If you live in the United States, chances are you’ve driven next to a semi-truck at some point. Because of their size, semis and similar vehicles can be intimidating. Still, you may not realize that there is a variety of safety equipment that drivers of these vehicles use to keep cargo and fellow drivers safe. Whether you drive regularly, you’re a trucker looking to refresh your memory, or you just want to learn a bit about the industry, here are some pieces of trucking safety equipment to be aware of.

Tarp Systems

A tarp system is one of the most common things you’ll see on trucks on the road. Tarps help prevent rain, snow, and debris from getting into a truck’s cargo area. This contributes to keeping cargo temperatures steady and cargo weight from changing, which makes for a steadier, safer drive overall.

Tarp systems come in an array of configurations. Electric models let you cover cargo quickly with relatively little effort. Crank systems split the difference between electric and completely manual ones, providing covering assistance without requiring an energy source. Manual tarp systems give you complete control over how you cover your cargo at the cost of some convenience.

Road Flares and Other Visibility Gear

Road safety is about more than just the truck itself. Should something come loose, the weather becomes too severe, or an issue happens to the truck, truckers need to have the equipment to help make sure they’re seen. Otherwise, they and other drivers risk injury.

Flares can help truck drivers set up perimeters to keep others away from the issue. High-visibility safety vests make drivers more likely to see truckers, keeping them safe from harm.

Storage Boxes

You might think that boxes are intended more for organization than anything else for long-distance truckers. Still, they actually serve an essential purpose for safety. Part of it is that safety and organization go hand in hand; when your cargo or tools are organized and contained, they’re much less likely to experience damage during transit. Storage containers also help keep cargo safe from the elements.

At the same time, storage boxes make it much easier to tie down your items, reducing the chances of something coming loose or even making its way out of your truck and causing hazards for other drivers. Larger and/or heavier boxes can also throw off the balance of a truck, making it more dangerous to drive in the first place if not properly stored.

Ratcheting Straps

They aren’t exclusive to truckers, but you’ll likely find ratcheting tie-down straps on a truck, though you might also find bungee cords as well. Bungee cords use their tension to secure cargo, whereas ratcheting straps let you choose the right level of tension for your needs. As long as you have a space for the straps’ hooks, you should be able to keep cargo and tools where they belong.

The equipment above helps keep truckers and other road users safe, whether directly, like with ratcheting straps or indirectly, like flares. Regardless, combining equipment can keep you safe.

Published by: Khy Talara