Florida
Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

Although the truck accidents that make the evening news are often crashes involving tractor trailers and larger 18-wheeler trucks, pickup trucks and other smaller trucks are very popular and can cause serious accidents as well. Many people who drive pickup trucks and such smaller trucks often treat their vehicles as regular passenger vehicles, when in fact these light trucks do pose a danger. If you own a light truck, you can avoid car accidents by:

1) Using extra caution in parking areas. Pickup trucks are larger, so smaller parking spaces can easily pose a problem. It is quite easy to bump into another car or even cause a pedestrian accident when backing into a small spot. Look for parking spaces that offer extra room – spots further from the store usually are less crowded – and ease into a spot.

2) Loading carefully. Pickup trucks and other light trucks have load limits for a reason. Overloading your truck can cause tire damage and rollover accidents. When loading your truck, make sure that you tie down everything securely. If things move around the back of your truck, it can be distracting. It can also cause the weight of your vehicle to shift, posing a rollover hazard. If you need to transport something that does not quite fit into your truck, tie it down very securely and tie a flag to the end of the object to alert other drivers. You do not want something bumping into another car or flying off the back of your truck.

3) Minimizing distractions. Avoid eating, talking on the phone, loud music, coffee, and smoking in the car. These all cause you to take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. Distractions are a major cause of car accidents and even though you are not driving an 18-wheeler, a light truck can still cause a lot of damage and injury.

4) Driving decisively. Do not hesitate or roam. Drive where you need to go, without driving around. Check maps before you go so that you know your route and the best roads to take to get to your destination.

5) Getting familiar with the vehicle. If you are moving up to a truck from a passenger vehicle, especially, give yourself extra time to get familiar with the new car. Drive the truck under all sorts of conditions without passengers first, so that you can adjust your driving as needed. Stick with simpler streets and less-frequented routes until you know all the controls and the vehicle well.

Drivers of passenger vehicles can do many things to prevent truck accidents. While not all trucking accidents are car-truck collisions, drivers of passenger vehicles do often make mistakes on the road which can cause a truck to lose control and veer off the road or into another vehicle. Every passenger vehicle driver on the road should:

1) Consider exit strategies when driving. If you are on the road, think ahead and consider where you could go if you needed to swerve suddenly. Thinking ahead ensures that you can react quickly. Keep in mind that trucks react more slowly due to their bulk, so defensive driving may be in your hands. Keep your eyes moving well ahead of you so that you can anticipate problems.

2) Use your hazards. When you need to slow down to avoid an obstacle on the road, put on your flashers. Trucks behind you need extra time to stop, and your lights let them know ahead of time to start braking. This can help prevent a nasty accident and the personal injuries such an accident can cause.

3) Use extra caution on highways. It is on highways that you share the road more frequently with truck drivers. The higher speed limits in these areas can also make any car-truck collision more deadly. When driving on the highway, be on extra alert and avoid any distractions at all costs. Put your complete focus on the road.

4) Use extra caution at night. Many truck drivers drive during odd hours, including night time, in order to make delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, for both passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers, night driving also means drowsiness and poor visibility. Avoid driving at night if you do not need to and be prepared to share the road with truck drivers if you are on the road at night. Slow down and make sure other drivers on the road – including truck drivers – can see you.

5) Note the weather. Even tiny amounts of rain can cause slick conditions when droplets combine with oil spills and residue on roadways. Even if the weather is not too bad, this is a very good reason to slow down. Keep in mind that truck drivers can also slip on slippery spots on the road. If you are both speeding when you collide, fatalities are very likely.

As we close another year, there are number of issues which are currently affecting the trucking industry. These issues may have a direct or indirect impact on the number of serious trucking accidents and vehicle accidents which take place on our roads in the years to come:

1) The number of hours drivers can drive. Also known as hours of service (HOS), this issue is a highly debated topic. Current regulations and limits have worked, according to advocates. Accidents rates are lower among truck drivers, according to some industry experts. However, there are still pushes to reduce driving hours even further. While some experts advocate this, others question the value of reducing hours further, as this will increase shipping costs and will increase the number of days truck drivers spend on the road, potentially increasing accidents.

