Emergencies happen fast—blowouts, breakdowns, medical issues, fires, and collisions can turn a routine run into a high-risk situation in seconds. Having clear truck driver emergency procedures helps protect lives, reduce damage, and support compliance when things go wrong.
Table of Contents
Emergency Preparedness for Drivers Before You Roll
The best emergency response starts before the engine turns over. Build habits that make the “right move” automatic.
Pre-trip emergency readiness checklist
- Fully charged phone and hands-free setup
- Emergency contacts saved (dispatch, safety, maintenance, police)
- Current insurance/registration permits accessible
- Reflective triangles/flares and high-vis vest on board
- Fire extinguisher charged and accessible
- First-aid kit stocked
- Flashlight and batteries
- Basic tools and gloves
- Weather-appropriate gear (blanket, water, extra food in winter routes)
Know your route risk
Emergency preparedness for drivers includes awareness:
- Construction zones and steep grades
- Low-shoulder or no-shoulder areas
- Poor-cell coverage stretches
- Severe weather alerts and closures
First Priorities in Any Roadside Emergency Response
No matter what happens, use this order of operations.
1) Protect life
- Stay calm, breathe, and assess injuries
- If someone is hurt or there’s danger (fire, smoke, leaking fuel), call emergency services immediately
2) Secure the scene
- Reduce secondary crashes by making your truck visible
- Move to a safer location if possible and safe to do so
3) Communicate clearly
- Notify dispatch/safety with your exact location, situation, and whether police/tow are needed
4) Document for the incident reporting process
- Photos, notes, witness info, and timelines (when safe)
Breakdown Safety Steps: What to Do When the Truck Won’t Move
Breakdowns are common—and risky because drivers are exposed near traffic.
Step-by-step breakdown procedure
- Signal and slow down early: hazard lights on
- Get off the travel lane: aim for a wide shoulder, ramp, or safe pull-off
- Set brakes and secure the unit: parking brake, hazards, and wheel chocks if needed
- Stay protected: wear high-vis; exit on the passenger side if traffic is close
- Place warning devices (triangles) according to your jurisdiction/company policy
- Focus on visibility and distance so drivers have time to react
- Call dispatch/road service: include location marker, truck/trailer number, and symptoms
- Stay alert: remain in a safe position away from traffic while waiting
Extra breakdown safety tips
- Avoid standing between tractor and trailer
- Don’t crawl under equipment roadside unless it’s a secured, safe area
- In poor visibility (fog/snow/night), increase scene visibility and keep hazards on
Accident Procedure for Truck Drivers
Collisions can be stressful and confusing. A simple structure helps you respond correctly.
Immediate accident actions
- Stop safely and turn on hazards
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed
- Prevent further danger
- If there’s fire risk, leaking fuel, or unstable cargo, increase distance and keep others back
- Do not admit fault roadside
- Exchange required information
- Driver details, vehicle details, insurance, and company info as required
- Capture evidence (when safe)
- Photos of vehicles, plates, road conditions, skid marks, signage, and damage
- Notify dispatch/safety promptly and follow instructions
What to collect for documentation
- Date/time, location, direction of travel
- Weather, lighting, road surface conditions
- Names/contacts of witnesses
- Police report number (if issued)
- Notes about traffic control devices and lane markings
Special Emergencies: Fire, Hazmat, Medical, and Severe Weather
If there’s a fire or smoke
- Pull over safely, hazards on
- Shut down engine if safe
- Use fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and you have a clear escape route
- If the fire spreads quickly, back away and call emergency services
If you suspect a fuel or chemical leak
- Do not touch the substance
- Move upwind and keep others away
- Call emergency services and notify dispatch with details about the load (if applicable)
Medical emergency (you or another driver)
- Call emergency services immediately
- Share location and symptoms
- If safe, pull to a secure area; do not continue driving if you’re impaired
Severe weather or visibility collapse
- Reduce speed early
- Increase following distance dramatically
- If conditions are unsafe, find a safe place to stop (not the travel lane) and communicate with dispatch
Incident Reporting Process: Simple, Consistent, Defensible
A clean incident reporting process protects the driver and the company.
What to report (minimum)
- What happened (facts only)
- Where and when
- Who is involved (vehicles, parties, witnesses)
- Damage and injuries (if any)
- Police/EMS involvement and report number
- Photos and any dashcam notes
Reporting tips drivers can follow
- Write notes immediately while details are fresh
- Stick to observations, not opinions
- Submit within the required company timeline
- Save all receipts/tow invoices if applicable
Stay Ready, Stay Safe, Report Cleanly
Strong truck driver emergency procedures are about consistency: secure the scene, communicate quickly, and follow a clear incident reporting process. When drivers rehearse these steps, they make safer decisions under stress, whether it’s a breakdown, collision, or a hazardous situation roadside.
Need Support Strengthening Driver Emergency Training?
Reach out to us at www.welocity.ca, call 905-901-1601, or email info@welocity.ca if you need trucking-related services. Whether it’s compliance training, driver safety programs, ELD support, or vehicle inspections, we’ve got you covered.