Are you guilty of distracted driving? You are going to end up hurting someone or yourself.
Distracted driving is one of the most common issues plaguing truckers today. Unfortunately, this issue is growing as smartphones and other portable technology become 24/7 sources of entertainment for those on the road. How can you stop distracted driving and keep your truck, other cars, and yourself safe on the road?
Pay Attention on the Road
This tip sounds easier than it actually is, as most truck drivers and car drivers don’t think that they are losing their attention when they fumble with the radio or send off a quick text message to a friend. Avoid changing the radio whenever your truck is in motion. Set up whatever music or podcast you are going to listen to before you leave and merge onto the highway. Next, never use your cellphone while you are driving. In certain states, cellphone use on the road is actually illegal, so you might be looking for a ticket. Even hands-free Bluetooth devices contribute to distracted driving. Whenever possible, focus on driving and not on catching up with a friend or searching for a new radio station.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pull Over
Is your sister in desperate need of catching up with you? Is there an emergency and you have to take a call? Don’t hesitate to pull over whenever you need to. It is always better to pull over to the side of the road and lose a couple of minutes of driving time instead of causing an accident and losing your truck or your life. It sounds dramatic, but nobody involved in a distracted driving accident thought they were going to be involved in one! Whether the problem is with your radio antennae or your cell phone rolled under your seat and you need to grab it, safely pull over, take care of the problem, and return to the road.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for All of 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, a new truck dealer. 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+.
Tags: distracted driving, roads, trucking