2) Cap and Trade. Although regulations controlling emissions of larger manufacturers have not been finalized yet, this is an issue that worries many in the trucking industry. Fuel costs invariably will affect the trucking industry and will eventually result in higher costs for customers as well. Some worry that concerns over costs as a result of increasing fuel prices may lead to decisions by trucking companies to reduce focus on safety.

3) The SAFETEA-LU has lapsed, after being in place since 2005. Industry insiders are expecting another bill, which they hope will offer additional funding and support to the trucking industry.

4) The CSA Initiative. Under this initiative, which is designed to help create safer roads, unqualified truck drivers would be removed from the roads and truck drivers would have to meet strict new safety standards in order to work. Insiders are worried that initially this would lead to a shortage of qualified and safe drivers, although some experts suggest that such a move would help improve overall safety and would help reduce the number of serious truck accidents and their resulting personal injuries.

Some experts believe trucks and even buses should use a technology known as a brake transmission shift interlock device, which helps prevent unintentional acceleration. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is one organization that supports the use of this device in larger vehicles. A brake transmission shift interlock device works by requiring that a driver apply the brakes in order to shift out of park. This device, according to experts and the NTSB, helps prevent pedal misapplication, which can cause accidents as drivers shift out of park. Misapplication of the panel takes place when a driver accidentally presses on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal or presses the accelerator and the brake pedal at the same time.

Of course, a brake transmission shift interlock device will not help prevent trucking accidents caused by other issues, such as driver fatigue, driver distraction, drunk driving, and other problems. However, some trucking accidents and bus accidents are caused by drivers who are unfamiliar with a particular vehicle. If the pedals are different from what a specific driver is used to, a brake transmission shift interlock device can help prevent pedal misapplication caused by this unfamiliarity.

The NTSB has requested of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that brake transmission shift interlock devices become mandatory in all larger vehicles that are vulnerable to pedal misapplication by the driver. In addition, experts have asked to be NHTSA to consider pedal design and pedal configurations in larger vehicles to determine whether these issues can contribute to trucking and other large vehicle accidents.

NTSB has also asked the National Association for Pupil Transportation and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services to educate their drivers about pedal misapplication. In addition, the NTSB has suggested that drivers take refresher training and learn strategies to avoid pedal misapplication. Many in the trucking and bus industries agree with these recommendations, and many people would like to see brake transmission shift interlock devices mandatory on all larger vehicles equipped with air brakes.

Sudden acceleration caused by pedal misapplication can lead to accidents that have serious consequences. Trucking accidents caused by pedal misapplication can lead to brain injuries, fatalities, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious damage and loss. The transmission shift interlock devices are not without precedent. The NHTSA has already made such devices mandatory on all automatic transmission cars. This law was passed in 2008 in order to prevent passenger vehicle rollaways.

The economy has been in the news for so long that many people are tired of hearing about the recession. Nevertheless, there are many subtle ways that economic forces could be impacting your life – without you even being aware of it. For example, some experts believe that the poor economy may lead to an increase in trucking accidents. Currently, about 100 people die as a result of trucking accidents each week. Many hundreds more sustain serious brain injuries, broken bones, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other serious personal injury as a result of trucking accidents.

During the holidays, there are many factors that add to the risks of trucking accidents. During this time of year, some states have poor weather and very short daylight hours, leaving truck drivers to drive in worse conditions. As well, there are more drivers on the roads as people across Florida and across the country celebrate the holidays. This, too, can lead to more accidents.

Economics plays its part during the holidays, as well. Many businesses need to hire additional truck drivers at this time of year in order to meet increased demand by shoppers. However, many businesses want to spend as little money as possible on new drivers, especially with the economy still unsteady. This can lead to companies hiring untested and un-unionized truck drivers. In some cases, companies may be unwilking to offer additional training due to cost concerns or may be unwilling to run background checks on new drivers. Unfortunately, this can lead to hazardous driving on the roads.

Companies worried about the bottom line may also put off some repairs on trucks until after the holiday rush. Unfortunately, even minor problems can quickly become huge issues if they cause a truck to malfunction on the road. Poor alignment, tire problems, and other issues can cause a truck to lose control and hit pedestrians or other vehicles.

During the traffic rush, some companies may also be tempted to overwork drivers in an attempt to satisfy customers. As customers demand a better selection of products and every faster delivery, companies strive to stay competitive. If companies are also trying to slash costs, they may pressure drivers to work long hours, something which can cause driver fatigue and accidents.

