Although you can’t prevent what other drivers are going to do on the road, there are things you can do as a trucker, which will help reduce the possibility that you are involved in an accident, injure others, or injure yourself on the road. Not only will these steps help you prevent road accidents, but also injuries which are related to yourself (back, shoulder, neck, etc), if you are on the road for too many hours, or are not comfortable when you are in your truck.
Rest
One major pressure truckers feel is that they have to drive a certain number of hours. Rules imposed by federal regulations do not allow for more than 12 consecutive on road hours at a time, but many drivers do more than this. By simply resting for short intervals, taking breaks, and stopping when tired, you can prevent accidents.
Proper posture
Sitting down properly for several hours at a time will prevent injuries and accidents. Not only to yourself, but possible on road accidents. The proper posture, seating position, and conditions will allow you to remain comfortable, and avoid you putting yourself in a position that will result in injuries.
Lane distance
Drivers need to be aware of lane distance in their appropriate lane when driving. Knowing the stopping and starting distance, brake distance, and proper speeds, are essential to avoiding on road accidents when carrying your fleet.
Know your fleet
Knowing how much weight you are transporting will dictate driving speed, distance from cars, how long it will take to brake, and so forth. When you know what the distances are, and what the appropriate speeds are to travel, you are likely to reduce the possibility of an accident on the road.
Know your blind spots
On different trucks, your blind spot distance will vary – make sure you know what the distance is. Knowing how far away a car or person really is from your truck, will prevent a major accident, not only on the road, but also when backing up or removing items from your truck during a delivery.
Always pass on the left
When it comes to passing a tractor trailer or other larger vehicle, you have to pass on the left. Knowing the proper directions and road rules, will allow you to drive safely, avoid accidents, and avoid the possibility of causing a major accident on the road.
Proper maintenance
Although your employer is responsible for truck maintenance, you should check tire pressure, rotation, mirrors, and other parts that are used often, when you are on the road. Doing this before going out on a longer trip will not only reduce the possibility for an accident, it will also make you feel more secure in your driving ability when you are on the road as well.
There are several things you can’t control; but, knowing your truck, and your capabilities, are some of the things you can control, which will greatly reduce the risk of a major on road accident that might otherwise have occurred.
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