Todd NesnickRoad safety is the most essential thing that can be. This is true for everyone who manages transport. But it’s even more critical for truckers who drive big trucks all over the country. That accident, which could have been just an unfortunate incident with a passenger car, turns into an absolute disaster when a truck participates in the accident. That is why monitoring the safety of both the trucker and the commercial truck is so important. After all, this can delay delivery and lead to tragedy. These rules are essential for time-critical logistics, where drivers may neglect safety for the sake of speed. To minimize this risk, we have prepared an article about tips for truck drivers, which can be used as a checklist for verification. If all the items are in order, you can safely go on the road and work safely.
Truck driver safety tips
We have highlighted the defensive driving tips for truck drivers.
Watch out for blind spots
This is our truck driving safety tip of the day. When you are driving, do not forget about the existence of blind spots. These are areas that are not visible in mirrors and through windows from the driver’s seat. When you know about their existence and location, you will drive more safely. Therefore, do not forget to constantly check the mirrors every 10 seconds and view the entire front and back road every 15 seconds.
Know the braking distance of your truck
It may seem that your truck has a strong braking system that reacts instantly during danger. But this is a misconception because it seems to us that the braking distance of a truck is the same as that of a passenger car. This dangerous misconception can lead to an accident and lull your vigilance. Remember, one of the most important safety rules for truck drivers is that the truck’s braking distance is the length of 2 football fields. A long distance, isn’t it? And, of course, the faster you eat, the worse the weather conditions, the longer your braking distance will be. Remember, and do not exceed the speed limit in dangerous areas during snowfall, ice, or rain.
Be careful on the turns
Remember that large-sized vehicles need to lay a large radius when turning and need more room for maneuver. You especially need to be careful on sharp turns where you don’t see the oncoming lane. Give signals and slow down the speed.
Remember about the spatial cushion of the truck
It is imperative for a trucker to understand and feel the dimensions of his truck, its height, width, length, and weight. Thanks to this knowledge, you will always be able to drive at a safe distance from other cars.
Always fasten your seat belt
This is the most important rule for the personal safety of a trucker, which should not be neglected. Every time you get into any car, any seat, you need to fasten your seat belt. Make it a reflex habit. Thus, even if an accident occurs, you will remain unharmed. Believe us, the lack of discomfort from the seat belt is not worth your life.
Do not exceed the speed limit
The bigger your truck, the more difficult it is to gain speed, brake, and maneuver. And imagine how hard it is to do it at high speed! Therefore, never exceed the speed limit and watch the road – this will save your life and other road users’ lives. Speed is not the most essential thing in delivery and certainly not more important than your safety.
Always be focused
One of the most essential tips for new truck drivers. Every trucker will understand this feeling. When you’ve been looking at the road for 10 hours for the past day in a row and moving on autopilot. It is very tempting just to turn off vigilance and continue driving the truck without thinking about anything. But it’s very dangerous! You may not have time to react to a potentially dangerous situation or even fall asleep. Therefore, always sleep for 8 hours before work, have a good rest, do not be distracted while driving by calls and messages, and constantly watch the road. Yes, it’s difficult, but who said that being a trucker is easy? Remember that truckers are not allowed to write messages while driving, and phone conversations should only be held on speakerphone so that your two hands are free.
Check the weather
Of course, if you have responsible dispatchers who plan the route in accordance with weather conditions, then you don’t have to worry about this rule. But still, check the weather from time to time to stop the truck or change the path in case of something. You don’t need to be a hero and drive a truck in bad weather, risking your health.
Keep an eye on your truck
Every time you hit the road, you must check the serviceability of all systems in the truck. This should be carried out daily, at least by visual inspection. And, of course, you need to constantly conduct technical inspections of the truck. If you miss some problem, your car will break down in the middle of the road, and you will have big problems. Or an essential system in the truck may not work, and you get into an accident. Fifteen minutes a day for inspection – and you will be sure that you are driving a serviceable truck and nothing threatens you.
Plan your trip in advance
Again, if you have outstanding dispatchers working on your staff who have already done all the work for you, you don’t have to worry and hit the road. But still, we recommend that you study the route, identify stops and dangerous areas, and learn about the weather and travel time. This way, you will be prepared for potential difficulties and know where you need to increase your vigilance.