Important Safety Tips And Good Driving Habits For Truck Drivers

Commercial trucks are the largest vehicles on the road and operating them is a responsibility every trucker should take seriously. You want to be a driver that protects your safety and that of others on the road. The following are some safety tips every truck driver should follow to help keep good habits.

Drive only when rested

You should never get behind the wheel of your truck if you are not properly rested. Should you become sleepy while driving, pull over and rest. Freeways and highways have designated areas specifically for this reason. They are large enough to accommodate several trucks so you can sleep until you feel rested. If you do not see any rest areas, check for establishments that have large enough parking lots for you to park without disturbing business.

Know your blind spots

Whenever you’re changing lanes, make sure you are aware of your blind spots. Signal your change well in advance so if small cars are in your blind spot, you are aware of them. Installing side mirrors is a valuable investment for improving your visibility.

Perform regular brake checks

Making trips across the country will take you onto various roads. You may have long stretches of flat land, hills, or mountains. You need to have properly working brakes to slow down on declines, as there may not always be much space available to stop your movement.

Trucks also need good brakes to be prepared for encounters with dangerous drivers. There are many types of drivers on the road, and some do not always make good judgment calls. Make sure you can stop your truck should another driver get in your path.

Be aware of aggressive drivers

Some drivers may feel you have gotten in their way and are slowing them down. They may offend you, but you have to remain calm and not get yourself into a road rage scenario. Always follow the suggested speed limits and follow other road rules to avoid becoming involved in a dangerous scenario.

Know the effects of OTC drugs

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as some prescription medications, can affect your driving abilities. Make sure you know how these medicines will affect you before getting behind the wheel after taking a dose. Drowsiness is a common side effect of many drugs, so be sure to read all warning labels.

Work zones mean slow down

Road construction is almost impossible to avoid. When you enter a work zone, you must slow down. New speed limits in these areas are posted well in advance so you can adjust your speed. Follow the rules so you do not endanger yourself or others on the road. You should also watch out for other drivers who are speeding to remain safe.

Watch distances between vehicles

You are in a much larger vehicle than most drivers on the road. This means you must keep a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead of you. Trucks take longer to stop, so you want to have enough time to complete a stop if necessary. This also means letting some drivers in front of you and slowing down to create safe distance, even if they are not being polite.

Use safety devices like trailer ladders

Safety ladders should be used when loading or unloading trailers. These ladders eliminate the dangers of jumping from trailers, heavy equipment, or vans. Injuries you sustain from jumping off high beds or platforms result in loss of work time. They can also cause serious injuries that prevent you from working at all. When searching for a trailer ladder, look for products that can hold a lot of weight, have non-slip steps, and are easy to use.

Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas distributes the Deckmate Ladder throughout the United States. This device hooks onto the rub rails of many different vehicles, including train cars, vans, straight trucks, and flatbed trailers and offers you a safe way to access your cargo. Call us today at (806) 440-1126 or Contact Us through to learn more or to order your own Deckmate Ladder.