue can all contribute to potentially fatal accidents. Avoid distractions by keeping your mobile phone in the boot, pre-tuning your radio, setting your playlist in advance or pulling over for snacks. Regular stops where you stretch your body, walk or jog will also prevent fatigue and cramped muscles.

How Truck Drivers Can Mitigate Risk

No person should ever go to work and not return home, but unfortunately, that’s not the reality.

Accidents happen, and according to a 12-year study by Monash University, being an Australian truck drive puts you at 13 times more risk of dying at work than other Australian workers.

Truck driving is one of Australia’s most dangerous jobs.

While the logistics industry continues to advance digital technology aimed at improving driver safety, here’s what you can do right now to minimise your risk of accidents.

Always drive to the speed limit

Every job has deadlines, and part of a truck drivers job is to get to your destination on time. But no one is going to benefit from an accident, so please, follow the speed limits and adjust your driving speed to suit the conditions.

Avoid driving fatigued

Get plenty of sleep whenever possible, and follow the industry regulations about how many hours you can drive without breaking.

If you need to break more frequently: do so. A tired driver is a dangerous driver.

Regular exercise, plenty of water, and light, healthy snacks instead of heavy meals can also improve driver energy levels (see our previous blog here).

Stay focused

Whether you’re driving a bike, car or truck, drivers need to avoid distractions like mobile phones and radios.

Know what you are transporting

For truck drivers who are contracted to various clients and transport a range of materials, it’s important always to check what exactly you are transporting before you start driving.

This way, you can adjust your driving to suit your cargo, particularly if you are transporting hazardous goods.

You should also know the weight, height or length of your cargo to ensure the load is correctly distributed.

Contact us at AGM Finance for more information or to get started on a truck loan that words for you.

It isn’t easy for truck drivers to take good care of their health while on the road.

A 12-year study into the health and wellbeing of Australia’s truck drivers revealed it to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the country.

And not just due to the risk of crashes.

Long hours, shift work patterns, social isolation, lack of physical movement and poor nutrition are amongst the most common physical and psychological stresses impacting truckies.

Thankfully, there are some simple ways to stay healthy while on the road.

Here are our top seven tips

1. Prioritise sleep
   To maintain good health and minimise the risk of injury, truck drivers need to get at least seven hours of sleep in a dark and quiet place. Easier said than done some times, but an eye mask and earplugs could help when used with our next six tips.
2. Start the day with a healthy breakfast.
   Breakfast is an opportunity to kick start your metabolism and set your body up for the day. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast tend to have better diets, so it’s a good habit to make part of your daily routine.
   Take the time to have a healthy meal that’s low in sugar, but high in protein and fibre. Perfect examples are:
   porridge topped with fruit and nuts;fresh fruit and yoghurt with muesli;

   low-sugar protein bars;eggs and wholemeal toast;

   an omelette;

   smoothies made with fruit, vegetables (such as baby spinach) oats, protein powder or nut butter.

3. Choose nutritious snacks
   Eating heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and tired, as your body works hard digesting them.To stay alert and keep your metabolism revved, snack on healthy foods throughout the day. You’ll also avoid overeating at mealtimes because you’ll never get ravenous.Healthy snack ideas include:raw nuts (salted nuts are high in sodium);

   dried fruit;

   boiled eggs;

   jerky;

   protein bars;

   hummus and vegetable sticks;

   low-sugar or greek yoghurt;

   a thermos of soup (ideally one with plenty of vegetables).

4. Take breaks and move your body
   Whenever necessary and safe to do so, take short breaks. Use them as an opportunity to stretch your legs, have a snack and move your body. To get your circulation moving, try touching your toes, rolling your back and neck, stretching out your arms, shaking your limbs or even doing some star jumps. The movement will energise you, burn calories, reduce the build-up of toxins in your body
   and contribute to better sleep.
5. Stay hydrated
   Our bodies are 60% water, and that water plays an essential role in flushing out toxins, cushioning joints, carrying nutrients and assisting digestion. Without adequate water, we can’t function to the best of our best abilities.To avoid dehydration, keep a large bottle of water by your side while driving. Sip on in throughout the day, instead of drinking only when thirsty. By the time your body craves water, you are already dehydrated. As a general guide, aim to drink two litres of water a day.
6. Avoid stimulants
   Energy drinks and coffee will dehydrate you, impact your sleep and take their toll on your overall health. They’re also a dangerous substitute for rest.If possible, avoid drinking them entirely, or at the very least, minimise your consumption.
7. Try to maintain a healthy weight
   Maintaining a healthy weight while driving trucks is tough. There aren’t the same opportunities for healthy eating and physical movement that other occupations enjoy. Information is power, so talk to your GP to understand what your ideal body weight should be, then make a plan to lose or maintain your weight.

By packing food from home, instead of relying on fast food, it will be easier to maintain or achieve your weight goals. Also ensure you get plenty of vegetables each day, and two pieces of fresh fruit.

A brisk walk at the end of your day will also contribute to weight loss, metabolic health and better sleep.