New truck drivers and seasoned ones alike can benefit from defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving prioritizes safety by predicting hazards and minimizing risks. These tips can help keep you and other drivers safe on the roads across America.
Table of Contents
Keep an Eye Out Ahead
It’s good to be focused on what’s in front of your truck, though paying attention to the oncoming traffic ahead, slow-moving vehicles, stopped traffic, road construction, and signage allows you to have enough time to react and maneuver safely.
Expect the Unexpected from Other Drivers on the Road
Since commercial trucks have such large blind spots, it’s imperative to expect other drivers to do unexpected things. Many drivers of passenger cars will cut in front of large trucks or veer in and out of lanes. When you anticipate what these drivers may do, you can have a plan of action for those scenarios.
Never Drive While Fatigued
Driving a truck may be a more sedentary career, but you still need to take care of your health. Getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, getting a little exercise while you’re on a break, and taking care of your mental health will all go a long way to help you feel replenished.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted drivers are dangerous to everyone, but when you’re the one who is distracted while driving such a large and heavy vehicle, it can end in catastrophe. Avoid using your phone, eating, grooming, and other non-driving activities while you’re behind the wheel.
Be Prepared for Changes in Weather and Road Conditions
Before you start your journey, it helps to check the weather along your route. If you learn that rain or snow is expected, or that the roads are icy, you can adjust your driving to accommodate these conditions. Your dispatcher can also assist you by giving you updates on any formidable weather that may arise.
Maintain an Appropriate Speed
While you should obey the speed limit when there are no weather or road hazards, going the speed limit in the rain could be deadly. You may need to slow down and go under the posted limit for a safe drive.
Keep Your Distance
Truck drivers should always maintain a following distance that allows for adequate stopping. This is one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length, though other factors need to be considered that may require you to add more time. For example, if you’re driving at night, it’s raining, or you have a heavy load, you should add a second of stopping time for each of these conditions.
Watch Out for Your Blind Spots
Check your mirrors and blind spots regularly to avoid crashing into other vehicles on the road. When you need to turn or change lanes, be sure to signal well in advance to give other vehicles a chance to get out of the way. Even if you have camera technology to assist you, always double-check before you make lane changes or turns.
Along with these defensive driving techniques, you’ll potentially avoid disaster by knowing your insurance requirements and what to do in the event of a crash.
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