It is not a secret that trucking is a difficult and dangerous job. It requires long work hours, high concentration levels, and skill. Truck driving ranks in the top 10 of the most dangerous jobs. With trucking being so dangerous, drivers need to be extra cautious while on the road. Truck drivers put their lives and others on the line by not following proper safety precautions. To avoid being unsafe on the road, here are some of our recommended personal safety tips for truck drivers.
Watch your “no zone”
Make it a habit to watch for vehicles in the “no zone”. According to the FMCSA, one-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars take place in the "No-Zone." Failing to pay attention to your truck's blind spot can result in serious injuries or even death. Keep in mind that other drivers might not be aware of the size of your truck’s blind spots and that a passenger vehicle can be completely out of sight in your truck's “no zone”.
Stop distracted driving
Distracted driving is a common safety concern for all drivers on the road, but truck drivers especially need to avoid this. Distracted driving limits your ability to react to a situation on the road. Texting, using your GPS, eating, and talking on the phone are all forms of distracted driving. It may be difficult to avoid the above examples of distracted driving, but it could save your life and others.
Perform pre-trip inspection
Pre-trip inspections are one of the most important things to do before you hit the road. Not only will this simple process keep you safe, but it is also the law. A simple pre-trip inspection helps you get in tune with your truck before your drive. It lets you know if anything is wrong with the truck or needs to be fixed before hitting the road. Not only will this keep you safe, but it also helps keep others on the road safe as well.
Avoid tailgating
Tailgating or following too close is a danger that everyone faces when getting behind the wheel. This is especially dangerous for large trucks due to the weight and momentum of the vehicle. The average vehicle traveling at 60 mph needs at least 240 feet to come to a safe stop. Commercial truck drivers need much more time and space to come to a complete stop. Tailgating is a huge threat to drivers' safety on the road. Practice safe driving and avoid tailgating by following these tips.
- Keep distance
- Be aware of the road conditions
- Watch your speed when going downhill
- Don’t rush it
- Be aware of weather conditions
Rain, snow, and hot weather are all weather conditions that raise safety concerns to truck drivers. Each season brings a new set of safety rules that truck drivers should follow. For example, heat has a huge effect on your tires. As the temperature increases, so does the air pressure in your tires. So, truck drivers need to consider the hot weather to avoid a tire blowout.
Also, as a part of pre-trip planning, it’s a good idea to check the local weather conditions along your truck route so you can be adequately prepared.
Trinity Insurance is a trucking insurance specialist that can help you with your trucking insurance needs. We have the best prices for truck drivers. Give us a call at 888-391-0416 or fill out our online form for a free insurance quote.