5 Overlooked Truck Safety Tools That Keep You Moving Forward
Beyond the Basics: 5 Overlooked Truck Safety Tools That Keep You Moving Forward
Anyone who’s spent time behind the wheel of a rig knows this; trucking is about a lot more than just the hours (and miles) on the road. It’s what can happen along the way that really matters. Long drives, unpredictable weather, and tight timing mean drivers must be prepared for anything. But while most fleets check the box with standard safety items, it’s the often overlooked tools that can make the biggest difference in moments that matter.
At Lawson Products, we don’t just supply—we anticipate. We help fleets think through every scenario and prepare for what most people miss. From unexpected spills to roadside stops at dusk, here are five critical but underrated truck safety tools that keep your fleet moving and your drivers protected.
1. Unexpected Flames? A mounted fire extinguisher can save the day.
Every truck needs a fire extinguisher. But where and how it’s stored can be just as important as having one on board.
In the event of an engine fire or a roadside electrical issue, seconds count. A mounted fire extinguisher, easily visible and within reach, allows drivers to act fast without fumbling. In fact, DOT regulations require that fire extinguishers be securely mounted within commercial vehicles to prevent movement during transit. A loose extinguisher is a safety hazard!
Lawson’s ABC Automotive Fire Extinguishers are approved by the Bureau of Motor Carriers and can extinguish multiple fire types. Pair them with proper mounting brackets and high-visibility signage for clear access and regulatory compliance.
Explore all of our Fire Extinguishers and find the one that fits your needs.
2. Emergency lighting and reflectors: Be seen before you’re in danger
Imagine this: A tire blows at night on a rural highway. With no shoulder and low visibility, the right emergency lighting can alert oncoming drivers early and give your operator the breathing room to stay safe.
Breakdowns rarely happen in ideal conditions. Visibility saves lives.
That’s where Triangle Reflector Warning Kits and snap-and-shake lightsticks come in. These tools help create a visible perimeter around the vehicle to prevent secondary accidents while the driver handles tire changes, fluid top-offs, or waits for roadside assistance.
And don’t forget the driver. High visibility gear—from reflective vests to fluorescent jackets—makes sure the person working outside the vehicle stands out just as clearly as the emergency markers. When combined, these tools form a powerful safety shield between the driver and the dangers of the road.
View our full line-up of Traffic Control equipment.
3. Spill kits: Small leaks can be big problems
It’s not just major accidents that can sideline a truck. Something as simple as a small oil leak can create a hazard for the driver and for the environment.
A Universal High-Visibility Sorbent Pad or Oil-Only Sorbent Pad provides fast absorption of hazardous fluids. Combine these with chemical-resistant gloves to protect drivers from skin exposure during roadside maintenance.
Check out our full lineup of absorbents here.
4. First aid kits and emergency response bags: Help when help is far away.
When you're hauling freight through open country or miles from the next stop, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for help. In those moments, your first aid kit becomes your lifeline.
Lawson’s 10-Person First Aid Kit is compact enough to stash in the cab, but packed with the essentials to treat everyday injuries. Think minor cuts, sprains, or burns from roadside repairs. It’s the kind of gear you hope you’ll never need, but are glad to have when something goes wrong mid-route.
For bigger emergencies, the Emergency Response Bag steps in. With color-coded packs organized by injury type, it takes the guesswork out of treatment when every second counts.
And then there’s the kind of moment no one wants to think about but every fleet manager must plan for. A driver collapses at a truck stop. No one nearby knows what to do. But your rig is equipped with the Semi-automatic AED 3® Package.
To stay prepared, explore our full lineup of first aid and emergency supplies and build out the gear your drivers truly need on the road.
5. Cab organization tools: Clarity when it counts
Loose tools and disorganized gear are inconvenient AND dangerous. In an emergency, the last thing a driver needs is to dig through a cluttered cab for a flashlight or first aid kit.
Simple upgrades like the Field Storage Box or secure storage cabinets keep items protected from moisture, dust, and damage. They also reduce distractions and improve focus, especially when time is tight and stress is high.
An organized cab is a safer cab. And at Lawson, we believe in systems that work when drivers need them most.
Driving safety forward
Picture this: a truck cab where every tool has its place, emergency gear is mounted and ready, and the driver knows that if something goes wrong, they’re equipped to handle it. That’s what we call smart planning.
When drivers have access to the right supplies—like a mounted fire extinguisher, highly visible reflectors, spill response kits, and organized first aid—they’re empowered to respond with confidence, protect themselves and others, and keep routes running on schedule. It’s peace of mind that travels with them, mile after mile.
Whether you’re building out safety kits for a new fleet or upgrading what’s already on board, Lawson Products is here to help. Connect with your Lawson representative or explore our full lineup of fleet gear to get started.