Truck driving can be a demanding task, especially if you’re doing it for many hours throughout the day. What’s especially tough is when you need to make long trips that require hours of concentrating on the road, as long trips can easily wear a driver down. To help truck drivers get through long trips, here are tips that you’ll want to follow.
Perform Maintenance Checks Before You Get On The Road
Before any truck driving session, you’ll want to inspect your truck, just to be sure that it’s in good shape before you start driving. You should be especially mindful of your truck’s brakes, given how crucial they can be in emergency situations.
If You Have Cargo, Spread It Out Low And Wide
Are you carrying a lot of cargo in your truck? If so, then the way in which you load the cargo is important. You want the cargo to be evenly distributed within your truck, meaning that it’s best to stack it low to the ground, and spread the cargo across a wide area so that the weight is even throughout your truck. This keeps fuel efficiency up while also keeping you more nimble.
Slow Down When Approaching Curves
For smaller cars, driving at the speed limit is generally okay. If you have a large truck, though, there may be times when going under the speed limit is better. This statement holds up when you’re approaching curves in the road. If big trucks try to make sharp turns too quickly, it could cause them to tip over. That’s why you should take your time and slow down when making these sharp turns
Slow Down During Inclement Weather As Well
Sharp turns aren’t the only times when you should slow down; truck drivers should also take things slowly when the weather gets bad. Weather conditions such as snow as well as rain can cause roads to become slippery, so it takes longer to come to a stop. As such, by slowing down on the road, you give yourself more time to come to a stop, which keeps you, and other drivers on the road, safer.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: truck driving, truck safety, trucking tips