Being a commercial truck driver is a difficult job. They need to navigate through traffic and transport goods using large trucks and trailers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks were involved in 4,415 fatal crashes. These statistics remind us how important it is to promote safe driving practices among commercial truck drivers.
As a commercial truck driver, safety should always be a top priority. From planning routes to defensive driving, there are various safety tips to help truckers minimize their risk on the road. At Allentown Towing Company, we’ve put together a list of essential safety tips for commercial truck drivers to ensure a smooth journey.
Conduct Pre-Trip Inspections
Pre-trip inspections should be done regularly by commercial truckers at the beginning of each day. These inspections are essential for staying safe before they hit the road. The usual pre-trip inspection involves staying up to date with weather conditions, checking fluid levels, ensuring proper tire pressure, and more. Different vehicle parts must be in proper working condition before every trip.
By conducting these inspections, drivers can thoroughly check the vehicle and identify potential problems. This can help them avoid unnecessary delays and reduce the chances of road accidents. Proper planning makes all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful trip.
Check Your Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area of the road that can’t be seen using any of your mirrors. The size and height of trucks can create blind pots and no-zone areas. For drivers who operate large trucks and trailers, it’s crucial to watch out for blind spots. Always check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of other vehicles. Using additional mirrors or cameras will help reduce blind spots and improve visibility on the road.
Always Buckle Up
A seat belt is designed to prevent injuries, but it’s often taken for granted. Perhaps the first thing you should do before driving is to buckle up in the car. It is the most simple way to protect yourself and others in the event of an accident. In the event of a serious crash, wearing a seatbelt can save lives and reduce injuries. A good commercial truck driver knows that it takes no more than a few seconds to buckle up.
Practice Safe Following Distance
All drivers should be aware of the three-second rule. This rule states that truck drivers should keep a safe following distance of at least 3 seconds. Leaving enough space between your truck and the next vehicle will give you more time to brake. If you’re driving a much larger vehicle, it’s better to increase your following distance to avoid rear-end collisions.
Don’t Drive Drowsy
Regardless of if you’re driving an SUV or a trailer, drowsy driving is dangerous for everyone. This results from feeling tired or lack of sleep, which increases the risk of an accident. When you are tired or drowsy, reaction time slows down. You might either have microsleeps or lose control of your vehicle. Even if you fall asleep for a brief moment, you will lose awareness of your surroundings and cause a serious accident.
Commercial truckers are encouraged to get enough rest and avoid distracted driving. Staying alert and focused on the road can indeed save lives.
Always Use Your Signal
It’s best practice to use turn signals whenever you’re behind the steering wheel. Your turn signals are there for a reason. These are safety measures that allow you to communicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians. For truck drivers, we recommend using signals and braking early to give other drivers plenty of time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.
Failing to signal during lane changes increases the likelihood of collisions. In addition, you can get in trouble for not using your blinkers and brake lights.
Conclusion
By following these basic safe driving tips, you can keep yourself and others safe. In the event of a roadside emergency, Allentown Towing Company is the only team you should call. We provide reliable 24/7 towing and roadside assistance services to help you get back on the road quickly.
With our experienced towing technicians, you can have the peace of mind and assistance you need— anytime and anywhere. Give us a call today for more information about our towing services.