Long Haul Truck Driver: In Case of Emergency!

As I sat at Petro Travel Center I started hearing sirens. The sirens got louder and closer and came to a stop twotrucks over. A few minutes later they were loading the driver in the back of the ambulance and the other person in the truck had a blank look on their face. At this instance I realized we did not have an emergency back up plan.

We have been traveling together, in this 18-wheeler, for 9 months and the thought of an emergency had never crossed my mind. I don't drive the truck, I am a professional passenger. This adds another element to the emergency plan that we needed to develop. What would I do if something happened to my driver? Could I get the truck stopped safely?

The most important thing you, as a driver, should do prior to leaving home is make an "in case of emergency list". Here are my suggestions for a complete list. This list pertains to solo-drivers, drivers with co-drivers, andespecially drivers with passengers.

1) If you have a passenger, who is not licensed, at least show them the mechanics of the truck and how to safely stop it.
2) Make sure your passenger is aware, at all times; the state you are in, the interstate and direction you are traveling, the mile marker, or exit number. This will aid the emergency personnel in finding you.
3) Make sure your passenger knows who to call with regard to the load you have. This could be a company number (if you're a company driver), or a broker (if you are independent.)
3) Make a list of any known medical conditions for you and anyone in the truck.
4) List any allergies to medicines. Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace as well.
5) List your home doctors and phone numbers.
6) List your family members and phone numbers.
7) Have accessible cash to cover taxi's, hotel rooms, and other expenses.

If the driver ends up being in serious condition and is out of service for a while, the passenger must be preparedto unload personal items from the truck, package those as best they can, haul them to a motel, rent a car or taxi, and foot other expenses until the driver is back in service. This could be a short time frame or long, depending on the circumstances.

The company or broker is going to get the load to it's destination, but the company will come get the company caband it must be empty of personal items. If you are an owner-operator and you're truck isn't damaged, your passenger will have to make command decisions regarding the truck. The law will not permit you to leave it sitting on the side of the interstate long.

If you are a solo driver, make your list and leave a copy of it at home. Also, when you call home the last time in a day, tell your spouse or significant other where you are. Someone in the world should always have your approximate location.

Stop and think through a couple of scenarios and make a plan. The list above are the imperative items that should be in writing and easily accessible for both the driver, passenger, or family member at home.

We all assume that each day will be just like the last day, but you never know what might happen. Being prepared for the "emergency" will make it less stressful for every one. For me, I know how to stop the truck now!