For Trucking Professionals
Resources for Truck Drivers & Professionals
The Dave Fons Memorial Fund recognizes and appreciates the very important role of truck drivers. We are not anti-truck. We are constantly striving to help make truck driving safer for operators and everyone on the roads.
How we Can Help
We sponsor numerous training programs for professionals. These are presented in collaboration with the State of Michigan and the Michigan Center for Truck Safety. These trainings include professional driver coaching, defensive driver course for truck drivers, and a mobile truck simulator program. If you are interested in participating in one of these programs, please contact us.
For some quick tips on operating a truck safely, please download Tips to Truck Safely. For more safety training information, including downloadable guidebooks and materials, we encourage you to visit the website for the Michigan Center for Truck Safety at www.truckingsafety.org.
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Tips to Truck Safety
Long-haul trucking is both one of the most crucial jobs in the U.S. and, unfortunately, one of its most risky. Over 100,000 injuries and 300,000 accidents involved large trucks in 2012, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Fortunately, there are some ways to make truck driving considerably safer.
- Truck drivers should watch their blind spots. Other motorists may not be aware of a truck's "no zones.” These zones include: off to the side just in front of the cab, just behind the side mirrors, and directly behind the truck. These are where crashes are most likely to occur. If others aren't aware of these trouble spots, they may drive dangerously close. It is up to the truck drivers to exercise caution before turning or changing lanes and to maintain a safe distance.
- Truck drivers should reduce speed in work zones. Roughly one-third of all fatal work-zone accidents involve large trucks.
- Drivers should pay special attention to truck maintenance. They should give their vehicle a thorough check each morning. The brakes are particularly vital, given how much weight is riding on them. If any seems unusual, drivers should report it to dispatch before attempting to drive.
- Drivers should load cargo wisely. The higher cargo is stacked, the more drag on the truck. By stacking lower and spreading cargo through the full space of the truck, drivers can stay more nimble and improve your fuel economy.
- Truck speeds should be reduced on curves. Reduce speed on curves. Usually, following the speed limit is a good thing. When it comes to trucking, however, there are times when even adhering to posted signs is still too fast. This is especially true on entrance and exit ramps where trucks have a tendency to tip over if they take the curves too fast.
- Drivers should adjust based on the weather. A quarter of speed-related truck accidents are due to inclement weather. It is recommended to cut your speed by one-third on wet roads and one-half on snowy or icy roads. Also drivers should allow more time for maneuvers in poor weather. If you see other truckers pulling over, maybe it's best you do likewise.
- Truck drivers need to make an effort to take care of themselves. It is important for drivers to get enough sleep, eat right, exercise, and spend quality home time. A large part of truck driver safety has to do more with the driver and less with the vehicle.
