What Safety Equipment Provides the Best Protection for Semi Trucks?

Fleet trucks and drivers are faced with hazardous conditions on the road each and every day — making protective equipment critical to the safety of drivers and their vehicles. Trucking companies or drivers that want to improve their safety may ask — what safety equipment provided the best protection for semi trucks? We are here to help answer your questions and keep you safe at RIGGUARD.

Important Safety Equipment for Semi Truck Drivers

Protection for semi truck drivers and their vehicles comes in many different forms and the right safety equipment can prevent injury or major damage. There are many ways to protect drivers and their trucks that can include equipment like a grille guard, safety equipment like a fire extinguisher in the event of a collision, and advanced safety technology like radar collision-avoidance systems.

Here is a closer look at important safety equipment for semi truck drivers and their vehicles:

Basic Safety Equipment

There is basic safety equipment that every truck should have when you hit the road — both to prevent potential collisions and to provide a rapid response in the event of an accident. A truck that is broken down on the side of the road is at risk of a secondary collision if not careful and basic safety equipment like reflective triangles, road flares, LED warning lights, and a reflective vest can protect truck and driver. In the event of a collision, drivers may need a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, a toolkit, and more. The list of standard safety equipment in your truck should also include personal protective equipment like steel-toe boots, work gloves, and safety glasses.

Truck and Maintenance Safety Equipment

Key safety equipment will help ensure your truck is ready for the road and will protect truck and driver alike. A tire pressure gauge, electrical testing equipment, a brake checking kit, spare fuses, extra fluids like oil and anti-freeze, and a basic toolkit can help ensure your truck is in working order before you hit the road or help you get back on the road in the event of a breakdown. An added piece of truck safety equipment that truck companies and owner-operators may want to consider is a grille guard that can protect trucks against traffic accidents, animal strikes, and debris on the road.  

Safety Equipment for Extreme Weather

Truck drivers know as well as anyone how rapidly the weather can change when you are on the road — especially when you are driving cross country. This means that drivers need to be prepared with the right safety equipment for themselves and their trucks. Key safety equipment you may need for your truck includes tire chains, an ice scraper, jumper cables, extra windshield wipers, and rain-repellent for your windshield. Drivers may also want to have emergency blankets and high-visibility rain gear in the event of a weather-related emergency.

Cargo Safety Equipment

A load that shifts in transit can be dangerous to drivers and other vehicles. Commercial trucks need to have the right safety equipment to secure cargo and ensure it doesn’t move while on the road. This critical safety equipment includes cargo tie-down straps, load bars, edge protectors, cargo blankets, cargo winches, load gauges, a portable scale, and weight distribution hitches if needed.

Advanced Technology and Modern Safety Equipment

Many modern trucks rely on modern safety equipment and advanced technology to protect trucks and drivers. Radar-based collision avoidance systems can help prevent collisions in traffic and additional systems like blind spot monitoring or lane departure warning systems provide an added level of protection. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are an added asset for semi truck drivers to track hours of service and maintenance schedules. 

READ MORE: What Are the Benefits of a Semi Truck Grille Guard?

Are you an owner-operator looking for added protection when you get behind the wheel? Are you a trucking company that wants to better protect your drivers? You may be asking — what safety equipment provides the best protection for semi truck drivers? Contact RIGGUARD today for more information on our semi-truck grille guards and how they can protect drivers and equipment!