4 Tips For Driving Safely as a Truck Driver

Tips For Driving Safely

 

Did you know that there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States alone? Out of all the professional drivers on the road, truckers have some of the most dangerous jobs. Every day, they face the risk of being in an accident, and the statistics show that these accidents often result in serious injuries.

That’s why it’s so important for truck drivers to be aware of the safety precautions they need to take while on the road. Here are four Tips For Driving Safely you must keep in mind to ensure maximum safety on the road:

Tips For Driving Safely as a Truck Driver

1. Know What to Do in Case of an Accident

Despite all your best efforts, there’s always a chance you could be involved in an accident. If this happens, stay calm and don’t panic. Move your truck to the side of the road, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. The last thing you want is for someone to rear-end your truck while you’re waiting for police or a tow truck.

If you’re injured, call 911 right away. You should also have a towing company on hand that can help you move your truck if it’s not able to be driven. Since trucking incidents often involve multiple vehicles, towing can be a lengthy and complicated process. So it’s best to be prepared in advance.

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READ: What Is Distracted Driving; Causes, Types & Ways To Reduce It

2. Get Plenty of Rest Before You Hit The Road

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while driving a truck is to stay alert at all times. This means keeping your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on the task at hand. When you’re tired, it’s easy to let your guard down and become distracted. This can lead to serious accidents, so it’s important to get as much rest as possible before hitting the road.

If you’re feeling tired, take a break. Find a safe place to pull over and rest for a few minutes. It’s better to arrive late than not at all. However,  if you can’t avoid driving while tired, make sure to keep your speed down and try to be extra cautious.

3. Drive Defensively

In addition to staying alert, it’s also important to drive defensively. This means being aware of the other drivers around you and anticipating their moves. If someone cuts you off, don’t get angry. Stay calm and give them plenty of space. It’s also important to avoid tailgating. If the driver in front of you suddenly brakes, you need to have enough time to stop without rear-ending them.

Remember, it takes a truck much longer to stop than a car. Always leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. And if someone is tailgating you, don’t brake suddenly. This could cause them to crash into you. Instead, slowly move over to another lane or exit the highway.

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4. Be Careful When Changing Lanes

Changing lanes is one of the most dangerous maneuvers a truck driver can make. It’s important to do it slowly and carefully. Signal well in advance, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder before moving into another lane. Remember, it’s always better to stay in one lane than to weave in and out of traffic. This can be tempting when you’re trying to get around slower vehicles, but it’s not worth the risk. Also, if you’re in the left lane, don’t just stay there. Move over when it’s safe to do so and let other drivers pass.

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Tips For Driving Safely

Even though driving a truck can be dangerous, there are plenty of things you can do to stay safe on the road. By following these four tips, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of an accident and arrive at your destination without issues.

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