Top 9 Truck Driving Safety Tips
Driving a truck for a living is a difficult and dangerous job.
Professional driving requires a lot of skills, a great responsibility for the safety of others, and a lot of common sense.
Security awareness is very important. This will keep you alive when you face those tense moments that appear behind the steering wheel!
These truck driving safety tips are designed to serve as general guides and reminders for truck drivers. Use common sense and refer to your carrier’s specific rules and instructions.
Stay Vigilant -
- Understand what is happening around you.
- Always maintain a good view on the road and around the platform.
- When driving on the highway, especially in traffic jams, be sure to plan an ‘escape route’.
- Always pay attention to who is in front of you, beside you, and behind you.
- Know everything so that you can take action when necessary.
- A good rest will keep you in your best condition.
- If the carrier uses it correctly, the electronic log system may provide the driver with a good rest system.
View the Weather Report -
Please pay attention to the weather conditions before departure and check the report as much as possible while traveling.
Pay attention to the outside temperature to keep an eye on the changing road conditions. Knowing what will happen helps truck drivers better prepare for driving in inclement weather and can take necessary precautions. (Part of a good travel plan)
Check the Walking Delivery Point -
In all driving safety tips, truck drivers often ignore this.
When delivering goods, especially when delivering goods to new customers, find a safe place to park, put the device on hold for 5 minutes, and then look around.
The sender often says, ‘Oh, we always have trucks here, It’ok.
Check it out for yourself. Trucks are easily trapped and cannot turn around, or the parking facilities are not suitable for large trucks.
When you get out of the car and look around, you will see obstacles that may be blocking the road, such as low fire hydrants, telephone poles, ditches, etc.
Take a mental photo of the area. If you just go in, you will not see the danger.
Also, remember that a large percentage of truck accidents occur when reversing. Accidents are costly for everyone and can seriously affect your driving record.
Be Extra Careful at Night -
Always use ‘extra’ caution at night, especially in difficult maneuvers. I have seen too many truck drivers leave the truck stop at night, thinking they are going to drive onto the highway and drive directly into the ditch, hit the back of the trailer, and then hit the lamp post head-on.
Related Post : How to Safely Drive a Truck in the Night
Leave the Room in Front of Your Truck -
Always, always leave enough space in front of your vehicle.
If you are only driving at 50 mph and everyone else is driving at 65 mph, this can be very frustrating, but it can keep you out of trouble.
This ‘buffer zone’ in front of the platform will protect you and your truck.
Usually, if something goes wrong, it’s probably right in front of you.
The more space in front of you and your unit, the longer you must ‘correct’ and slow down if necessary.
Keep Lane Changes to a Minimum -
Choose a lane and stay in it.
In any case, the car will avoid and change lanes. If you find it necessary to change lanes, move very carefully, pay attention to your blind spots, and check your rearview mirror frequently.
Every time the vehicle changes lanes, the chance of an accident increases greatly. If you maintain your lane position during an accident, you are most likely to blame the other car, not you.
When entering the city from the highway, take the second lane on the right to avoid merging cars. Cars like to hug the right lane and avoid everything. They tend not to merge. Fusion seems to be a ‘lost art’.
Use Truck GPS -
GPS designed specifically for truck drivers will display important information such as which exit to start from, distance before departure, when to change lanes, traffic reports, etc.
These devices can provide great help and can relieve a lot of stress on the driver, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas.
They are another great tool but don’t trust them 100%. Compare your findings with several other sources, including a good old map.
Go Slow -
These are the most important driving safety tips for truck drivers. I cannot emphasize this enough. Large trucks will not spin like Ferraris, nor will they drive like Ferraris. Always go through corners and slopes very slowly. The speed signs on the ramp are for cars, not trucks. Traffic jams are okay. The main goal is to turn and stay “straight”.
Drive slowly and maintain control. There is never a need for second gear in the parking lot. The only place to travel safely at the highest speed?
Maybe on a clear day, on the I-80 Plain in central Wyoming. Always drive carefully. Don’t drive fast at the speed you think you can escape.
Take a Break + Check your Truck -
Stop as needed and rest regularly. Get a good stretch. Walk around trucks and trailers. Check your load.
Look for soft tires, air leaks, check for drips of coolant or oil under the truck.
Professional drivers should never skip any safety steps while driving.
Skipping steps can endanger your safety and the safety of other people traveling with you.
Remember, no matter how hot your cargo is, it’s best to arrive safely. There is nothing worth risking your life, even your job as a driver.
Read more: How to Prevent Truck Road Accidents(5 Important Tips)