Getting behind the wheel of a thousand-pound beast is no easy feat, and less when one of the industry mantras is "fast, fast, fast." However, this is no reason to neglect safety; on the contrary, you have to be very careful to use your skills, since you are responsible for your safety and other people on the road. Driving safely is vital, as it will keep you alive in those stressful moments. Of course, always, always, use your common sense and follow your carrier's rules and instructions.
Be alert. Find out about everything that happens around you. Look carefully at what is happening in front of and around your truck. When riding on the highway, especially when traffic is heavy, plan an escape route. Be aware of who is in front of, next to, and behind you at all times. Take everything into account so that you can act in the best way if and when necessary. Driving well-rested is best. Electronic recording devices provide truckers with a potential system to stay well-rested, provided they are used correctly.
Check the weather reports. Know the weather conditions before embarking on a trip and check the reports as often as possible when you travel. It is aware of the outside temperature to be alert to potential changes in road conditions. Knowing what to expect helps a trucker be better prepared for bad weather and take proper precautions. Good trip planning is essential.
Avoid traffic. When possible, do not travel at peak times, such as a rush hour. The more cars on the road, the greater the chances of an accident.
Check the delivery site on foot. This is one of the most overlooked safety tips by truckers. When making a delivery, especially to a new location, find a place to park safely for 5 minutes and look around. Those who do not drive a large truck are not clear about the space you need to maneuver or the obstacles. If you go around on foot, you will realize this and other things. Most accidents happen while backing up, so it helps to know what's behind you ahead of time.
Be very careful at night. Being alert is critical and more at night if you have to maneuver in a confined space. Pay attention, move slowly, and cautiously.
Leave space in front of your truck. Always leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle, it can be frustrating to go 50 miles per hour, and everyone's going 65 mph, but this can save you a lot of trouble. This safety zone will give you a cushion if you have to brake or maneuver suddenly; the more space there is, the more time you react.
Change lanes as little as possible. Choose a route and stay in it. If you need to change, do so very carefully, being aware of your blind spots and regularly checking your mirrors. The chances of an accident increase dramatically each time a vehicle changes lanes. If you kept your road in the event of an accident, it is most likely that the other car is responsible.
A GPS for trucks. A GPS designed explicitly for truckers against vital information about which exit to take, the distance to the entrance, when to change lanes, traffic reports, etc. They are worth a lot of what they cost. These units can help and save drivers a lot of stress, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas. They are handy but do not forget to bring a paper map and contrast the information.
Reduce speed. This is the most crucial safety tip for a trucker. A large truck does not turn like a Ferrari, nor does it drive like one. Always take curves and ramps slowly. Speed signs on ramps are for cars, not heavy trucks. Drive slowly and stay in control; there is no need to go second gear in a parking lot. Never drive as fast as you think you can.
Take breaks and check your truck. Stop and stretch as much as you need to. Take a walk around the truck. Check your cargo, mainly if you are operating a platform. Look for flat tires, air leaks, and check for coolant or oil drops.
