Considering Dispatcher Training? Here’s a Look at the Most Common Trucking Insurance Claims
When it comes to the trucking and transportation industry, safety is everything. It has a direct impact on profits, efficiency, employee retention, customer satisfaction, and more. Therefore, it’s extremely important for all professionals in the transportation operations field to work together to reduce unsafe situations.
Looking at some of the most common insurance claims in the trucking industry reveals some interesting trends. By observing where unsafe situations occur most often, you can work to implement better strategies for preventing them.
If you’re thinking about enrolling in dispatcher training, read on to learn more about the most common trucking insurance claims.
1. Side Swiping Is a Common Claim You May Encounter After Dispatcher Training
When you consider how large some trucks are compared to other vehicles on the road, it’s no wonder side swiping is one of the most common insurance claims. Many trucks and trailers have blind spots, and if mirrors aren’t positioned correctly, drivers may fail to see cars approaching on either side of the vehicle. It also goes the other way, too. Drivers may cut too close when changing lanes next to or near a truck driver, resulting in a side swipe.
If you find yourself in a safety officer role after your transportation operations program, there are some things you can do to help mitigate side swipes. One great option is to set up a mirror adjustment area in your fleet yard. You can do this by putting tape on the ground around the truck, so drivers can test if they are seeing everything that they need to see with their side mirrors.
2. Rear-Enders Are a Common Claim You May See After Dispatcher Training
A truck can take up to four times longer than a regular vehicle to come to a complete stop. Add slippery roads, low visibility, and bad weather to the mix, and the risk of a truck rear-ending another vehicle rises. If you go on to work as a driver trainer after dispatcher training, it’s very important that you train drivers to leave generous amounts of distance in between them and the car in front of them. In addition, you should always make sure to train your drivers to adapt their driving habits to road conditions.
On the other hand, it’s also common for trucks to be rear-ended by other vehicles on the road. Certain areas that have low visibility like the crest of a hill, or around the bend in a highway, can be dangerous spots if a truck stalls. Therefore, you should always advise drivers to put up safety cones and turn on their hazard lights if they are stopped. It’s also important to remind your drivers to never stop in a spot with low visibility unless they absolutely have to.
3. Vehicle Rollovers Are a Common Claim You May Encounter After Dispatcher Training
Rollovers are all too common in the trucking industry. Slippery road conditions, drivers having to swerve to avoid a hazard, and coming around a bend too quickly are all situations that can lead to rollovers. Truck rollovers can cost companies thousands upon thousands of dollars. Not only do these incidents have a negative impact on companies’ safety ratings, but they could also lead to increased insurance rates, a poor reputation, and a loss of business. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of drivers, cargo, and other individuals on the road, reducing truck rollovers is important. By finding ways to reduce these types of insurance claims, you’ll be able to make a difference throughout your career.
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