Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers were involved in over 112,000 vehicle accidents that caused serious injuries in 2018. Any accident involving a large truck or tractor-trailer can cause serious, life-altering injuries to drivers and passengers. Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers serve an essential purpose to businesses everywhere. Yet, they are also some of the most dangerous vehicles on the roads and highways. Truck drivers must practice safe driving techniques to prevent serious accidents from happening in the future.
Here are some valuable trucking tips to know and practice for safer driving.
1. Always Inspect Your Truck Before Driving
Pre-trip inspections are possibly the most important step for every truck driver. Truck drivers should inspect their tractor-trailer, tires, engine, cab, and other truck areas before beginning their trip. Faulty tires or engine failures can create serious road hazards to other drivers and cause accidents. Make sure anything that is broken or damaged is fixed or replaced before starting your drive.
2. Know Where You Are Going
Know the exact route that you plan on taking, with alternative routes. Knowing ahead of time the roads and highways you need to take to reach your destination safely can help prevent careless mistakes. It can also help cut down on travel time. Invest in a good, hands-free GPS if necessary. This can help prevent you from feeling stressed if you make a wrong turn and spend time backtracking.
3. Do Not Swerve to Miss an Animal
Animals jump out onto highway roads all the time. This causes many vehicle accidents all across the country. Many drivers’ first instinct is to swerve to avoid the animal. This is more likely to result in hitting another neighboring vehicle or causing a serious car accident. Always maintain steady control of your truck or tractor-trailer, even if an animal jumps out onto the road. Your life and those around you are more important.
4. Master Backing Up Your Truck
Accidents do not only happen on highways and busy roads. They can also happen in parking lots and at loading and delivery docks. Truck drivers should make sure they are comfortable and confident backing up their trucks the correct way. Have a spotter to help you in tricky, tight spaces if you need it. This can help prevent injury or property damage.
5. Maintain Safe Speeds
Always maintain safe speeds when driving your truck or tractor-trailer on the highway. A key part of road safety is following the speed limit. Truck drivers are also able to stop more effectively and safely when they are not driving too fast. Know your stopping distance, as it is essential. Driving slower allows you to stop your truck in plenty of time and avoid rear-ending another driver.
6. Don’t Rush Yourself
Leave plenty of time for each of your trips. When you feel rushed or agitated about missing your delivery deadline, that is when mistakes and unsafe driving practices are most likely to occur. It is reasonable to expect some traffic. However, traffic can also be very unpredictable at ptimes If you leave enough time to get to your final destination, unexpected traffic is less likely to cause stress.
