5 Tips for Avoiding Accidents as a Truck Driver
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Every truck driver’s biggest fear is getting into or causing an accident on the road. Avoiding accidents can not always be helped, but it is understandable why truckers fears grow each year. With over half a million truck accidents on American roads annually. Truck drivers need to be extra cautious when traveling due to the sheer weight and size of the vehicles they are driving.
Luckily, with the right driving tips, most accidents are avoidable. The majority of trucking accidents are caused by driver negligence or mechanical failure. Follow these five tips below to become a safer truck driver and avoid accidents this year:
Don’t Speed
One of the number one causes of all accidents on the roads, including truck accidents, is speeding. Speeding is the single most frightening way to cause a truck accident; with a vehicle of that size hurtling down the road, there would be little chance at stopping if something were to suddenly go wrong.
By following the speed limit, you can ensure your safety and the safety of those sharing the road with you. No matter how far behind schedule you are, there is never a good reason to speed. Avoiding accidents is easier if you remain at or under the speed limit.
Do Your Safety Checks
As mundane as these may seem, the safety pre-checks and inspections are a vital part of ensuring your safety on the road. Most of your checks will go off without a hitch, but there will come a day when you check something and it isn’t right – you’ll be grateful that you did!
Safety checks are there to assess and inspect the condition of the truck before you hit the road; they allow time to repair things before they lead to more catastrophic consequences. Keep a record of these checks like you do with your driving record.
Always Obey the Law
The rules and laws of the road exist for a reason. They are not polite requests or suggestions – these are legally enforced driving requirements that you must pay attention to at all times. Should you ever get into trouble with tickets on the road, you will need to consult CDL traffic ticket defense attorneys to advise and assist you.
There are also strict rules and regulations surrounding the number of hours you can be on the road for – these are in place for a reason and should never be ignored.
Never Underestimate Your Fatigue
Truck drivers get used to a certain level of monotony on the roads, particularly on long-haul drives. It is easy to see why trucker fatigue is a very real issue amongst the driving community. Keep a close eye on the length of time you’ve been on the road for, and make sure that you take regular breaks as often as you can.
Even simply getting out of your truck to stretch your legs and get some fresh air can do wonders for your mindset and your ability to focus.
Stay Focused
No matter how empty the road ahead of you may seem, never lose focus. Don’t take your eyes off the road and never text and drive. Your driving conditions can change at a moment’s notice and you need to always be ready to react if need be.
