Truck safety is the number one thing that needs to be top of mind if you are a truck driver. Not only does your life depend on it but the others on the road with you depend on you to be a safe driver. Trucking is a high risk profession due to the amount of driving, long hours and other drivers on the road as well. Here are a few tips to keep truckers and other motorists safe:
Long Haul Driving
- Do not tailgate others, you are operating a piece of equipment that most likely outweighs the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating could easily lead to an accident if the driver ahead of you decides to put on their breaks and you cannot stop right away because you are driving a truck that takes longer to stop than if you were driving a car.
- Take multiple breaks. Taking breaks will help keep you alert and awake
- Admit when you are tired. Being tired and being on the road can be a huge no-no and can cause an accident if you do not pull over and rest. Driving exhausted can be more dangerous than driving intoxicated.
- No matter what the allowed driving hours are, you may not have enough rest time. Make sure you are following the rules of how many hours you can drive and how many hours you have to rest.
Visual Signaling
- The people on the road with you cannot read your mind and what you are thinking while you drive.
- Make sure you slow down long before you are getting ready to turn, others on the road do not know how long it actually takes for you to come to a complete stop.
- Use your turn signals and always double check before changing lanes, make sure there is not anyone in your blindspot.
- When driving in bad weather conditions make sure you use your flashers to notify the people on the road with you.
- Check before every trip that all your lights work. It’s important that you are visible to others at all times.
Weather
- Do not feel obligated to go the speed limit if you do not feel safe going the speed limit.
- In wet or icy conditions, make sure to keep a clear amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Keep the fuel tank full during the winter to keep from condensation building up in the fuel line.
- Keep tire chains on hand in case of snow or ice
Parking
- Use specific parking set aside for trucks
- Do not park your truck near side streets or driveways because you may obstruct the view from oncoming traffic
- Never park facing oncoming traffic
- When pulling off to the side of the road always use some sort of precaution such as your flashers, flares, or safety triangles
Maintenance
- Make sure your truck has maintenance done regularly
- Check the oil
- Check your tire pressure
- Make sure the truck is safe to drive for a long period of time
Lastly, remember that if you ever find yourself in a bad situation as a truck driver, North Dixie Truck and Trailer, Inc. offers 24/7 emergency services. Simply call us at 1-800-440-9523 and we’ll be right there to help get you back on the road.