Top 9 Trucking Safety Tips For Truck Drivers
It is said you have to drive the truck forgetting the various problems which the drivers come across. It is not just driving it has a lot more that may be said – everything comes into play. It is why it is important to have truck insurance in Ohio before you send your truck out on the roads. There are some insurances that are mandatory to have insurance for the truck as it might come in handy. You may have experienced that in the winter, the snow makes the roads very challenging, which could be harmful and time-consuming for your cargo as well as heavy on the pocket.
Let us discuss in detail the 9 safety tips:
- Driving Defensively: It is one of the most used options by truck drivers because the driver has control of himself but does not have the same on other drivers. It is always said to drive cautiously because there is always a huge loss of health, cargo, truck, and one’s life. You must have noticed that most accidents happen due to reckless driving by motor car drivers, and it is a fact they are the major reason for road accidents in the USA. Here are some tips for truck drivers such that you do get to claim insurance money at the time of the accidents:
- Take care of the blind spots on the road: There should be a distance of 10 – 15 feet in front of the truck, behind the trailer and the next car, and on the sides. While doing that – keep an eye on the side mirrors such that you have a 360° awareness of your truck at all times.
- Always maintain a safe distance: It is said by FMCSA that there should be only 10 feet of a truck per second if it is moving at 40 mph. So, for example, say you are going over 40 mph; there is an additional second. Let us say that you have a 72 feet truck trailer with a speed of over 40 mph it will take 8 seconds in total to pass through the vehicle which you will be overtaking.
- Be alert of your truck: An accident can happen within a second or less, and that is why it is always good to drive safely and be alert whenever you drive. Pay attention to the traffic flow and take care of the surroundings before you take over and check the traffic – how it is going and change speeds as per the situation.
- Schedule Maintenance: It is always good to have your truck go for regularly scheduled maintenance as it is essential for the commercial vehicle and safe for the other vehicles on the road. FMCSA has always said maintenance issues are the main cause of road accidents. Always keep a schedule and remember to make the maintenance stops with your mechanic, as it can save you a lot of time and money for a later date.
- Post & Pre-Trip Inspection: It is always needed to have the truck inspected at the beginning of the journey, and the same thing goes after you end it. Check the tires, their groves, the air pressure, and the extra tire condition if you have all the accessories needed for quick truck tire repair. As per the federal government, they have made it a rule that truck drivers have to inspect their vehicles every day and put it up in the work schedule such that close attention will be given by the drivers and the companies who own the trucks. Always inspect
- The braking system, the brakes, and the connectors are needed for the exchange of air between the truck and the brakes. Brake pads and compressed air which is needed for the brakes.
- The sterling system should have the appropriate oil, and there should be good space between the rack and pinion, steering column, and the mechanism needed for the truck steering process.
- Always pay attention to the 5th wheel assembly lines, turn indicators, markers, and signal lights. If you are finding it difficult, you can have the checklist from FMCSA and USDOT and make yourself and your staff aware.
- Distractions Should Be Avoided: It has been found that distracted driving is the main reason for many truck accidents. For example, if you change the lane of the truck without giving any signal to the co-drivers around your vehicle, it can lead to serious injuries. It is often noticed that drivers text while driving, and we strongly suggest you park the truck on the side of the road and do your important business before driving the truck.
- Be Prepared For Dangerous Road Conditions: It is always there that road conditions change a lot with every passing time, and the cold ones are always the most dangerous time, or maybe the rains.
- Ice Roads: These are one of the most dangerous road conditions, and also, it is the easiest road where you can escape very easily. If you find huge slabs of ice, it is good to park on the side and let the government vehicles do their work, and then when the road is good, one can start their journey.
- Snow: It can also cause the truck to slip and the trailer to get detached from it, causing loss to property, people, and the world at large.
- Rain: It can cause the trucks to get stuck in the rain; it is always better to stay on the road, park it and let the other vehicles which pass your truck make them aware of your truck with the parking lights.
- Always Take Proper Breaks: It is always advised by the authorities that drivers should take proper breaks in between while driving. It is said that drivers are always aware of the surroundings in which they are driving. FMCSA has always advised that drivers should take at least a break for the following hours before they should start driving:
- In 24 hours – the 14 hours of on-duty timing
- In 24 hours – the 11 hours of driving
- 30 minutes break before a complete 8 hours of driving
- 10 hours of sleep is a must before the first three rules can be reapplied
- Have A Dash Cam Installed: It is always a good thing to invest in the dash cam as it will help in determining the cause and will be easy for the insurance companies to give the money for the policy bought by the company who owned the truck. It is always good to protect your driver and the company’s reputation with the dash cam as it tells how the has happened, thus removing the unjust discussions by the parties involved in the accident.
- Encourage Your Vehicles To Have A Gps Tracker: It is recommended that the trucks should have the GPS tracker installed in the truck as it helps the company and law enforcement track the trucks. It also protects the trucks from theft and other issues.
- Keep Yourself Predictable: It is always good that you are predictable when you drive the truck; for example, reduce the speed while on turns, move in one lane, and take proper overtakes when crossing a vehicle. These are some of the tips which you can use to reduce the claims.
You should always remember that the most priority is returning to your family safely and taking care of the truck because it is where you earn your wages. It is always preferable to slow down or stop the truck if you feel unable to drive it. If you are wondering how to get the best truck insurance in Ohio for your business, contact Mayflower Insurance Services.
FAQs
Q1. What are truck driving safety tips that every professional driver should follow?
Ans. Maintain the distance, use proper turn indicators, drive at the speed limit, and take proper rest.
Q2. What safety or general tips would you give to a new truck driver that apply to most if not all types of trucks?
Ans. Always do an inspection before the trip, use proper turn mirrors, and, most importantly, take a 10-hour rest.
Q3. As a professional truck driver, what road safety tips do you share with friends and family?
Ans. Do not use the phone, be aware of your truck surroundings, and maintain a proper gap between the trucks and vehicles.
Q4. What are the safety rules for truck drivers?
Ans. Secure the cargo properly, always have insurance for your truck, and have proper testing of the brakes and the tires.
Q5. What is the best way to drive a truck?
Ans. Always stay alert, have a weather update with you, use the GPS, and be extra cautious during the night.