Large trucks face unique safety challenges.
The Trucker Guide team made a list of 10 most useful safety tips for truck drivers who just started hitting the roads.
Stay up-to-date on weather and road conditions, detours, and mountainous routes to plan appropriate driving time. Download the Trucker Guide APP to be aware of height limits, weigh stations, parking spots, truck services and much more. Get it now on Google Play or App Store
Make sure pre-trip safety inspections are complete before hitting the road, particularly for tires and brakes. Check that your load is well-balanced and secure, as a shifting load can cause a rollover or loss of control. Loose materials can create road hazards.
Large trucks need the length of up to two football fields to safely stop. Driving too fast for weather or road conditions or failing to slow down for curves or ramps create risks for rollovers, as well as crashes. Be aware of long stopping distances and make careful wide turns.
The large size and weight of trucks increase driving challenges, including acceleration, braking, and maneuverability. Large vehicles accelerate slower uphill and may gain speed quickly downhill. Drive at a safe speed, be aware of your surroundings, and never drive above the speed limit.
Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots. Additionally, scan ahead on the road about 15 seconds (equating to a quarter mile on interstates, or one to two blocks in cities) for traffic issues, work zones, and other dangers.
Trucks need extra space and time to make wide, careful turns. Make turns carefully and signal appropriately.
Get enough rest! Don’t drive when you’re fatigued, feeling ill, or using medications (including over-the-counter medicine) that make you drowsy or dizzy.
Texting is among the worst driving distractions. It is illegal for a CMV driver to text while driving, and mobile phones must be hands-free and dialed using no more than one button. Eating, drinking, interacting with a navigational device, reading maps, or any other activity that takes the focus off the road can also be distracting. If you must attend to an activity other than driving, exit the highway or pull over – it’s not worth the risk.
Use your safety belt every time. Safety belts save lives, reduce injuries, and allow drivers to stay inside and in control of their vehicles in the event of a crash.
Signal and brake early to give other drivers plenty of time to notice your intent. If you must pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles, and/or road flares to alert approaching drivers.
Work zones present many hazards, like lane shifts, sudden stops, uneven road surfaces, moving workers and equipment, and more. Unfortunately, fatal work zone crashes continue to rise – so it’s vital to take work zone safety seriously:
In order to progress in any profession, you need to work every day on bettering yourself and your skills.Use the Trucker Guide APP to pass all your challenges efficiently.
Best regards,
The Trucker Guide team.
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