AMBEST Tips

Healthy-U Tips from AMBEST Drive Magazine:

For most truck drivers, boredom becomes their passenger. Boredom is a contributing factor to fatigue and, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, driver fatigue is probably a factor in 20-40% of all truck crashes. The following are tips for keeping your mind engaged, yet your attention safely on the road:

  • Satellite Radio ? Listen to just about whatever interests you-news, sports, music, talk radio-around the clock and, often, commercial free.
  • Audio Books ? Stop by a library or visit the DVD/Audio section of your favorite truck stop for fresh stories and stand-up comedy. Many truck stop organizations offer a rental program so you can pick up a title at one location and return it a few hundred miles down the road.
  • Truckin' Buddy ? This can mean either people or pets. A four-legged friend can keep you company and check with a veterinary for a good traveling breed.
  • Practice Your Hobby ? Treat yourself to a round of golf on the road, or drop a line from shore with fishing gear stowed in your cab. A digital camera is great for capturing some of the country's finest sites.
  • Home Base ? In addition to phone calls home, get a laptop computer to stay in touch with family and friends with email.
  • Exercise ? Break the mind fog by walking around your truck and giving it an inspection or take a hike around a rest area, truck stop or park.
  • Rotate Routes ? If you've been driving the same route month after month, request a new route with fresh scenery.

If these tips don't ease your boredom, pay attention. Boredom can be a symptom of a deeper health issue, such as depression. For more information on depression, go to www.mayoclinic.com. Remember...small steps can lead to big change and a healthier you.

The tips provided here are an excerpt from Healthy-U, a column written by Bay and Bay Transportation for AMBEST Drive Magazine. AMBEST Drive is a quarterly publication provided free to AMBEST's loyal customers. For a free copy of the publication, stop by any AMBEST location or call 800-910-7220.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

  • Regular preventive maintenance and repair will prevent over the road breakdowns.
  • Check brake adjustment and condition daily.
  • Oil analysis should be part of all oil changes to monitor your engine health.
  • Manual adjustment of automatic adjusting brake adjusters is an indication of other foundation brake system problems.
  • Properly performed pre and post trip inspections will prevent road breakdowns.
  • Tire air pressure should be checked daily with an air gauge to increase tire life and fuel mileage.
  • Annual inspections required by FMCSA involve more then just getting a new sticker. Insure the inspection is properly done.
  • Automatic brake adjusting systems and ABS systems have special maintenance needs.
  • Ask for or about copies of certifications and or qualifications of technicians doing required maintenance on your vehicle.
  • Properly maintained motor vehicles do not fear roadside inspections.
  • Breakdown maintenance has many more costs then good preventive maintenance.
  • Well-maintained motor vehicles equal safe vehicles and satisfied drivers.
  • Knowing State, Federal and Provincial regulations insures compliance with them.
  • High speed results in lower fuel economy.
  • Cooling system maintenance should be done year round not just in the winter.
  • Check load securement at regular intervals and make necessary adjustments.

Stop by any one of AMBEST's independently owned and operated Truck Stops, Travel Centers, and Service Centers across the United States. You'll find a clean facility, excellent service, and great deals on all your travel needs.

With our exclusive AMBUCK$ driver rewards program, drivers earn points for every fuel purchase at any AMBEST. AMBUCK$ can be accumulated and used like cash for purchases at any AMBEST location. And, with every swipe of their AMBUCK$ card, drivers are entered drawings for one of 26 prizes given away this year ranging from electronics and trips to $1000 worth of AMBUCK$ points. Sign up for your free AMBUCK$ card at any AMBEST location and start earning today.

We know you have a lot of choices when you are on the road. We appreciate you considering AMBEST and value your business. As our customer, you deserve the best. And that's America's best.

Visit www.am-best.com for a complete list of AMBEST Truck Stops and Travel Centers and AMBEST Service Centers nationwide.