Driving a truck is no easy task. Many accidents across the globe occur with lorries. Sometimes these are fatal ones involving the death of people. Truck accidents can be caused by improper truck maintenance, overweight or improper loading, brake issues or additional factors on the fault of truck drivers, such as falsified logbooks, driver fatigue, and truck driver deadlines.
Here are some of the most important tips to follow.
Know the Blind Spots
Keep your eyes all around you at all times, and if the vehicle behind you suddenly disappears, it’s likely in your blind spot. Trucks have four large blind spots.
- directly to the rear
- directly in front
- driver’s side next to the side mirror
- passenger’s side next to the side mirrors
Commercial truck driver training involves learning to recognize these blind spots and checking the surrounding traffic carefully before making turns and lane changes, but other drivers need to be aware of them as well.
Keep Plenty of Space
It’s also important to keep plenty of space between you and the other vehicles on the road. Allow for extra space, especially when the roads are wet or icy, to give yourself plenty of stopping time if you need it. If the drivers are too close, change lanes if you can to give yourself more space.
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
The most common cause of automobile accidents is distractions. Rise above this. Silence your cell phone and avoid other distractions such as eating behind the wheel or listening to music too loud. Dangerous phone usage can wait until you are parked.
Keep Calm and Slow Down
Drivers are often on a tight schedule, so adding a bit of speed is tempting. The dangers of causing an accident far outweigh any benefits of speeding, though, and it is against the law. It is best to stay safe and within the legal speed limit.
Be Well Rested Before a Trip
Some truck drivers may need to travel far on a trip to reach their destination. They should be well rested for the journey ahead. Inform the drivers that they should take proper care of themselves to not feel tired during the trip. Fatigue is something that can lead to accidents. The driver should know that if they take good care of themselves, this can aid them in handling situations on the road better.
Final Word
You have to remember to keep your distance at all times, paying attention to the blind spots and keeping all of the above advice in mind. With the right approach, you can not only help to keep yourself safe but also help to reduce the risks of accidents in general and improve the driving experience for all those around you.
There is further resources available 10 Trucking Safety Meeting Topics To Keep Drivers Sharp
