Truck driving for a living is no easy task. Long hours, treacherous road conditions, and traffic are just a few of the challenges every truck driver faces on the road. Luckily, you can do some simple things to stay safe on the road. Here are the best safety tips for commercial truck drivers you should follow.
Take Care of Yourself
Your overall health is imperative to safe driving. Make sure you are eating right, exercising regularly, and sleeping well for safer driving habits. Filling up on fast food, becoming a couch potato on your days off, and driving while drowsy all have a dangerous impact.
Use Your Truck’s Safety Features
From your seatbelt to new technology like blind-spot monitoring, don’t overlook the benefits of your truck’s safety features. These features could prevent a bad accident or save your life if one were to occur.
Know Your Route
The more you study your route, the safer you’ll be. Planning ahead will help you prepare for construction ones, possible traffic, potential weather hazards, and driving regulations that change across state lines.
Scanning and Distance
No matter where you are, you should always be looking ahead. Keeping a distance between your truck and other drivers will also give you plenty of time to adjust to traffic patterns.
Limit Distractions
The notification you just got on your phone can wait—avoid giving in to distractions that put your safety at risk. Try not to listen to music too loudly, eat messy foods while driving, or check your phone. These all take your eyes and mind off the road and can change your driving in the blink of an eye.Follow these safety tips for commercial truck drivers to stay safe on the job. Using these tips will get you home after a long shift and keep others on the road safe, too.