Currently, drivers who drive between states are not covered under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. This fact allows businesses to avoid paying drivers overtime. Companies concerned with the bottom dollar sometimes overwork a smaller pool of drivers rather than paying for new workers. This can lead to drivers literally falling asleep behind the wheel. Some businesses pressure drivers to work 60 hours a week or even more, which is far more than is considered safe.

Trucking accidents claim many lives each year and also cause serious spinal cord injuries, fatalities, head injuries, amputation, burn injuries, and other serious injuries. Everyone has a duty to help prevent these accidents. Employers who hire truck drivers can ensure that their drivers are trained, rested, and experienced for the job. Truck companies can ensure their trucks are in good shape. Car drivers can help prevent car and truck collisions by using extra caution around trucks.

However, you do not have to be on the roads or involved in the trucking industry to make changes that result in safer streets for everyone. If you are a customer or a patron of businesses that rely on trucks, you can make a difference. Every time you buy products, you vote with your dollars. By pressuring companies to make changes in the ways they hire and screen employees, you can make trucking accidents a rarer occurrence.

One thing you can do is join an advocacy group. There are a number of groups which target unsafe practices in the trucking industry. Road Safe America and the Truck Safety Coalition are two advocacy groups which aim to make changes in the trucking industry and work to educate the public about trucking safety issues. There are many ways you can support these groups. You can stay informed through their education programs or participate in petitions. You can also contribute time or money to these groups. These groups are able to create changes through the sheer amount of pressure they are able to generate.

You can also write to your governor or local political representatives about your concerns. If you are concerned about specific issues in the trucking industry or trucking practices, you can request changes be made. You can organize petitions on your own to send to your political representatives. Remember that political representatives are voted in to represent your concerns, so if one of these concerns involves trucking accidents, be sure to write in.

You can also help companies make better decisions about their trucking choices. If you do business with a company that uses delivery trucks and you notice truck drivers taking unnecessary risks, report this fact to the company and explain how this behaviour might affect your future business. If you see trucks on the road driving unsafely, note their license plate numbers and contact the companies they belong to. Refuse to do business with companies you know have poor driving records, truck maintenance records, and poor safety records in general. Let companies know why they are losing business.

If you have suffered personal injury or the death of a loved one due to a trucking accident, contact a good Florida personal injury attorney. A qualified attorney can help you get answers about a trucking accident and can ensure that companies are held accountable if they have poor safety records or have willingly taken risks. Legal action can help ensure that these companies take safety far more seriously in the future and this can help prevent more tragedies.

Pedestrian accidents involving trucks are almost always fatal. The sheer size of a truck means that pedestrians often suffer fatal head injuries, internal damage, and other injuries which lead to life-long disability or to death. There are, however, several things that pedestrians can do to help prevent trucking accidents:

1) Be careful when walking around trucks. If you need to walk in front of a truck, make eye contact with the truck driver to ensure that he or she sees you clearly and has time to stop the vehicle. If you need to walk between trucks or behind a truck, make sure that drivers can see you in their mirrors. If you cannot see a driver in the truck mirror, you are likely in a driver’s blind spot. Avoid running around trucks – give truck drivers plenty of time to slow down and stop. Keep in mind that trucks need more time to see you.

2) Obey signals. Avoid walking across streets when your light is red and avoid crossing between cross walks. Obey traffic signals. Trucks require more time to stop and may not be able to brake in time if you do something unexpected.

3) Report unsafe trucks and truck drivers. If you see a truck driver behaving aggressively or driving recklessly, report him or her. You can take down the name of the truck and the license plate number and report the truck to local authorities. Many trucks also have 1-800 numbers on the side that allow you to reach a driver’s employer.

4) Stay visible. In preventing bus accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents, visibility is key. Drivers will only be able to avoid hitting you if they can see you. If you walk or jog at night, wear reflective clothing and make sure that you stay visible.

Truck accidents occur all year. Unfortunately, due to the size of trucks, many accidents involving these vehicles are not survivable, especially for pedestrians and car drivers involved in the crash. Those who survive a trucking accident often suffer from serious burns, broken limbs, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and other serious personal injuries. While these accidents and injuries can occur at any time of year, there are some factors that increase the risks of trucking accidents during the holiday season.

