Tips to Safe Driving: Truck Drivers Edition
As an experienced truck driver or a beginner, knowing how to operate a large vehicle like a truck requires great attention and effort. Driving a truck can be difficult and tricky, requiring you to watch out for other pedestrians and vehicles that are many sizes smaller. Nonetheless, to become a qualified truck driver, knowing how to drive safely on the road is a must. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, approximately 5,000 people were killed in fatal crashes involving large trucks. The high casualties are a sign that drivers need to be more attentive and make wiser decisions. To prevent the worst, we will offer guidance to better prepare you for future truck journeys. We want everyone to have a safer experience on the road. Read on to find out how you can better do your part!
Part 1: Prepare for the Road
As the truck driver, you are on duty to travel from one location to the next and to load and discharge many materials. We know this can be a tough job. To help you prepare for the road, you need to make sure that you are fit to drive on the road.
Being fit to drive on the road means that you:
- Have a planned route – Know how to get to your destination and stay up to date on changes regarding bad weather, road conditions, traffic patterns, construction, etc.
- Have a truck vehicle – Know what vehicle you will be driving and perform a pre-check to make sure that all your vehicle parts are properly functioning.
- Are feeling great – You, the truck driver, need to be in a good state, both mentally and physically, to drive. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, feeling great, and ready to drive. Avoid taking drugs, consuming alcohol, or participating in activities that may disturb your well-being to drive. If you are not feeling well to drive, do not drive.
Part 2: Proceed on the Road
When you are driving on the road, make sure you are practicing safe driving. Below are some tips on what you should do to exhibit safe driving.
- Wear a Seat belt
Wearing your seat belt can prevent you from serious injuries if any mishaps occur. In 2020, 45% of fatal crashes resulted from actions including not wearing seat belts. They are meant to protect you, so do it for your own safety. The first thing you should do when you get on the truck is to buckle your seat belt, so you don’t forget.
- Regularly Check Your Blind Spots
Known as the 4 no-zones, other vehicles or pedestrians may unconsciously enter your blind spots. While other motorists need to pay attention to where they are going, it is also your responsibility to check your blind spot before you proceed with a turn or a lane change. Turn your head and look around to check areas that your mirrors do not capture.
- Silence your Phone
Most phones today have a “Do Not Disturb” mode. Turn it on when you are driving to avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and stay alert to your surroundings. Distracted driving is dangerous and avoiding your phone can help to reduce your risk of collisions or accidents.
- Maintain Long Stopping Distances
As a truck driver, you need to be aware of how large your vehicle is compared to other vehicles (ex. car, bike, motorcycle) on the road. Maintain a long stopping distance between other vehicles when you are sharing the road. This gives every driver on the road a safe distance to pass, move, turn, or act in case of emergencies.
- Look Ahead
When you are driving, focus on the road and look ahead of you. Scan at least a block or two ahead of you as you drive along. Watching out for potential movements on the road ahead allows you to act in time and take appropriate actions. Preparing for the road ahead avoids the need to take sudden brakes or turns that can likely cause accidents and collisions.
- Make Turns Carefully
Trucks make wide turns, sometimes blocking one to two lanes, depending on the size of the vehicle. It is important for you to signal your turns early enough to alert other drivers and always check your blind spots as you proceed with your turns. Give yourself extra space to move and take your turns.
- Maintain Your Speed
As the truck driver, you have a big load behind you. When you make turns, come across curves, or encounter bad weather, you need to slow down and drive at the appropriate speed. Making sure that you are not exceeding the speed limit on your journey also ensures that your loads are in good condition. You do not want to drive at a speed that makes it hard for you to brake and respond quickly.
- Prepare at Work Zone or Construction Areas
Identify and know when you are approaching work zone or construction areas. Upon your arrival, slow down and maintain a longer following distance. If necessary, be prepared to stop. You want to look out for other motorists, pedestrians, as well as flaggers, and road workers. Obey all instructions as you proceed and move out of the work zone or construction area.
- Stay Alert
Keep yourself alert and awake throughout your entire trip. You do not want to be distracted by things inside (ex. phone, music, etc.) and outside your vehicle. Always look around and pay attention to the road ahead. If you are not feeling well during your trip, it is better to safely pull over and reach out for help than to proceed driving.
Part 3: Post-Check after the Road
Once you have arrived at your destination, make sure to identify a safe space for you to park and unload your materials. After your trip is complete, you should post-check your vehicle.
- Perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle and look out for possible issues like flat tires, nails in tires, broken light, etc. You want to make sure everything is clean and functioning properly for the next driver using the vehicle. If you come across any issues, this is the time to record and report any defects so the vehicle can be sent for maintenance, if needed.
- Before you head out, remember to turn off the vehicle, lock all the doors, and close all the windows.
Following our tips on how to prepare for the road, proceed on the road, and post-check after the road is a great way to practice safe truck driving on the road. Knowing how to drive safely is not only beneficial for you, but also for everyone sharing the road. Start practicing safe truck driving today!
If you are interested in more driving tips and guidance, visit our website at http://www.ferraridrivingschool.com/.