2 Summer Trucking Safety Tips for Dispatch Course Students

Canada is the second largest country in the world, so it should come as no surprise that transportation is a huge industry here. Transportation specialists need to figure out the best ways to cover almost 10 million square kilometers in Canada alone. Those who are graduates of ATC’s Transportation Operations & Dispatching program are poised for a rewarding career in transportation logistics and operations—roles that require you to keep drivers safe on the road. In Canada in 2001, 11,574 people were injured in collisions involving a heavy truck, but fortunately this number is decreasing every year thanks to great students and great training.

The following are two safety tips you might learn at dispatch school that will help you keep drivers happy and healthy, and keep the number of truck collision injuries in Canada shrinking every summer.

1. Pros with Dispatcher Training Know That Too Much Sun is Dangerous

We all love summer days; patios, t-shirts, and natural vitamin D, but there are some serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun—one of which is permanent sun damage.

Because truck drivers are constantly on the road, they are at greater risk of being exposed to sunshine and developing skin damage. That’s why once you graduate from your dispatch course, you’ll want to advise truck drivers to cover their skin as much as possible to shield it from the sun, and apply SPF 15+ sunscreen as often as needed for a second layer of protection. And, of course, don’t forget to recommend drivers to wear a hat to protect their face and head.

2. Dispatcher Training School Grads Must Remind Drivers to Check Their Blind Spots

During the summer there is significantly more traffic on the road than during other seasons—families are heading to cottages, friends are taking off on road trips, and there is less snow to stop people from getting out and about.

Three quarters of accidents involving semi trucks are caused by passenger vehicles, so more vehicles on the road during the summer means that drivers need to be more vigilant. It’s also important to remember that on average one third of fatal crashes between cars and trucks involve a car being in a blind spot. That’s why it should come as no surprise that professionals with dispatcher training are quick to remind drivers to check their blind spots—especially during the summer. When drivers check their blind spots frequently, they can avoid any lane changes that may result in an accident.

By encouraging drivers to follow these important safety tips, you’ll help keep Canadian roads safe during the summer, and help Canada continue to reduce the number of accidents that occur during this busy time.

Think career in transportation operations and dispatching is right for you?

Why not chose the dispatch school with over 25 years of experience in transportation operations and dispatching!