From Guest Contributor: Christopher Dewall – Transportation Safety Specialist
Equipment breakdowns are extremely dangerous when it happens on the side of highways/roads. Most of the time its because of maintenance issues, either with the truck itself, or the trailer that is in tow. This is not only dangerous for the other vehicles on the road but its very dangerous for the truck driver and any repair technician making repairs. Could you imagine trying to change a tire on a truck or trailer while its on the side of a highway with cars flying by at 70mph.
Tire failure is the most common issue for a breakdown on highways. Technicians risk their lives every day when working on disabled vehicles located on highways/roads! The top hazard for roadside technicians is oncoming traffic. Drivers may be distracted, and many often don’t follow the law and move over for emergency repair technicians. Did you know that 25 roadside workers/first responders die each year, and hundreds more are injured while responding/repairing disabled vehicles.
Safety tips for Roadside repair Technicians!
- Park at least 30 feet behind the disabled vehicle with your tires straight ahead
- Use warning devices, strobes and reflective gear
- If room is in need to work, move behind the service truck so there is a clear view of oncoming traffic
- Know where the safe zone is at all times
- Never sit behind the wheel without a seat belt
When I think about the dangerous situations a tire failure can cause, I always think about ways you can prevent them! There are ways to combat these dangerous situations. Obviously, drivers should always perform a proper Pre-trip/Post-trip inspections. But then, there’s always human error! And some tire issues are hard to detect. So, companies have created new technological tire monitoring systems where you can autonomously monitor your tires using smart-sensor technology. Some companies make products for tire repair and others go a step further. Check this company out, Advanced Mobility Solutions!
What are the Advantages of Autonomous Tire Management?
- Real-time Data That’s Reliable & Accurate:
Automation eliminates human error and alerts companies/drivers anytime a problem exits. - Maximize Vehicle Uptime:
Predict and schedule tire maintenance and set push notifications to alert you of tire health issues such as, rapid deflation, excessive heat buildup, changes in tire pressure and low tread depth. - Early Detection of Irregular Tread Wear:
Identify the root cause of irregular wear including suspension, alignment, mismatched tires, etc. before these issues begin to accelerate tire consumption or lead to major maintenance issues, or costly blowouts. - Track Vehicle Location & Driver Behavior:
Get insight into driver behaviors including acceleration, braking, cornering, and overloading.
For more insights from Christopher, check out his LinkedIn page here.
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