As a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver, there are several rules and regulations that you need to be aware of. These include things like hours of service restrictions, tachograph use, and vehicle weight limits. Additionally, you may need specific licenses or qualifications to operate certain types of HGVs. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and ensure that you are operating your vehicle in a safe and compliant manner. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, penalties, and even the loss of your license.
How do I Keep Safe as an HGV Driver
Whether you are an experienced HGV driver or looking to become one, you may be unsure as to the best practices you can take to keep yourself safe as an HGV driver on the road.
When it comes to safety, you should be ensuring that you are fully aware of both legal and recommended practices. Following these will help towards bettering your safety understanding and will lessen the chances of you being put in danger.
At DC Merrett, we spend time making sure our HGV drivers feel comfortable and confident when they are on the road. We also like to guide them when it comes to their safety, as we appreciate not all HGV drivers are aware of the dangers out there.
We speak from experience when we say that safety is a real priority. That is why we have taken the time to collate a quick guide to cover the necessary points we feel every HGV driver should know.
Take regular breaks
It is a legal requirement to take regular breaks. These breaks help HGV drivers practice safe driving as it reduces excess time spent travelling on the road.
There are specific rules in place that will give further guidance on these required breaks. We want to recommend however, that if you feel…
- Drowsy
- Unwell
Or,
- Have blurred vision
- Are struggling to concentrate
- Need to contact someone
Then please be proactive and allow yourself to have a break.
If there is an emergency, call for help and do not hesitate on this. Your safety comes first. There is only one you and there will be someone out there that can assist with finishing the job if needed.
Ensure your lorry is up to standard
It is a legal requirement to ensure your lorry is up to standard. Failure to do so will potentially cost you your job, licence and could also have a devasting impact on you and others if there were to be an accident.
Keeping your lorry working and in good order is vital and is your responsibility. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time prior to a job in order to allow for any unexpected issues that may arise and require some fixing!
Drive safely and stay focused
Sticking to speed limits, driving with caution and care and staying focused are all essential when completing your journey on the road safely.
Avoid any distractions, think of both your safety and those who are also on the road with you.
Lock up and put your safety first
Unfortunately, there have been cases of HGV drivers being targeted whilst on the road. Whether it is criminals trying to gain access to the cargo, breaking into cabins or purposely damaging the vehicle – criminals are around and can’t be stopped all of the time.
We can only encourage that you ensure everything is locked up and that if you are in danger, you put yourself first. The cargo can be replaced, a life cannot. Be sure to have a phone handy if authorities need to be called and be prepared to have an escape route in mind.
We hope that this is something you don’t have to experience however, we feel it is necessary to make you aware that there are some unpleasant people out there who may cause harm.
Here at DC Merrett, our employees live, breathe and love the lifestyle that comes with being a lorry driver. Not only do they feel a part of a wider community, but they also are passionate about completing their job to the best standard. We are incredibly proud of our drivers and want to thank them for all that they do!
With our brilliant team by our side, DC Merrett can offer a variety of reliable services to those who need them. Whether you require heavy haulage assistance, machinery maintenance or effluent waste disposal… we are here to help.