Driving a heavy duty quad axle trailer is a huge responsibility and requires careful driving practices. Before you leave for a long distance road trip, it’s a must that you do enough planning and preparation with your trailer for your safety. Here are a few things that a responsible trailer owner must do.
Check the overall condition of your quad axle trailer and inspect the following parts:
-
Tyres must be inflated with the required air pressure
-
A spare tyre must be readily available and inflated
-
Brakes must be working
-
Oil and water level must meet the standard percentage
-
Windscreen wipers and washers should function well when the need arises
This inspection must be performed at least two days before you head on the road trip. If repairs or replacements are required, do them as soon as possible.
Update your driving skills on heavy duty trailers
If you are a new owner of a quad axle trailer, it’s highly recommended that you update your driving skills. Attending additional training courses focused on Quad Axle Trailers will not only keep you confident on the road, but widen your professional driving knowledge on how to drive heavy duty vehicles safely. Extensive driving experience is imperative if you want to be allowed to drive a quad axle trailer.
Adequate planning must be applied before a road trip
Yes, this is also one of the safety measures that you must implement as a responsible driver of a quad axle trailer, adequate planning before you hit the road. Why? You can never predict what will hit you as you leave your parking space. You must be prepared for all sorts of unpredictable events such as dealing with an extreme weather condition that will leave you stranded for hours while waiting for rescue or dead battery. You need to make sure you have enough supplies to keep you going which should include the following items:
-
First-aid kit
-
Enough water to ensure you are hydrated
-
Food packs to fill your hungry tummy
-
Extra clothes
-
Blanket in case you are driving at night
-
Warning kit signals
-
Tools for changing tyres
-
Tyre gauge
-
Enough fuel reserve if you don’t know how many kilometres before the next petrol station
-
Necessary documents to show proof or ownership like a copy of your vehicle’s current registration
-
Valid driver’s license
-
Map reader
-
Mobile phone
While on the road, the following driving habits must be executed:
-
Observe the required speed limit mandated by your state or the place where you are heading to.
-
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if they are prescribed by your doctor. As much as possible, drive in good health and postpone any road trip if you need to take prescription medicines that will make you drowsy while driving.
-
Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are heading to an unfamiliar route. If you feel you’re in danger or potential risk is at stake to a particular terrain, better find another route where other trucks went.
Quad Axle Trailer insurance is needed to protect your business and the Advisers at Truck Insurance HQ can help. Simply request a quote online or call us on 1300 815 344 for all your truck and trailer insurance needs.