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Right, so you’ve kitted out your HGV with all the latest bells and whistles, mapped out the fastest route from London to Liverpool, and even stashed your favourite tea bags for the journey. All’s looking tickety-boo until, suddenly, something goes wrong. Panic stations? Nah, mate, not for you. Because with our quick tips on staying calm during an HGV emergency, you’ll be cool as a cucumber.
- Deep Breaths Are Not Just for Yoga
It’s easy to start panicking and imagine the worst when you have been involved in a HGV accident or an emergency situation has arisen on the road, but panicking is only going to make things even worse for you.
Luckily, a really easy way to avoid getting into a huge panic right away is to simply take a few deep breaths. This will give you time to pause and calm down and you will be able to think much more clearly about the situation you are in, which is always going to help you to come to a safer, more effective, conclusion.
- Safe Spot First
If you feel like something is amiss when you’re on the road, the first thing you should do (after those yoga breaths) is find a safe spot to pull over. Whether it’s an engine issue or a dodgy tyre, it’s much safer (and easier) to assess the situation when you’re stationary and out of the way of other road users.
- Have Your Emergency Kit Ready
You wouldn’t go on your summer hols without packing your sun cream, so why head out on the road without your HGV emergency kit? Make sure it includes the basics like a high-vis vest, torch, first-aid kit, and warning triangles. It’s always better to be over-prepared than caught short.
- Phone a Friend
No, not for a quick natter about last night’s footie scores. If you’re unsure about the problem or how to proceed, don’t hesitate to give a colleague or your boss a ring. They might be able to offer some advice, or at the very least, reassure you that you’re not the first to get into a pickle.
- Oh, Tow-tally!
If the worst comes to the worst and you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, it’s time to call in the big guns: the tow truck. While it might feel like admitting defeat, getting your HGV towed to safety by professionals like Fast Sydney Towing, can sometimes be the best option. Plus, it’s a fantastic chance to make a new pal in the tow truck driver – they’ve usually got some cracking stories up their sleeves!
- Keep the Choccie Biscuits Close
Never underestimate the calming powers of a good old digestive or a Hobnob. When things are going pear-shaped, sometimes all you need is a sweet treat to get your spirits up. So keep a stash in your cab and remember, emergencies are definitely a justifiable reason to break into the emergency biccie tin.
- Know Your HGV
The more familiar you are with your lorry, the better equipped you’ll be to handle surprises. Regularly check under the bonnet, familiarise yourself with the dashboard lights and sounds, and always have a read of the manual (no matter how boring it might seem).
- Plan Ahead
Before heading out, it’s worth having a look at your route to spot any potential rest stops, garages, or safe places to pull over. That way, if something does go awry, you’ll have a rough idea of where to head, and you won’t end up panicking because you don’t know what to do or where it is safe to stop off.
- Get Techy with It
There’s an app for everything these days, including HGV emergencies. Download some helpful apps that can give you real-time traffic updates, direct you to the nearest garage or even offer basic mechanical advice.
- Remember, It Happens to the Best of Us
Even the most seasoned HGV driver has had their fair share of roadside dramas. Instead of getting yourself into a tizzy, remember that it’s all part of the job. And think of the silver lining – it’ll be a brilliant story to share at the pub.
- Embrace the Power of Music
You’d be surprised how therapeutic a good ol’ singalong can be during stressful situations. So, why not create an ‘Emergency Chill’ playlist with songs that soothe you? Whether it’s The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, or a bit of Adele, let those tunes help you find your zen during a crisis.
- Emergency Contacts At Your Fingertips
Keep a laminated list of important contacts handy. This should include your mechanic, insurance company, and the nearest HGV service centres. A physical list ensures you aren’t fumbling with your phone’s dying battery in your time of need.
- Brush Up on Basic Repairs
You don’t need to become a certified mechanic overnight, but knowing a bit about common HGV issues can be a game-changer. Maybe attend a workshop or two. It could be as simple as changing a tyre or checking your oil level.
- Lean on Your HGV Community
Use social media or HGV forums to connect with other drivers. It’s a splendid platform to share experiences, advice, and perhaps even coordinate help if someone’s nearby.
- Always Have A Backup Plan
Let’s face it, even the best-laid plans can go awry now and again. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a plan B. Perhaps it’s an alternative route, a spare vehicle ready for dispatch, or a colleague who’s on standby for such emergencies. Knowing you have a plan will help to prevent the panic from setting in!
Thankfully, accidents and emergencies involving HGVs are pretty rare, so chances are you will never find yourself in a sticky spot, but if you do, there is no denying that the above tips for staying calm, will help you to get through the incident with as little stress and as much common sense and safety as possible, so be sure to take them onboard. Stay safe out there!
About the Author: John Loughran
