Driving a truck isn’t the easiest way to make a living — and you should ensure you’re doing it safely. Professional trucking requires an incredible level of skill, only matched by the amount of responsibility you have for your safety and the safety of other drivers.
That’s why an emphasis on safety matters — you must be conscious of it at all times. Every truck driver with decent mileage under their belt has had a few tense situations behind the wheel, and you need to know how to react to them in the safest possible way.
With that in mind, we’re here to remind you of some essential safety tips for truck drivers! Of course, take them as general reminders and guidelines—in specific situations, always defer to your common sense and the instructions and rules set by your carrier.
Stay Alert
You need to know everything that’s happening around you at all times—alertness is the key to road safety, even in a car, let alone a truck. That means staying aware of vehicles behind you, beside you, and in front of you while you’re on the road—this will help you act accordingly in any situation.
Also, you should be well-rested before going out on the road. You need your wits about you and your cognitive performance at an optimal level.
Check The Weather
When spending that much time on the open road, you must know the weather conditions you’ll face during each trip. That’s why you should make a habit of checking weather reports constantly while traveling; these days, that’s easier than ever because you only need a smartphone app.
The outside temperature is one of the most crucial road conditions to check frequently. As a trucker, you’ll be better prepared and know the necessary precautions to take for driving in bad weather.
Stay Away From Traffic
As a professional truck driver, it’s always best to avoid peak traffic hours and high-volume traffic whenever you can. Of course, that’s not possible in every case — but the less traffic you’re dealing with, the lower the odds of an accident are.
Visit Delivery Locations On Foot
If you’re delivering to a new location, here’s the #1 safety tip that truck drivers often ignore — checking out delivery locations on foot. Just a place where you can easily and safely park your truck, leave it for a few minutes, and just take the time to scope out the delivery spot.
While most shippers will say that you don’t need to and that they have trucks coming in and out all the time — check for yourself. You know how easily a truck can get trapped without a way to turn around; it only takes a momentary lapse of concentration and an annoying obstacle. There are ditches, posts, and fire hydrants everywhere; ensure you know what to expect when making a delivery.
It only takes a few minutes to mentally map out the area and drive in with some forethought — and it’ll help you avoid costly accidents that can muck up your record.
Pay Attention At Night
Whatever we’ve talked about so far — double it in the case of nighttime driving. You must be extra careful at night, especially if a situation requires tight maneuvering. You’ve probably heard of truckers who slammed into a light post or drove their rig straight down a ditch—all because they didn’t pay enough attention at night.
Check Your Truck
When you’re doing a job as responsible as truck driving, you must ensure you’re well-rested—we’ve already mentioned that. And the best way to do that is to take regular breaks when you feel like you need them.
Once you stop for a break, you’ve got the perfect moment to check out your truck. Walk around the trailer, see if there are any air leaks or soft tires, and check the load. Look underneath as well; there may be signs of oil or coolant drippage.
Professional drivers who enjoy long and safe careers don’t skip safety checks—in doing so, you’d be compromising the safety of everyone on the road and yourself. And arriving safely is always the number one priority—no job is worth your life.
There’s always a mobile diesel mechanic to call if you notice something’s wrong—don’t ignore any warning signs and always go “by the book” when it comes to safety.
Leave Plenty Of Room Ahead
This is good advice when driving any vehicle, but it’s vital for truckers. You must ensure there’s more than enough room in front of your truck. Seeing everyone pass you is frustrating—but it’ll help you stay out of harm’s way.
Leaving a buffer zone ahead of the truck gives you ample time to react if something goes wrong on the road ahead of you; you’ll be able to slow down and correct if necessary.