Higher traffic volumes can increase the risks of vehicle accidents at this time of year. During the holiday season, there are extra deliveries to make and stores usually require more inventory, putting more trucks and truck drivers on the road. In some cases, truck drivers are pressured to meet very demanding deadlines. At the same time, more passenger vehicles are on the roads as more people attend holiday events and run holiday errands. More pedestrians are on the streets, as well, as more shoppers visit stores. Extra traffic can create congestion, short tempers, and an increased risk of accidents.

Drunk driving accidents can involve both car and car-truck collisions. Many holiday parties at this time of year include alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, even though drunk driving campaigns have been in place for years, some drivers still choose to drink and drive, a decision which often leads to tragedy. When a drunk driver causes a collision with a truck, the results can be even more devastating.

Driver distraction and illness can make truck accidents more common at this time of year. Unfortunately, holiday season coincides with cold and flu season, and some drivers make errors while driving due to illness. Some truck drivers may be pressured to work even when under the weather, because of the pressure of holiday deadlines. The cold or flu can be a major distraction and the feeling of grogginess that accompanies illness can lead to accidents. Some flu and cold medications can also cause drowsiness and can be as dangerous as alcohol consumption when driving. Even perfectly healthy drivers are often distracted at this time of year. Drivers are often thinking about the upcoming holidays and trying to multitask in order to keep up with holiday demands. This can distract them from driving and can lead to accidents.

Poor weather conditions can make truck accidents more common at this time of year. At this time of year, additional rain and less light can mean worse weather conditions. Truck drivers who drive between winter states and Florida may find themselves driving through heavy snow and then through rain. Changing weather and resulting poor visibility can cause vehicles and trucks to lose control on the roads.

Although truck accidents are always a tragedy, they tend to be felt very keenly during the holidays. Truck accidents can happen at any time of year, but when they happen during the holidays, they tend to be especially keenly felt as friends and family gather together to celebrate the season. A loss or injury at this time of year can feel devastating and can have a considerable financial impact as well.

Year round, trucking accidents cause fatalities, property damage, and serious personal injuries – including severe burns, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. However, during the holiday season, truck accidents are a special concern. More companies are relying on trucks during the holiday season to deliver inventory and products for the season. This time of year tends to be the most intensive retail period of the year and companies order more products, which means more trucks on the road. Unfortunately, it can also mean more stressful schedules for truck drivers and tighter delivery deadlines, which can mean tired (and dangerous) drivers.

In addition to more inventory deliveries, many companies offer special delivery options at this time of year. Some companies offer holiday-only rush deliveries within a specific area. Other companies offer delivery year-round, but more customers take advantage of delivery during the holiday season as they try to cross off holiday lists.

During the holidays, there is more taking place, and this can mean more deliveries and more trucks on the road – a fact that can mean more accidents. For example, seasonal businesses, such as Christmas tree lots, use trucks to transport products. Holiday parades and “pictures with Santa” services require delivery trucks to open for business. Even holiday parties can mean more delivery trucks on the roads, as caterers are more busy at this time of year, shuttling appetizers and treats to parties.

Extra delivery trucks on the road can mean that truck drivers are overextended and rushed, especially as customers and businesses require rush deliveries to meet holiday goals. This can mean that some drivers are pressured to drive too quickly to make deadlines or are pressured to work longer hours in order to keep everyone happy during the holiday season. Unfortunately, speeding and driver fatigue are two leading contributors to car accidents and truck accidents. Tired, stressed drivers may make deadly mistakes on the road or may even fall asleep behind the wheel. Speeding can mean that drivers do not have enough time to react in avoiding an accident.

There are additional factors that can increase the risks of a truck accident at this time of year. In many areas of the country, poor weather conditions can be a contributing factor to truck accidents and car accidents. As well, as companies try to complete holiday deliveries, some companies hire additional drivers at this time of year. Some companies do not carefully screen or train new drivers, due to the holiday rush. This can mean that some drivers are behind the wheel when they should not be. Unqualified and untrained drivers are a risk on the roads, especially when they are driving larger trucks which can be deadly in an accident.

