Getting your CDL isn’t the end of ensuring you’re a safe truck driver. To be the best trucker, you must have a safety-first mindset throughout your career. Often, seasoned truck drivers get comfortable on the road and forget to tell beginners the key safety tips to a successful trip.
With all the potential dangers on the highway, you must drive defensively to ensure that other vehicles on the road are also safe. Making it home without issues is every trucker’s priority. To help uphold these expectations, we provide four key safety tips for beginner truck drivers.
Securing Your Cargo Is Key
Besides making it home safely, your priority is ensuring the cargo arrives damage free. Improperly securing a load can cause your tractor trailer to go out of control. You must follow proper loading practices and use the appropriate devices to strap down your cargo to prevent the shipment from falling out. If you’re driving a flatbed trailer, follow DOT regulations.
Remember To Plan in Advance
A key safety tip for beginner truck drivers to remember is that your trip begins before you hit the road. Planning your trip is important to prevent incidents and delays. Being on high alert for inclement weather, restricted routes, high-crime areas, and traffic is best. If you plan your trip, you can devise alternative routes or prepare for inconveniences.
Planning will also ensure you have the essential tools you need in your truck. Nothing’s worse than embarking on your journey and forgetting a first aid kit or toolbox. You never know what can happen on the road, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t Be Afraid To Drive Defensively
Whether you’re driving a semitruck or a Honda Civic, defensive driving is key on any road. However, as a trucker, defensive driving is lifesaving. It’s the best option for protecting yourself and others on the road. You can assume that everyone fears your big truck. Some will try to stay in your blind spots or cut before you.
Always do the following to ensure you’re driving safely:
- Stay aware of your blind spots. Check your mirrors every three to five seconds
- Always maintain a safe following distance.
- Remain alert at all times.
Please Remember To Take Breaks
Driving fatigue is real, and you should take it seriously. If you’re feeling tired, take a break! It’s a legal requirement to log in your hours. This way, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration can monitor how many hours you’ve been driving. If you go over your driving limit, you could face harsh consequences. Driving while fatigued can lead to fatal accidents. Don’t push, and allow yourself to rest.
