Essential Hand Signals and Flare Placement Every New Trailer Driver Needs to Know

Road safety is essential for both seasoned veterans and novices. Part of the knowledge a trailer driver must have is hand signals and the use of road flares, especially when backing up a trailer. Using the right signals could be the difference between a safe journey and a disaster. If you are new to hauling trailers, don’t worry, keep reading to learn Essential Hand Signals and Flare Placement Every New Trailer Driver Needs to Know.

Hand Signal Fundamentals for Trailer Drivers

There are five basic hand signals every trucker should know, and the crew unloading the trailer should know them as well.

Turns

As you back up to the dock, stay aware of your surroundings, but follow the hand signals of the person guiding you in. The most basic and commonly used of these signals is for turning left or right. They will have one arm extended in the direction that you are turning, while making a waving motion with the other arm. The purpose of arm waving is to indicate you should continue backing your trailer to the left or the right.

Backing Up

The person guiding you will not only signal which way to turn, but also to proceed, backing up slowly. Typically, this signal is made with both palms facing toward the trailer, then bending the arms at the elbow and lifting them toward the head and chest in a waving motion. They will do this until the trucker reaches the dock.

Stopping Distance

Once the trailer is close to the dock, the person guiding you in will lift their hands above their head and spread them apart to indicate the distance to the dock. The purpose of this hand signal is to prevent you from sending the trailer crashing into the dock and damaging both.

Stop

When you have backed the trailer to the dock, the person giving the hand signals will cross their arms into an X above their head, indicating that you should stop.

Emergency Stop

If you are backing a trailer into the dock and an incident occurs, such as an object falling into its path or someone inadvertently walking behind it, the signal for an emergency stop will be given. It starts with the hands held above the head, then making a repeated waving motion. It may be accompanied by shouting or loud whistling to ensure the person guiding you has your attention.

Angles to Use Backing in a Trailer

Straight Back

This angle is self-explanatory and the easiest to master. You simply use the mirrors in the truck cab to align your truck with the dock, then back in slowly and steadily, making minute adjustments as needed.

The 45 Degree Angle

This angle is used when backing into spaces that require backing in the trailer at an angle. This maneuver takes a little more skill. You begin by positioning the trailer at a slight angle to the dock. As you start to back up and reach a 45-degree angle, turn the steering wheel to position the trailer while watching for hand signals in your mirrors.

The 90 Degree Angle

Follow the same instructions for a 45-degree angle, but with 90 degrees.

As a new trailer driver, it is essential to practice these backing-up methods, perhaps at your company’s dock, an empty parking lot, or a truck stop with ample space.

Understanding Road Flares

When you have an incident on the road, such as a flat tire or mechanical failure, you will need to use road flares to ensure your safety while you inspect and address the problem. Here are the basics of road flare use:

Placement

Place one flare approximately three hundred feet or more behind the trailer. If your truck and trailer stall on a hill or curve, place one flare around the curve, at least three hundred feet, to ensure that traffic knows there is a stalled truck ahead. Place an additional flare ten feet from the truck to enhance visibility.

How to Use a Flare

Remove the plastic lid from the flare, exposing the “scratch cap.” Twist the cap to reveal an igniter button. Once you have the button exposed, strike the scratch cap against the igniter button in the same way you would strike a match. Be sure that the flare points away from you.

Use common sense when igniting a flare, such as not doing so near flammable substances or gases. Hold a lit flare away from your body, and avoid putting it in puddles if it is raining or snow is melting.

Bigfoot Can Help You Understand Trailers

If you are new to hauling trailers and are looking for anything from car haulers to dump trailers, contact us. We can help. Not only will we provide you with a high-quality trailer, but we will also provide sound advice on it. We will gladly help you choose the right trailer for your needs and answer any questions you have about its use. Don’t choose another trailer dealer with a lesser reputation; get in touch today.