Committed to safety, now and down the road.

Canada is a big country. Knowing the terrain and weather conditions of your trip before hitting the road can help you make safer driving decisions. And being committed to safety means making sure you have the right truck safety equipment and training to handle whatever happens on the roads we all share.
 Trip Planning
Watch your speed
Stopping distance
Weather
Image of a truck

What spill equipment is most essential on the trucks?

Each truck should have the spill pail kit, spill bag kit and extra sorbent pads.
  • Sorbent pads are the first line of defense. Keep a stack of sorbent pads outside the kits and use them first.
  • The bag kit is easier to access and should be the go-to source of supplies if the pads alone are not enough.
  • The pail kit is harder to open. Use it as a last resort. The pail container is best for keeping the contents dry.
  • Stock more than the minimum supply, so you’ll always be ready for spills.
A man pumping gas into a truck

Fuelling your vehicle safely

 
  • Ensure your vehicle is turned off before fueling.
  • Do not smoke, vape or use electronic cigarettes within 25 feet of a pump.
  • Stay by the nozzle during fueling and do not re-enter your vehicle.
  • Refrain from using your cell phone.
  • Don’t “top-off” the tank as this could lead to overflows & spills.
  • Hang up the nozzle when you are finished.
A man driving a truck

Truck driving safety - what to watch

 
  • Look ahead – look as far down the road as possible and try to anticipate trouble. Always be prepared.
  • Maintain a safety circle – leave plenty of space in front of the truck as this will give you the best visibility. When confronted with traffic, slow down and give yourself sufficient time to react.
  • Check your mirrors – always be aware of your surroundings and check your mirrors as often as possible, most importantly your blind spots.
  • Scan your gauges – gauges are indicators of potential mechanical failure. Keep an eye on these as well as your fuel level.
  • Weather and temperature – be aware should there be any storms (rain or snow) that may reduce visibility. Wet or icy road surfaces are also potential dangers.
A man drinking water standing outside his truck

Healthy habits while on the road

Here are some easy to follow tips for best truck driver health while out on the road.  
  • Stay hydrated – keep a drinking container for water with you always.
  • Eat light – heavy meals take more energy to digest and can make you feel sleepy behind the wheel.
  • Sleep – proper rest is vital (8 hours of sleep/night) to ensure you de-stress and relax completely.
  • Exercise – make sure to walk or stretch at least 15 minutes/day to get your circulation moving.
These are tips provided courtesy of Petro-Canada, please ensure you also reach out to your company to be aware of any company safety procedures.