Some factors contributing to truck driving accidents at this time of year are outside the control of truck drivers. For example, there are more pedestrians and drivers on the roads, as more people complete holiday shopping and head on the road to visit family and friends. Additional traffic can mean a bigger risk of accidents, especially when pedestrians and drivers are distracted by their own holiday plans.

It’s cold and flu season again and this year there is the added concern of a new flu virus, the H1N1 flu. Unfortunately, for the nation’s truck drivers, flu and cold season is more than an annoyance. It can be dangerous, as illness can lead to trucking accidents and the personal injuries and fatalities that these accidents can cause.

Flu and cold symptoms are a major issue that contributes to trucking accidents. Drivers who develop symptoms may have stuffy noses, coughing, high fever, aching limbs, and grogginess. All of these symptoms can make truck drivers dangerous. Drivers may not be able to fully focus on the road while ill or may make mistakes behind the wheel. Unfortunately, due to the size and force of trucks, even small errors can result in big accidents.

Drivers should never drive their truck while they are ill. Unfortunately, even healthy drivers can be affected by flu symptoms. If a passenger vehicle driver is driving while ill, that driver may make mistakes on the road that cause a collision between a truck and the car.

A new flu also has many businesses worried. The H1N1 flu is starting flu season early and many people do not have a natural immunity to this new illness, which means that more people may become ill from the flu – even those who do not usually become ill during flu season. As well, symptoms of the H1N1 can develop quickly. This means that drivers may start their route feeling well but become unwell rather quickly. The fact that more people will be ill may also put more pressure on healthy truck drivers to work beyond reasonable limits to replace workers and drivers who are ill. This may create unsafe trucking conditions.

Flu vaccines are available, but all vaccines carry a risk. Some people may develop reactions to vaccines. It is important that truck drivers get vaccinated against the flu, but drivers should not operate their trucks immediately after getting the vaccine. Drivers should rest until they are certain that they will have no negative reactions to the vaccine.

Medication for the cold and flu is available, but many medications have serious side effects that can make truck drivers dangerous on the roads. Many over-the-counter medications and prescribed medications given for colds and the flu can make drivers sleepy or groggy, making them dangerous on the road. It is important for truck drivers to speak to pharmacists and doctors before taking or combining any medication. It is also important not to drive immediately after taking a new medication. This is to ensure that you will not develop a dangerous allergic reaction that could be dangerous to you and to other drivers on the road.

Truck accidents are dangerous at any time of the year. They can always cause spinal cord injuries, head trauma, fatalities, burn injuries, and other serious injuries. However, there are a number of factors that make holiday accidents more likely:

1) More people on the roads. More people tend to be on the roads in the weeks leading up to the holidays because of family visits, parties, social events, and holiday shopping. More traffic can mean more risk for accidents, as cars of many types share the road with truck drivers.

2) Worse weather conditions. Florida truck drivers may enjoy fair weather in their home state, but they might need to leave the south to travel to snowy and wintry areas, where the possibility of whiteout conditions and ice are a real problem. Drivers need to have trucks that are ready for winter driving and need to have the expertise to deal with potentially dangerous – and changeable – conditions.

3) Truck driver distractions. Truck drivers may be distracted by their own holiday plans, additional holiday stress, and extra time spent on holiday preparations. Unfortunately, driver distraction is a contributing cause in many trucking and car accidents.

4) Tight deadlines. Many companies are in a rush at this time of year, trying to deliver more goods and services to more customers. Customers and clients, in turn, are often eager to get shipments immediately. This can place a lot of pressure on drivers to drive quickly and give up rest in order to make deadlines. This sort of extra work can be very dangerous and can increase the odds of driver error.

5) Illness. Unfortunately, many people have the cold or flu, which can affect truck drivers in a number of ways. Drivers may be pressured to take on extra work to cover for sick colleagues. They may be pressured to work when not feeling 100% themselves. Some drivers may become ill on the road.

6) Temporary workers. Most companies hire temporary employees at this time of year. While temporary employees are welcome additions to any business, they may not fully know all the standards and polices of their temporary workplace. They may make mistakes that affect a driver’s ability to do their job. For example, an employee may send a driver to a wrong address. Temporary truck drivers may be less familiar with delivery routes and company policies as well. This can cause confusion. In some cases, employee uncertainty can cause mistakes that lead to accidents.

