Safe Drive: Safety Driving Tips for New Truckers
The transportation industry of today is in a state of constant rush. This makes it all the more important for drivers to follow driving safety rules, particularly for the new truckers.
Road safety tips for drivers must always be on your mind, regardless of your experience. A single slip-up may spell disaster for road users other than the operator of the truck.
Complicating matters is the fact that the transportation industry runs on tight deadlines. There may be times when you’ll feel like the rabbit in Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland. New truckers, in particular, may succumb to the pressure and put road safety tips on the back burner.
On the bright side, driving safety rules are logical, easy to understand, and readily applicable under a range of driving conditions. To help you kick off your new career to the safest of starts, have a look at these essential road safety tips.
Six Driving Tips for New Drivers
Tip #1 – Understand the Surroundings
Always be aware of what’s going on around you, keep an eye on the surroundings, and be ready to assess whatever situation may arise. In particular, pay attention to other motorists and sudden traffic changes.
Don’t forget to check all the mirrors, and not just when turning or changing lanes. As you know, this is how you find out if there are other vehicles in your blind spot, which can be sizable when you’re driving a truck.
Also, checking the mirrors and monitoring the traffic is a great way to preview if there’s an obstacle further down the road. You’re at a higher vantage point to see what’s ahead, which you’re well-advised to take advantage of.
Tip #2 – Take Regular Breaks
Fatigue and drowsiness are common in this line of work. That’s why when it comes to defensive driving safety, you should know how to detect the first signs of fatigue and sleepiness.
While a little tiredness may come up here and there, you’re best off taking a break if you think exhaustion is already affecting your reflexes. Pull over at a suitable spot and take your rest before continuing the trip.
Other signs that you might deserve a rest before soldiering on include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, and blurred vision.
You may think that coffee and energy drinks can keep you awake. But these are no substitute for proper rest and might not even do anything for your focus.
Tip #3 – Maintain a Safe Distance
One of the oldest and most repeated road safety tips, keeping a safe distance is the surest way to prevent accidents. But how much of a distance should you stay behind exactly?
Keep in mind that regular vehicles will take about 316ft to come to a stop when travelling at 65mph. A loaded truck, in contrast, might need twice the distance when moving at the same speed. Understandably, road conditions might not always allow for that distance, nor will you be travelling at 65mph constantly.
You can refer to the Department of Highway Safety’s recommendation to operate your truck at about eight seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you.
However, that’s for normal road conditions. You’re going to need a more extended braking distance when the conditions are unfavourable.
Tip #4 – Overtake Safely
One of the most misunderstood road safety tips for drivers of heavy-duty trucks has to do with how and when to overtake.
The first rule of thumb is to not step on the accelerator when being overtaken. A little road courtesy and patience can save you a lot of trouble.
And when you’re doing the overtaking, stay behind the vehicle in front until you can clearly see what’s happening on the road ahead. Overtake quickly and decisively but do not merge until you can see both headlights on the overtaken vehicle in your mirror.
Tip #5 – Don’t Cut in In Front of Other Drivers
On the highway or when nearing a traffic light, it’s critical not to cut in in front of others. As you may know, a fully-loaded truck could weigh up to 50 times more than a regular sedan and you don’t want to risk not being able to stop in time.
Luckily, you might not have to cut in at all.
If your truck is more than 7.5 metres long, you can use the “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE” sign. That makes it legal for you to turn from the second and third lanes. It’s pretty handy when you have to get around a corner.
Tip #6 – Dip High Beams
Before you get to a curve or crest, you should definitely dip those high beams as you wouldn’t want to blind the drivers coming from the other direction. Additionally, you’ll want to do this as early as possible when you’re overtaking or behind other trucks.
With that in mind, it’s only safe to use the high beams again when you pass the mirrors of the truck coming from the other direction. Check the headlight alignment every so often, especially if you’re fully loaded and on a cross-country trip.
As for the fog lights, take note that they’re really only for fog. Turning them on in any other condition could visually impair other drivers.
Drive Safely
Many dangers lie in wait for the unsuspecting truckers on the road. As you gain experience, you’ll get better at avoiding hazards and road safety tips for drivers may just become second nature.
Brush up on what you learned at your driving safety course, of which always being aware of your surroundings may just be the most important. Do that and you’ll make better decisions when overtaking, turning, and switching lanes.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your truck or simply wondering about what’s out there, head over to Truck Dealers Australia today and check out our assortment of new and used vehicles and parts.