9 Safe Driving Tips Every Trucker Should Know
Safe driving is paramount when you’re in the transport business. There are all sorts of dangers out there, from bad drivers to bad weather. Know what to look out for to say safe.
No matter your driving experience, driving long distances can take a toll. It can be monotonous and exhausting, which can result in a whole range of risks. This is why truckers need to do everything in their power to minimise them.
In this guide, you’ll learn some of the most important safety tips that can make a difference between safety and traffic accidents. Here’s what you need to know to be a safer driver:
1. Beware of Blind Spots
Your side mirrors will never show everything. And if you’re not careful, you might fail to see other drivers. This can often have grave consequences and endanger everyone involved.
For instance, a man and woman died in WA because their bike collided with a truck. Or to put it another way, the truck hit them because the driver didn’t see the bike. If the driver had paid more attention, the accident might have been avoided.
This is why you should always do a head check. Simply turning your head around to see what’s going on is the best way to protect you and those around you.
2. No Mobile Phones
Safe drivers know that eliminating distractions is vital. And phones are certainly among the biggest. According to statistics, using a phone while driving can increase the chances of crashing by up to four times.
This is why you should always wait until you’ve come to a stop to browse through your phone. Investing in a Bluetooth headset is also a good idea, as it allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and answer a call without looking at your phone.
Don’t underestimate the distraction a phone can cause. Leave it by your side while driving and don’t pick it up until you’re in a safe place.
3. No Alcohol or Drugs
It goes without saying that drinking and driving is among the most dangerous things you can do. This is why the law is very strict when it comes to this. You should never get behind the wheel unless you’re absolutely sober.
But alcohol and illegal drugs aren’t the only substances that can impair your ability to drive. Many medications can do the same. There are multiple classes of medication that you should avoid if you know you’ll be driving. In most cases, your doctor or pharmacist will warn you about the side effects, so always listen to their advice.
4. Watch Out for Changing Speed Zones
The speed limit across a certain stretch of road might vary from the usual one for any number of reasons. From stretches of roads known for high accident rates to road work, many situations can cause the need to drive more slowly. It’s imperative that you don’t exceed the speed limited by the signs. It’s not just about breaking the law. Driving too fast in a dangerous situation can cause all sorts of problems.
This is especially important in bad weather. When the roads are slippery or there’s limited visibility, you have to be extra careful. This reduces the risk of getting into an accident, which may also cause a chain crash.
5. Don’t Get Caught by Surprise
Just because you’re a responsible driver doesn’t mean that all other drivers are as well. No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that someone else might not give due regard to road safety. This is why you need to pay close attention to what’s happening around you all the time.
Remember that many accidents are easily preventable. Even if others are driving recklessly, you can still protect yourself if you keep your eyes peeled. Make sure your side mirror is well-adjusted and you pay special attention to the car in front of you.
6. Have a Good Grip of Your Steering Wheel
This is one of the first things they teach you when you’re learning to drive.
The moment your truck loses control, you’ll feel it in the steering wheel. And you can react right away, but only if you’re holding the wheel tight. Never remove your hands from it completely, especially if there are turns ahead. You never know what might cause the truck to lose control, and you don’t want to take any chances.
7. Fasten Your Seat Belts
As mentioned, just about any road user can cause an accident if they’re not careful. It might not be your fault, but you might be the one suffering the consequences. Despite your best efforts, accidents happen.
A seat belt can save your life if you happen to get into an accident, regardless of fault. This is one of the first driving lessons taught to new drivers. Never underestimate the importance of your seat belt and wear it for as long as you’re driving.
8. Get Plenty of Rest
Most truck drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel. In many cases, they undertake long trips that involve both day and night driving. You already know, but it bears repeating that you should never pull an all-nighter if you haven’t had enough rest.
Driver fatigue is one of the biggest contributors to accidents. It impairs your vision and reflexes, resulting in a much higher chance of causing an accident. This is why you must stop driving whenever you feel tired. Pull over and take some rest. Don’t try to power through it, as you never know when you might push your body’s boundaries too far.
9. Be Careful when Overtaking
Overtaking can be quite dangerous when you’re driving a truck. Its high mass makes it harder to control at high speeds, so you should be very careful when passing other vehicles.
Never overtake unless you can clearly see the road in front of you. You need to make sure that there’s a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. Trucks are very heavy, meaning that it might take them more time to slow down and stop if needed.
Stay Safe
Hopefully, these driving tips will enable you to drive more safely. Remember to always get enough rest and stay alert at all times. A minor slip in attention can have horrible consequences, so don’t take any risks.
In addition, always apply all of your truck’s safety features. As mentioned, you might get involved in an accident caused by someone else, so it’s crucial to do everything in your power to ensure safety.
To learn more about driving safety and browse some of the safest trucks available in Australia follow this link.