These essential truck driving safety tips can help you, your truck, and your cargo stay safe.
Trucking is at the heart of almost every business and industry in this country. For the most part, when goods move, they move at least in part on trucks. This means that day and night, all year long, truckers are out there on the road making it happen. Through all of this, safety has to be a top priority. Read on for seven important safety tips that every trucker should know and follow.
Stay Focused
Brain fog is real and it is easy to get road weary. It is imperative that any driver, but especially truckers, keep their focus and stay attentive on the road. It is easy to zone out on long stretches, but maintaining your focus on the road protects you, the people in the cars around you, and the goods that you’re carrying.
Avoid Traffic
This one is easier said than done, but whenever possible avoid heavily congested areas. Many areas like beach towns get busier in the summer months, so take the extra time to go around rather than fighting traffic (especially when most of those drivers aren’t local and don’t know where they’re going).
Keep A Weather Eye
Make a habit of watching the weather so that you know what to expect on the road. Weather can quickly turn an easy haul into a total disaster. For instance, a cold snap could spell icy roads, even if there hasn’t been precipitation lately.
Check New Delivery Locations On Foot
If you’re delivering to a new location, take the extra 5-10 minutes to park nearby and check out the location on foot. People may say that they get truck deliveries all the time, but you know your truck and your skills better than they do.
Night Driving Requires Extra Caution
Driving in the dark is more difficult than driving in the daytime, but it is also important to remember that there are additional hazards at night. Animals are more likely to be crossing the roads, and other drivers are more likely to have compromised response time (due to tiredness or drinking).
Leave Lots Of Space
This one we all know, but it bears repeating. Always leave lots of stopping space in front of your rig. And when the other drivers on the road inevitably slide into that space, pull back to open it up again.
Minimize Lane Changes
Changing lanes is inevitable, but the more you limit it, the safer everyone will be. The safest choice is to pick a lane and stay in it.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or 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: road safety tips, safety tips, truck driving safety, trucking basics