Being extra careful on New Year’s Eve can save lives
It should come as absolutely no surprise to learn that the holidays – and New Year’s Eve, in particular – transform the already-dangerous job of being a truck driver into one fraught with peril at every turn. There’s a reason New Year’s Eve is often referred to as “amateur night” – there are far too many people who aren’t familiar with driving in high-volume traffic, and this combines with drivers who don’t know their drinking limits to create the perfect storm.
You, as a professional truck driver, should already be at least conversant with the kinds of safety requirements that get you through most of the year intact, but are you truly ready for the change in dynamics that New Year’s Eve represents? The following items are non-negotiable if you want to ensure a safe start to 2016.
Expect the Unexpected on New Year’s Eve
Be alert. Yes, this is common-sense advice. But we all know how common sense can turn into a rare commodity on New Year’s Eve. With this in mind, you should know everything going on around you at all times. You need to play a kind of highway chess game – always think two or three steps ahead when driving in heavy traffic and be aware
Check weather reports. Yes, it’s been an incredibly mild winter so far. This being the mid-Atlantic, though, things can change in the blink of an eye. You should always be aware of weather conditions prior to departing on a trip, and you should check the reports as often as you’re able while traveling. Keep an eye on your outside temperature to watch for changing road conditions.
Be extra cautious at night. Always exercise extra caution at night, especially in tight maneuvering situations. Many truck drivers leave a truck stop at night, thinking that they’re headed for the road, and instead wind of driving straight into a ditch, slamming into the back end of a trailer or hitting light posts head on. When you are fully alert and conscious of your surroundings, this kind of thing just doesn’t happen.
Happy New Year from Evan Transportation
At Evan Transportation, we want you here and healthy for 2016. Have an excellent holiday season, and we’ll see you on the other side.
Evan Transportation was founded in 1992 by Jerry Wolfarth, who at the time had over 25 years of experience in the trucking and transportation industry. The initial operation consisted of a few trucks and drivers who were dedicated and professional. The goal of the company was, and remains, to provide excellent, dependable service.
Contact us today for all of your freight shipment needs or call us at 443-673-3365. We will discuss your tractor trailer options for the freight you wish to ship.
Tags: New Year's Eve, safety