Do’s And Don’t’s Of Using LGV Rest Stops

As a professional driver, driving long distances, you’re likely to become very familiar with truck stop facilities. These are places for LGV drivers to park up and refuel their vehicles, get refreshed, eat, and often sleep too.

However, the most helpful and polite ways to behave at a truck stop aren’t usually part of the LGV training programme – although many drivers think they should be. We’ve put together a guide for new truckers, based on things regular drivers think should be part of the standard truck stop etiquette.

Cleanliness

Washing your hands, keeping the area around your LGV free from litter and other debris, and putting your rubbish into bins rather than throwing it around are all things all truck drivers should do.

In addition, all truckers should be making sure they leave facilities like showers and toilets as they would want to find them. These are all things that other truckers think are very important and are universally considered to be among the most vital rules of all.

Parking and Driving

All drivers should treat the truck stops just as they would any other part of their route. This means paying attention to where and how they park, making sure they’re firmly in their spaces. It also means driving with as much care around the area as they would on the road, because other drivers might be driving or walking around and want to feel safe as they do so. Parking up at petrol pumps should also be done conscientiously and politely, taking into account that others might be waiting to use them. The right time to go shopping, use the loo or have a conversation is when parked up in a spot and not when getting fuel because this can delay other people.

Being Polite and Helpful

If someone else is struggling to drive or park, offering assistance is always appreciated. Drivers are a community after all. And a “good morning” or “good evening” might seem like little things that can be done away with, but it’s always appreciated by other drivers doing a long and lonely job, so never underestimate the value of just saying hello.