Scary Situations You Could Find Yourself In: Navigating Truck Breakdowns in Remote Areas

Trucking across vast and sometimes remote areas can pose unique challenges, especially when unexpected breakdowns occur. Being prepared for such scenarios is important for every trucker’s safety. Let’s explore how to handle breakdowns in remote areas effectively and safely.

Breakdowns can happen due to a variety of reasons—mechanical failure, tire issues, or unexpected road conditions. In remote areas, where help isn’t readily available, these situations can quickly become dangerous, making preparation and knowledge your best defense.

Preventative Measures

• Regular Maintenance: Keep your truck in top condition through regular maintenance checks. Focus on critical systems like brakes, tires, and electrical components.
• Pre-Trip Inspections: Before embarking on a long haul, conduct thorough pre-trip inspections to catch any potential issues that could lead to a breakdown.
• Emergency Kit Essentials: Every trucker should have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes:
  • Basic Tools: For minor repairs.
  • Safety Gear: Reflective triangles, safety vests, and emergency flares to signal your presence to other drivers.
  • Survival Items: Water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, and a first-aid kit.

Steps to Follow During a Breakdown

Get to Safety

Only stop on a highway or highway shoulder in the event of a true emergency. If the truck is able to safely move and the driver is not physically impaired from driving, find a safe, legal parking location first. When stopped on a highway, it is important to ensure that drivers coming from either direction are able to see the disabled vehicle in time to adjust their own driving behaviors. Turn on your four-way flashers, ensure you are wearing your reflective gear and set up your emergency triangles to notify approaching motorists.

Assess the Situation

Take note of any noises, vibrations, failure lights, etc. that may have occurred prior to the breakdown. Check your Diagnostic Troubleshooting Codes (DTCs) to determine if you are dealing with a critical or non-critical error. If you are a company driver, call your terminal for instructions / next steps for road-side support. If you are an owner-operator, and you do not have a roadside support service, many dealerships offer either roadside service or can help arrange tow services for you to bring your vehicle in for further diagnostics.

Stay With Your Vehicle

It’s safer to stay in your vehicle if help is on the way. Leaving your truck can expose you to additional risks, especially in unfamiliar or wild areas.

Safety Precautions When Parked on the Roadside

When a breakdown forces you to pull over, particularly in remote or less-traveled areas, it's critical to make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers. Here are the steps truckers should take to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road:

1. Activate 4-Way Lights:
   • As soon as you realize you need to pull over, turn on your truck's emergency flashers. This is the universal signal for an emergency or a stopped vehicle and alerts other drivers to your presence.
2. Place Reflective Triangles:
   • It's a federal requirement for truck drivers to carry at least 3 reflective triangles. Once safely parked, you should place these triangles at specific distances from your vehicle:
     • One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle to alert traffic close to your position.
     • A second triangle about 100 feet behind your vehicle to give approaching drivers ample notice.
     • A third triangle further back if the road is straight. If the road is curved, adjust the placement to ensure visibility before the bend.
3. Use Flares if Appropriate:
   • In addition to or instead of reflective triangles, flares can be used to increase visibility, especially at night or during poor weather conditions. Position flares in a similar pattern to the triangles but ensure you assess the environment. Avoid using flares in dry or windy conditions to prevent fire risks.
4. Additional Emergency Lighting:
   • If you have access to additional emergency lighting and it’s legal in your area, use it to illuminate your vehicle and the surrounding roadside area. This extra light can be crucial in keeping you and your vehicle visible until help arrives or until the vehicle can be repaired.

By following these safety protocols, truckers can significantly reduce the risk of secondary accidents caused by other vehicles not noticing a stopped truck in time. These measures help ensure that you remain safe while waiting for assistance and alert other road users to your presence on the roadside.

Leveraging Technology for Safety

Utilize technology to enhance your safety during such events. GPS devices can help you pinpoint your location when calling for assistance, and emergency beacon devices can alert rescue services or fleet managers to your situation.

Breakdowns in remote areas are a serious risk for truckers, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can significantly mitigate these risks. Regular maintenance, a well-prepared emergency kit, and knowledge of emergency procedures are key to staying safe. Always prioritize your safety and prepare for the worst, even as you hope for the best.