Driving fleet trucks is no easy task, so follow these tips to help ensure your safety on the road!
Driving a truck may be one of the most critical and dangerous jobs in the world. Successful truck driving requires caution, expertise, and stress management skills. As a profession that regularly makes the “ten most dangerous jobs” lists, trucking is not easy, though it is a very rewarding career. With that being said, here are a few safety tips to use when driving fleet trucks.
Take Care Of The Driver
One of the most essential tips for any truck driver is to make sure you are taking good care of yourself. Ensuring that you are alert, quick to react, and comfortable can mean the difference between success and disaster. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and getting enough exercise between hauls to help maintain your body and mind. When you’re cooped up in a truck for long drives, having the backlog of rest and exercise can be a massive help to ensuring you stay comfortable.
Adjust For Bad Weather
In the winter especially, you must adjust your driving to prevent accidents. In general, it’s recommended that you slow your speed by ⅓ on wet roads and by ½ on icy and snowy ones. Additionally, in these poor weather conditions, be sure to signal for longer to allow others on the road to be aware of your intentions.
Watch Speed On Curves
When a curve is taken too fast, fleet trucks can be prone to topple due to its top-heavy nature. Slowing at curves can prevent accidents and prevent cargo damage. It’s important to note that often the posted speed warnings for curves are aimed at cars and smaller vehicles, truckers should take note and proceed at a speed lower than posted.
Load Wisely
When you are not working with a full truck (and even if you are) ensuring that your cargo is evenly distributed can help ensure that you are running in a more fuel-efficient and economical way. By keeping cargo stacks low, you’ll ensure that the drag on the truck isn’t as powerful.
Practice Good Maintenance
Every morning, or whenever you choose to start, you must do a routine check to ensure that your truck is in good working order. Mirrors, horns, fluid levels, lights, and breaks should all be checked regularly and kept in perfect working order. Ensuring that you’re up to date in your maintenance can help make your truck last longer and run safer.
Watch Your Blind Spots
Every truck has its blind spots. While most motorists know about these no-zones, there are those who will approach them for a variety of reasons. Despite the frustration, it is essential always to exercise caution when changing lanes and turning.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western 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, Pinterest, and Google+.