In 2018, 4,136 people died in large truck crashes. Driving a truck can endanger you and other people if the right safety precautions are not taken. A truck driver safety message is important for those driving a truck.
Read on to learn 5 truck driver safety tips:
Table of Contents
1. Wear a Seat Belt
One of the most common truck driver safety tips, or any driver for that matter, is to wear a seat belt. A seat belt may be uncomfortable after a long shift, but taking it off could cost you your life.
CDL safety tips recommend always wearing a seat belt because it can keep you safe inside the vehicle if you are to get into a crash. If an accident does occur, a seat belt can keep you from being ejected from the truck. Being ejected from a vehicle almost always ends in death.
The lap part of the seat belt should be secured across the pelvis or hips, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should not touch your neck and should lay across the rib cage.
2. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs in all types of vehicles and can easily cause severe truck accidents. Distracted driving comes in three types, visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual distractions include something like adjusting the GPS. An example of manual distracted driving is eating. Even road rage is distracted driving in the cognitive category.
Any behavior that uses too much of your hands, brain, or eyes can be considered distracted driving. Staying mindful of driving can save your life and others.
3. Avoid Traffic
Traffic is inevitable, but there are certain measures you can take to try to avoid it. A truck has a harder time slowing down when there is the traffic which can cause an accident. Avoiding it can lower the risk and get you where you need to be faster.
Some truck safety tips to avoid traffic include:
- Checking the news for road conditions
- Planning trips when traffic is low
- Leaving room in front of your truck
- Changing lanes less
- Using a truck route GPS
4. Be Wary of Blind Spots
One of the major trucking safety tips is being wary of blind spots. Blind spots can be dangerous, especially if a lot of small cars are around. It is important to be wary of these spots to ensure you don’t change lanes without thinking about them.
To combat the issue of blind spots, turn on your blinker in advance. This will allow cars to get out of your blind spots in enough time. If this persists to be an issue, consider getting extra side mirrors.
5. Slow Down in Work Zones
Work zones often have a lower speed limit, but it is smart to slow down even more. A construction zone can be confusing to get around, and even more difficult for a large truck. Look out for redirected lanes and lower your speed to ensure you don’t put yourself or others in danger.
Truck Driver Safety Tips for You
Staying safe on the road is important for all drivers, but can be especially difficult for those driving a truck. These truck driver safety tips should always be followed whenever you are driving. Keep yourself and others safe!
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