Safety Tips that All Truck Drivers Should Know
Safety Tips that All Truck Drivers Should Know
Posted on August 25, 2021
Being a truck driver can be a rewarding career. You get to travel all over the country while earning a handsome living. This particular career has been growing in popularity within the last few decades. And although this is a popular career choice for many people, it still comes with its own set of risks and dangers that are involved. Keep reading to learn how you can stay safe while driving your large truck.
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Do not Drive When You are Exhausted
Make sure to get plenty of sleep before driving for long distances. There are laws that require every driver to have 8 or more consecutive hours of off-duty time. Also, a driver cannot work more than 14 consecutive hours without taking an 8-hour break.
Look at your route n a map and try to schedule your downtime at a time when you will be near restaurants or truck stops. If you choose to sleep in your truck, make sure to plan your rest time for when you will be near a safe place to park and rest.
Also, avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages at least an hour before your planned sleep time. This will help to ensure that you are able to fall asleep fast and get a restful sleep as well.
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Stay in Your Lane as Much as Possible
If you are travelling on a multi-lane road, be mindful of other drivers. Do not assume that other drivers in the road will understand that large trucks have a large blind spot. You may be driving beside somebody that has stayed in your blind spot for an extended period of time without you even knowing it.
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Do not Get Too Close to Other Drivers
It's no secret that your truck is larger than the other vehicles on the road. Because of its size, your truck is going to take longer than normal to slow down, especially when driving at high speeds.
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Be Aware of the Weather Conditions
The weather can change in the blink of an eye. If you are driving long distances, you may want to get a weather app that is able to detect your location and send you alerts when the weather gets bad in your current location. If you do get caught in the rain, sleet, or snow, remember that it is going to be much more difficult to slow down on slick roads.
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Take Frequent Breaks
In addition to getting plenty of sleep, it is also important to take a break from driving every few hours. Sitting in the same position for hours at a time can cause fatigue. For this reason, it is a good idea to take a break and walk around frequently. Use this time to stretch your leg and get your blood flowing. This will help you to stay alert when driving long distances.
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Wait for Assistance Safely
If your truck does happen to break down while you are driving, and you are forced to call for a tow truck, be sure to wait for help safely. Make sure that when you pull over, your truck is completely off of the road. Also, make sure that your hazard lights are on. It is also a good idea to put orange cones at least 20 feet behind your truck to ensure that the other drivers are able to see you.