10 Safe Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

10 Safe Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

Driving a truck is no simple task. It takes time to learn how to safely maneuver this type of vehicle properly, and while you may know the basic rules for sharing the road, there’s no such this as being too safe. Here are 10 safe driving tips for truck drivers.

Make sure your phone is accessible: If you encounter any issues while driving, you may need to call for help, whether that be roadside assistance Newburgh, NY, or a truck repair shop. Ensure your phone is always charged, and easily accessible from where you are in the cab. Ideally, install a handsfree kit for your mobile device, so that you aren’t tempted to pick up your phone while operating your truck.

Wear your seatbelt: Even though it’s mandatory in every state, studies show that roughly 20% of truck drivers don’t wear their seatbelt. And around 40% of road collision fatalities every year occur as a result of not wearing a seatbelt. It’s a small inconvenience, but it could save your life.

Keep an eye on your speed: Speed limits are there for a reason, so it’s important that you make sure the speed of your vehicle matches the limit on the road. It’s especially important to look out for limits that are specifically for large trucks, as it could be indicating that the road ahead may not be suited for a large vehicle.

Maintain a proper stopping distance: When driving a large commercial vehicle, you need to give even more space to other road users, as trucks take longer to slow and are a lot harder to control in an emergency stop, especially while carrying cargo.

Watch out for black ice: During winter the temperatures can often drop to below freezing, which means that ice is a very real threat on the roads. Black ice is a thin, clear layer of ice that may be difficult to see from a distance, and is known to cause serious accidents on the road.

Don’t drive when you’re tired: If you’ve been on the road for a few hours, and your eyes are starting to feel heavy, pull over. When you’re tired, your reaction time slows down and you are less aware, similar to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your judgement is also affected, and you may make a wrong decision that could have serious consequences.

Be careful when taking windy roads and off-ramps: Slow down! Most accidents that occur on curves could easily be prevented by reducing the speed of the vehicle. Reduce your speed before approaching a curve, and turn as little as possible to prevent your truck or trailer from skidding.

Always remove sunglasses when entering a tunnel: If the sun is beating down and reflecting off the road into your eyes, it’s natural to want to drive with sunglasses on. Just make sure you remember to take them off before entering a tunnel, or it’ll be like someone turned the lights out..

Keep an eye out for warning signs: Keep an eye on any signs you pass, that may be informing you of a potential danger ahead. Always follow the rules of the road.

Have an emergency plan: If you are in need of a truck repair shop New Windsor, NY, but are unable to get to one, you should call emergency roadside assistance. This service brings the repair shop to you, saving valuable time and money while on the road