In the mountainous construction site surrounded by mountains, the winding roads and complex and changeable terrain pose a huge challenge to the operation of cement tankers. As the main force in construction site transportation, the consequences of a safety accident involving cement tankers would be unimaginable. How to ensure the safe operation of cement tankers at construction sites in mountainous areas has become the key to guaranteeing the progress of the project and the safety of people's lives and property. Next, we will analyze for you from multiple dimensions how cement tankers can travel safely on mountainous construction sites.

I. Comprehensive inspection and preparation before driving

(1) Inspection of key vehicle components
Before departure, the driver needs to conduct a meticulous inspection of the cement mixer truck. The braking system is of Paramount importance. Frequent braking operations on mountainous roads have very high requirements for braking performance. Check the thickness of the brake pads. If they are severely worn, they should be replaced in time. Test the level and quality of the brake fluid to ensure stable braking effect. The steering system should not be overlooked either. Check if the steering wheel rotates smoothly, if there is any jamming or abnormal clearance, and if the power steering fluid is within the normal range.
The condition of tires is directly related to driving safety. The road conditions in mountainous areas are complex. Sharp stones and potholes can easily damage tires. It is necessary to check the depth of the tire treads. If the treads are too shallow, the grip will be significantly reduced. Check the surface of the tires for any cracks or bulges, and repair or replace the faulty tires in time. In addition, it is necessary to check the tire pressure and adjust it to an appropriate value based on the vehicle's load and road conditions to prevent a blowout caused by either too high or too low pressure.
(II) Specifications for Cargo Loading
The concrete carried by the cement mixer truck is a flowing medium. During its operation, the center of gravity will change due to the vehicle's shaking. When loading, the loading quantity must be strictly controlled and must not exceed the vehicle's approved load capacity to prevent overloading from extending the vehicle's braking distance and deteriorating its handling performance. At the same time, ensure that the concrete is evenly distributed within the tank to prevent the vehicle stability from being affected by the shift of the center of gravity, especially when driving on curves in mountainous areas, as uneven loading may cause rollover accidents.
(3) Route planning and weather understanding
Before setting off, drivers should plan their driving routes in advance, learn about the road conditions in mountainous areas through map software or by asking local residents, and be familiar with the locations of dangerous sections such as sharp turns, steep slopes, and sections close to water or cliffs. Avoid roads that are under construction and in extremely poor conditions, and choose relatively safe routes with better road conditions. At the same time, keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The weather in mountainous areas is unpredictable. Severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, thick fog and ice and snow can make the road conditions even more dangerous. In case of bad weather, the vehicle departure should be postponed or corresponding safety protection measures should be taken.
Ii. Key Points for Safe Operation during Driving
(1) Control the vehicle speed and distance
The roads in mountainous areas are narrow and the view is blocked. Cement tankers are large in size and have a high inertia. When driving, the speed must be strictly controlled. On straight sections, the vehicle speed should not exceed 40 kilometers per hour. Before entering the curve, slow down in advance and reduce the vehicle speed to below 20 kilometers per hour. Maintaining a safe distance is of vital importance. The distance from the vehicle in front should be kept at least 50 meters or more to avoid being unable to brake in time in an emergency due to following too closely.
(2) Use gears and brakes reasonably
On downhill sections, coasting in neutral is strictly prohibited. Instead, a suitable low gear should be selected based on the slope, and the speed of the vehicle should be controlled by the traction effect of the engine. This can not only reduce the wear of brake pads but also prevent the braking system from overheating and failing due to prolonged braking. If braking is necessary, intermittent braking should be adopted to avoid stepping on the vehicle all at once and prevent it from losing control. On uphill sections, choose the appropriate gear in advance to maintain the vehicle's power and avoid the vehicle stalling and rolling back due to gear changes in the middle.
(3) Driving skills on curves and slopes
When passing through a curve, honk in advance to signal and alert oncoming vehicles to pay attention. Follow the principle of "slow down, honk and keep to the right", reduce your speed and pass slowly. When driving on curves with a large blind spot, one should drive more carefully, appropriately increase the turning radius, and prevent the vehicle from leaving the road or colliding with oncoming vehicles.
When encountering a slope, make sure the vehicle has sufficient power before going uphill and try to avoid stopping halfway. If you have to stop, apply the handbrake tightly and shift into a low gear to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. When going downhill, follow the above-mentioned key points for downhill operation to control the vehicle speed steadily and avoid danger caused by excessive speed.
Iii. Dealing with special road conditions and emergencies
(1) Dealing with muddy and slippery roads
The roads at construction sites in mountainous areas tend to become muddy and slippery after rain. At this time, when cement tankers are traveling, they should reduce their speed to avoid sudden braking and sharp turns. Anti-skid chains can be appropriately installed to increase the friction between the tires and the ground. While driving, try to follow the ruts of the vehicle in front and avoid entering the soft roadbed. If the vehicle gets stuck in a muddy section, do not blindly step hard on the accelerator. Instead, try to lay stones, wooden boards or other items under the wheels to increase the vehicle's adhesion, or ask other vehicles for assistance in towing.
(2) Handle sudden malfunctions and accidents
If a vehicle malfunctions suddenly during driving, such as brake failure or tire blowout, the driver should remain calm. When the brakes fail, immediately use the pulling effect of the engine to slow down, and at the same time, pull the handbrake tightly and look for a safe place to stop. If the handbrake also fails, you can use obstacles on the roadside to assist in parking, such as crash barriers or trees. When a tire bursts, hold the steering wheel tightly with both hands, keep the vehicle moving in a straight line, slow down slowly, and do not make sudden turns or brakes. Wait until the vehicle stabilizes before changing the tire.
In the event of an accident, the hazard warning flashers should be turned on immediately, and a triangular warning sign should be set up 150 meters away in the direction of oncoming traffic to prevent secondary accidents. Call the police and rescue numbers promptly and take necessary first aid measures, such as stopping the bleeding and bandaging the injured.
Iv. Drivers' Safety Awareness and Training
(1) Strengthen safety awareness
The safety awareness of drivers is the key to ensuring driving safety. Cement tanker drivers should always keep safety in mind and avoid illegal acts such as driving while fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol, and speeding. Driving on mountainous roads is risky. Drivers should remain highly vigilant, concentrate their attention, observe the road conditions and the surrounding environment, and predict potential dangers in advance.
(2) Regular safety training
The construction site management should regularly organize safety training for cement mixer truck drivers. The training content should cover driving skills on mountainous roads, emergency handling methods, traffic regulations, etc. Through case analysis, drivers can deeply understand the dangers of illegal driving and improve their safe driving skills and emergency response capabilities. Meanwhile, drivers are encouraged to share their driving experiences and jointly discuss the key points of safe driving at mountainous construction sites to create a favorable atmosphere for safe driving.
To ensure the safe operation of cement tankers at construction sites in mountainous areas, multiple aspects should be taken into account. Adequate preparations should be made, correct driving skills should be mastered, the ability to deal with emergencies should be enhanced, and the safety awareness of drivers should be strengthened. Only in this way can we ensure the safe operation of cement tankers in the complex road conditions of mountainous construction sites, providing a safeguard for the smooth progress of engineering projects.