Driving, and container driving in particular, is work that demands full concentration as well as skill, care and the ability to react quickly and in time. Safety at the wheel comes first: if something happens it affects not only the driver but everyone around them, not to mention their family and those close to them.
What should a driver do to drive a container safely over a long distance, and to keep their energy up? Here we set out the skills that keep container driving safe and manageable on every journey.
1. Speed
Container vehicles are larger in design and build than some other trucks in the same segment, so they are not easy to handle — least of all when it comes to controlling speed in traffic. Experienced container drivers in Vietnam put 45 km/h as the safest and most sensible speed. Note too that semi-trailers and container tractor units, being longer and larger than other vehicles, normally need a wider arc when turning or making a U-turn. At higher speed, the driver must not turn the wheel too sharply, and should avoid braking hard when the trailer and the tractor unit are not in line. Without that care, a rollover is easy. Watch the road carefully and, above all, keep a firm grip on the wheel whenever something unexpected happens — a motorbike cutting in front, or any sudden shock.
2. Never drink and drive
Why is this raised first? Drivers know the answer well. Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. A few bottles and a breath test costs you a million dong or more, and that is the light outcome. Worse is a road accident; worse still is causing a death, and losing your own life with it. These are the outcomes a driver least wants in life, and once they happen they affect not only the driver but other people, their family and society. That is why this belongs at the top of the list.
3. Always carry precautionary and survival equipment
Drivers spend up to 57% of their time in the cab, on long routes. Nobody wants trouble, but caution is always necessary, and unwanted situations do occur. Keep the equipment you would need to get through them: winch cable, torch, multi-tool knife, blankets, a spare tyre, a fire extinguisher, emergency rescue equipment, a set of wrenches and sockets, recovery tools, spare clothing, and extra food and drink.
4. Never be complacent
Many accidents happen because the driver was complacent, not because of poor handling or technique or anything else. Awareness at the wheel — particularly at the wheel of a container vehicle — is therefore the single most important factor. Do not joke around excessively while driving; losing the wheel when something unexpected happens can easily cause an accident. Nor should a driver relax on a good stretch of road and stop paying attention: obstacles are everywhere. Care is worth more than anything here, and it is never wasted.
Mountain roads in particular are dangerous, above all on bends, where surprises are common; add fog or rain and the danger rises. On these roads the driver must be extremely careful: go slowly, drop a gear so the vehicle brakes on the engine, avoid riding the brakes continuously, keep to your own side of the road, and watch constantly ahead and behind.
5. Rest, eat and drink sensibly
Hours behind the wheel will lead to back and body ache; it has been shown that drivers suffer this four to five times more than other people. It cannot be avoided completely, but find a good, comfortable seating position at the start; do not sit on your wallet or anything else in a back pocket; sit on a foam cushion, or buy yourself a seat with a massage function if you can afford it. Do not sit still — move gently every 20 minutes. Keep ice ready: if your back aches, hold ice on the spot for about 20 minutes to numb and ease it. Make the most of every stop for food or fuel to move around and stretch your muscles. That will help you avoid or reduce back and body ache.
Snacks high in protein can help you stay alert for longer. Eat sensible, balanced meals. The human body depends on water, and when you sit upright for half a day your body certainly needs extra fluid. Note that a sedentary lifestyle and not drinking enough water are two of the main causes of kidney stones. Drinking water keeps your body properly hydrated; water delivers what your body needs and carries waste away. Some of the health benefits of drinking water are: it helps the body work properly, maintains pH balance, improves mental clarity, aids digestion and metabolism, regulates body temperature, flushes out toxins and more.
6. Keep the vehicle properly maintained
If your container vehicle breaks down mid-transport, the outcome is bad. Not only will the shipment be late; another driver may even have to be sent out to finish the job. Container vehicles therefore need proper maintenance before a serious problem actually occurs.
7. Always inspect your container vehicle before every trip
Professional drivers inspect the vehicle before every trip. The inspection covers every part of the container vehicle, including tyres, wiper blades, fluids, and the truck’s lights and rear lights.
