The 7 Essential Principles of Truck Safety
If you drive a semi-truck, you probably know how to stay safe while on the road. However, maybe you are a neophyte truck driver. If so, you should keep a few pointers in mind.
Keeping your vehicle in the best possible condition with the aid of great semi-truck service is always a smart thing to do. You can also consider these essential principles of truck safety and follow them at all times.
Know Your Blind Spots
First, you should know where the blind spots are on your semi-truck. Semis are larger vehicles than most other ones on the road, and they have blind spots in different locations than your average-sized family car.
With a semi, you have a blind spot directly in front of the vehicle and right behind it, in addition to the large one on the side. Make sure to check your blind spots and to know what vehicles are around you before you switch lanes.
Don’t Speed
Speeding is dangerous in any vehicle, but it can quickly turn deadly if you are behind the wheel of a semi. Stick to the speed limit, especially when you’re on the highway. Exceeding the posted speed limit by just a little makes it much harder to stop or slow down when traffic situations call for it.
Do Not Ingest Any Alcohol or Other Substances Before Driving
You should never drink alcohol or use drugs before driving, but that’s even more critical if you drive a semi. These massive juggernauts weigh multiple tons. Imagine the damage you can do in one if you’re impaired.
Check Your Vehicle Carefully Before Operating It
Before you ever start your semi-truck’s engine, you should look it over to make sure there is nothing obviously wrong with it. This quick spot check won’t take long. If you know what to look for, though, spotting anything out of order can potentially save your life or that of another motorist.
Stay Alert While on the Road
If you’re making a long haul from coast to coast, you might get bored or start to feel sleepy when you’re behind the wheel. You can’t afford to nod off.
If you feel yourself needing a break, pull over. You can also grab yourself an energy drink or a hot cup of coffee. Staying alert can keep you and everyone around you safe.
Slow Down in Bad Weather
If you must drive in bad weather, you should slow down. A semi that is driving too fast in the snow, during a rainstorm, or in dense fog can easily cause an accident, especially if traffic conditions suddenly change. Driving 5-10 miles per hour below the speed limit in inclement weather is usually a smart idea.
Wear Your Seatbelt
It only takes a second to buckle your seatbelt, but it’s about as fundamental of a thing as you can do to keep yourself safe as a trucker. Don’t ever forget this one crucial step. Doing so definitely has the potential to save your life.
Hey there! My name is Wojtek and I am very happy that you came to my travel blog. I've been traveling the world for a few good years now and I still want more.
On my website I describe the adventures that have happened to me, you will also find here a collection of valuable tips for tourists and travelers. If you liked this article, be sure to leave a comment and read some more!
