Pre-Departure Checklist for Long Haul Truckers

Truckers drive hundreds of miles every day where they traverse counties and states to get to their final destinations. On the way, they'll have to deal with poor weather, peculiar roads, police, exhaustion, and truck breakdowns. 

It's a hectic job that can worsen if you don't check a few things off your departure list. Safety on the road relies on pre-departure preparation, attentiveness while driving, taking care of their body, and good music. 

If you're a trucker, tick the following off your pre-departure list before a long haul.

Check Your Vehicle

Don't hop onto your truck without checking the tire pressure. If you're driving an 18-wheeler, you'll have to check all the tires. It sounds annoying, but it will ensure the ride is smoother and optimizes fuel economy.

Also, tire pressure affects braking distance. When you engage your truck's braking system, you expect the car to slow down immediately. If it takes a few feet before the truck stops, it can cause massive damage. Therefore, check the owner's manual for more details on the tire pressure specifications. 

In addition, turn off your truck to check the engine oil, coolant, and wiper fluids. Check for any leaks or cracks and ensure they're fixed before departure. Check your brake lights, signal lights, headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights. 

Check Your Toolbox 

Confirm you have the base essentials in your toolbox. You could use a screwdriver, flashlight, a few spanners, jumper cables, especially if you're driving an older truck. Add any other tools you typically use to perform repairs on the road. 

Test Your Brakes 

Get in the truck and drive around to test the brakes. If the brakes have an issue, fix it before you leave. It doesn't matter whether you have a fast reaction time or not if your brakes are malfunctioning. You don't want to encounter problematic brakes while cruising downhill. Check your brakes are functioning and, if not, diagnose the problem. 

Confirm That Your Dashcam Is Functioning 

Dashcams have become popular on roads thanks to reckless driving and road rage. If you've ever been in an accident, you know how hard it is to prove which party is at fault. The other driver will claim you did it, and you'll claim they did it. 

Fortunately, with a working dashcam, you can check what happened. If your truck doesn't have one, consider installing one. It will help reduce liability issues and keep you engaged. If you have a dashcam recording your driving, you'll be more conscious of your actions behind the wheel. 

For more information on truck services and what to check before a long drive, companies like A & B Truck Recycling can help.