Experienced road trippers and those who take a lot of long-distance drives know the importance of packing truck emergency kits in Flagstaff, AZ. These packs typically include a first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, road flares, extra clothing and more. Change the contents of the bag depending on the season for optimal safety.
Semi truck drivers have the same idea when it comes to personal safety while on long drives. However, these types of commercial vehicles require more specific safety equipment for personal safety and truck protection.
As a truck driver, there is no question that you need to have a truck safety kit in Flagstaff, AZ in your cab, and it should be inventoried on a regular basis. After all, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires safety equipment to be available in truck trailers that use U.S. roadways.
What’s in your truck’s emergency kit? Here’s a list of the most essential safety equipment that all companies specializing in commercial roadside assistance want truckers to carry.
Fire extinguisher
All tractor trailers in service in the United States must have a portable fire extinguisher on board. This would be a 10-B:C unit for trucks hauling hazardous materials and a 5-B:C for all other trucks. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you are not complying with FMCSA regulations. It also has to be an extinguishing unit that does not freeze, and each device must be secured in a way that prevents rolling, sliding and any other movement.
First aid kit
The FMCSA doesn’t actually require truckers to carry first aid kits, but it may be mandated in your state. Even if you’re not required by law to carry a first aid kit, you still should. Just make sure that the truck safety and first aid kit that gets installed matches the maximum (total) number of semi truck occupants. The contents of existing kits should be checked regularly or replenished after use. When you have the recommended (or regulated) safety requirements and products in your truck at all times, you are better ensuring your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
Emergency reflective devices
As per the FMCSA guidelines, all semi trucks that need to stop for emergencies, accidents or breakdowns are required to display obvious warning devices. Daily drivers may keep road flares in their safety kits, and while flares are acceptable for truckers, it’s more common for semis to carry emergency reflective triangles. You need to carry at least three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles in your truck emergency kit in Flagstaff, AZ to comply with the minimum requirements.
Wheel chocks
Utilizing wheel chocks keeps semi trucks from making any movement when parked or stopped for loading and unloading. They are typically carried on all commercial motor vehicles. Place chocks against the rear tires in the direction of the grade, or on both sides of the tires when parked on even surfaces.
If you are a commercial vehicle driver or trucker who wants more information about commercial roadside assistance, you’re invited to contact Maclin Truck & Trailer. Call us anytime!