Truck drivers are vital to businesses and customers all year round, but especially so at this time of year. As the holidays approach, customers and companies rely heavily on truck drivers to deliver certain products and services on time. Truck drivers, however, also have a duty to deliver things safely. Here are some ways that truck drivers can stay safer and can help prevent trucking accidents:

1) Get extra training. Additional training can help refresh certain safety standards and ideas in the minds of truck drivers. Training sessions can also help remind drivers about defensive driving techniques that can help prevent truck accidents and the personal injuries they can cause.

2) Help companies stay safe. If you are a truck driver and see something that is unsafe – whether it is unrealistic deadlines, poor truck maintenance, or poor driver screening – point this out to your employer. Your employer has an obligation to keep drivers and their workers safe. However, not all companies are aware of problems that exist. By speaking up, you could save a life. If no one listens to your concerns, take these issues to higher authorities. Poor safety practices will eventually cause personal injury and loss of life, so act now.

3) Inspect your truck. Whether your truck has been properly maintained or whether you are not kept aware of maintenance procedures, check your truck before you get into it. Mechanical problems can arise at any time, so frequent once-overs can really help. If you notice a problem, bring it to the attention of the company mechanic or your employer. Refuse to drive in an unsafe truck

4) Allow for more traffic. During the holidays, more pedestrians are often around, shopping for gifts and taking care of holiday errands. More cars also tend to be on the road, as more customers shop and more businesses work around the clock to deliver goods and services. Take holiday traffic into account and give yourself extra time to get to your delivery destinations.

5) Take care of yourself. Holiday months also coincide with the cold and flu season. The flu and extra work can be a terrible combination, leaving you too tired to drive safely. To stay well, take extra good care of yourself: eat well, get exercise, and get plenty of rest. If you are ill, do not drive. Stay home and rest until you are well again. Keep in mind, too, that many medications for flu and colds make you sleepy, so you should never drive while taking medications unless you are certain that the medication will not affect your ability to drive safely

If you own a business, holiday time often means extra business and more busyness. Many companies rely on trucks heavily in the weeks and months leading up to the holiday season: inventory must be shipped in, deliveries need to be shipped to customers, and last-minute shoppers often require last-minute deliveries. All of these tasks often require truck services. Whether you have your own in-house drivers and trucks or whether you use a transportation service, however, there are several things you can do to help prevent truck accidents:

1) Screen drivers carefully and insist that transport companies do the same. Just one badly trained or unqualified truck driver can cause an accident that claims lives or causes serious, permanent personal injuries. Check anyone who drives for you carefully and check out-of-state driving records as well. A private investigator is usually very thorough and can do this for a flat fee. If you use a transport service or truck company service, ask to see evidence of their screening process to ensure that they screen applicants correctly. Refuse to do business with any company that does not screen its drivers very thoroughly.

2) Inspect any trucks that deliver on behalf of your business. If a truck delivers your products, team members, or is associated with your company, you are responsible for the safety of that truck. If you have in-house trucks, have a seasonal tune up completed and ensure that your trucks are safe and ready for the holiday season. If you will be delivering outside of Florida, ensure that your trucks have the right tires for winter driving.

3) Do not let the holiday rush create unreasonable deadlines. Yes, it is important for customers and clients to get your products and services on time. However, it is just as important for everyone to stay safe on the roads. Rushed, overextended truck drivers are a major cause of accidents. If your drivers are overextended, hire additional drivers so that everyone can get the rest they need. If customers require rush services that do not allow for truck transport, consider paying extra for air mail delivery, which will not put your drivers at risk. Refuse to create deadlines that encourage drivers to lose sleep or speed.

4) Review safety standards. In any company, the holiday season often means more work and a changeover as temporary workers are used to replace ill workers or supplement your work force for the holiday rush. This means that you need to take time to review safety standards with your truck drivers and everyone in your company. It ensures that everyone is reminded of safety protocols and that new workers understand how to stay safe on the job.

5) Give yourself some delivery wiggle time. If you need to guarantee a product or service will arrive by a specific time, add some time (a few hours or a few days) to the delivery date. This will ensure that your truck drivers are not rushing (or speeding) to make a deadline. It also ensures that your drivers have time for safety.