Obtaining your CDL is only the first step in becoming a professional and safe truck driver. To improve your abilities and confidence, maintain a "always learning" and "safety first and always" approach. These road safety tips for drivers,cover many aspects of a normal day on the job, including pre-trip, on-the-road, arrival, and post-trip.
No matter how much experience you have, the following truck driver safety and defensive driving advice are excellent reminders. You can skip ahead to a specific section or start at the beginning.
1. Look for yourself
Because you are the most essential asset in the truck, do everything you can to become a healthy truck driver by eating, exercising whether these are safe driving tips for new or experienced drivers, and sleeping properly.
2. Plan your journey carefully
Keep up to current on weather, road conditions, traffic patterns, construction, low bridges, and state-specific rules. These are just a handful of the many trip planning ideas truck drivers should keep in mind before hitting the road.
3. Plan for terrible weather
Inclement weather is responsible for around 21% of all car crashes, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). To keep safe, review these weather guidelines and Schneider's bad-weather driving policy, which includes drivers' stop-work power.
4. Make yourself at home
Adjust the steering wheel, seat height, and back rest to ensure comfort during extended drives, and prepare your in-truck device's turn-by-turn navigation before you start the engine. Then schedule breaks every couple hours, parking in lots (not on the shoulder) and getting out to stroll around.
5. Put the phone down
Put the phone down. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Schneider both prohibit the use of mobile devices while driving a commercial motor vehicle.
6. Make use of three points of touch
Maintain three points of contact when entering and exiting your tractor. Slips, stumbles, and falls are major causes of injury, so don't put yourself in danger by hurrying. Place food, beverages, documents, or other objects on your seat or the floor to free both hands for a solid grasp.
(banner1)7. Always wear your seatbelt
It's the law, and it's also the proper thing to do. Buckle up at all times for your own safety. Without a seatbelt, you are 30 times more likely to be ejected in an accident, according to the CDC.
8. Be aware of your blind spots
To maintain a safe distance, stay aware of the "no-zone" blind zones and take caution when turning or changing lanes. Determine whether a lane change is truly essential or whether changing speed is safer. Check your mirrors and use "Take 10" for lane changes (turn on signal for three seconds while checking mirrors, take seven seconds to make lane change).
9. Maintain vigilance in work and school zones
Large trucks are involved in around one-third of all fatal work-zone incidents. Take your time and follow these 10 construction zone driving safety rules.
10. Slow down on bends
The listed speed limit may still be too fast for heavy vehicles, especially on exit/entrance ramps. Slow down at least 5-10 mph slower than the posted speed to avoid tipping due to your vehicle's center of gravity.
11. Keep to your lane
Maintain both hands on the steering wheel to prevent the wind from dragging your tractor-trailer to one side or the other. Also, if an animal enters your lane, slow down carefully while maintaining your lane. Don't swerve to avoid hitting animals.
12. Advance the scan by 15 seconds
Always keep an eye on the drivers surrounding you to allow for unexpected behavior. Keep in mind that you are the professional truck driver. Concentrate on what you have control over.
13. Keep your distance
Maintain a safe space of seven to eight seconds between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, since heavy trucks need additional stopping and following distance. Increase the time to 14 seconds in poor weather.
14. Inspect mirrors often
How frequently should truck drivers inspect their mirrors? To be alert of vehicles entering your blind areas, check every 8-10 seconds. Maintain constant awareness. Maintain a good scan pattern by paying attention to your west coast mirrors, hood mirrors, the road ahead, and gauges.
15. Make your plan known to others by using your lights to ensure your visibility
Turn on your headlights 30 minutes before nightfall and leave them on until 30 minutes after morning. Turn signals should be used far in advance of a turn and should be left on until the turn is finished.
16. Maintain your concentration when driving
An collision happens in a split second, but stopping a fully loaded semi-truck takes much longer. As a result, truck drivers must remain awake when driving long distances and devote their complete attention to the road.
17. Maintain constant awareness of your trailer
Be mindful of things other than your tractor. Because your total tractor-trailer is around 70 feet long, you must be cautious of the trailer track when turning and changing lanes. Use the "Take 10" button from tip No. 8 above, and make sure there aren’t any objects on your passenger seat obstructing your view.
18. Pay attention to directions and signage
Look at the signage and make sure you know how to get back to the highway when you take the exit to the truck stop. Your pre-trip preparation should have included a study of the turns to be taken. If you do happen to miss a turn, try not to worry. Make no U-turns or back across the road to recover.
Locate a safe location off the road (not on the shoulder) to gather your bearings. You might have to go around the corner or to the next exit.
If you're stranded in a dead end, call the cops for assistance in backing out. They'd rather assist you than deal with an accident.
19. Stick to the trail
The truck that just drove away may have left a great lane for you to reverse into. As you reverse into a position, aim your tire for that path. Of course, if in doubt, G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look).
20. Examine the destination
Park safely, then get out and assess the area where you'll be parking, unloading, or connecting to a new trailer. If you're at a truck stop, stay in well-lit areas.
21. After parked, return your attention to your truck
Avoid being "that truck" in the parking lot with headlights, flashing lights, and blinkers left on. This is one of six under-appreciated truck driving recommendations from seasoned professionals.
22. Unload freight with caution
You may be exhausted after a long travel if you are involved in unloading, but don't cut shortcuts. Consider that freight may be sitting against the trailer door before opening it. Then:
A safe and enjoyable day is almost over, but don't stop there. By following these last safety guidelines, you may end the day on a high note and sleep well knowing you were a safe truck driver.
23. Inspect your vehicle
Always do a comprehensive post-trip inspection. You don't want to come out on the road and find a flat tire with a nail in it, a fluid leak, or a burned-out trailer light. Make a note of any flaws and report them.
A truck driver in a black hat, shirt, and neon orange safety vest inspects something under his semi-truck trailer with a flashlight.
24. Seek assistance
It is never too early or too late in your profession to seek assistance if you are unsure of a procedure. Experienced drivers have a plethora of knowledge that they can and usually will offer.
25. Secure your doors
Close your windows and lock your doors before transferring to your sleeping berth for some off-duty leisure or sleep.
We are all responsible for operating securely, and nothing we do is worth endangering ourselves or others. Put these truck driver safety and defensive driving ideas to use on your next load!
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