Whether you’re behind the wheel of a tractor trailer, box truck, or delivery van, your responsibility is more than delivering goods. You must also protect yourself, your cargo, and everyone sharing the road with you. This short guide will reveal essential safety tips for your commercial driving career so you can stay sharp and safe no matter where the road takes you.
Stay Alert and Well-Rested
Long stretches on the road can dull even the sharpest minds, potentially contributing to trucking accidents. Adhering to regulated hours of service is more than a legal mandate; it’s a safeguard for your own alertness and judgment. Be aware of warning signs that you need a break. Microsleeps, wandering thoughts, or blurred vision signal an urgent need to rest.
Inspect Your Vehicle Before Every Trip
Pre-trip inspections prevent on-road breakdowns and identify problems before they escalate. Plan to check these components before you take off on your next leg of the road:
- Tires: Check for proper inflation, tread depth, and visible damage.
- Brakes: Test their responsiveness, listen for unusual noises, and inspect for leaks.
- Lights: Verify all running, signal, and specialty lights (including fog lights) are operational.
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is about expecting the unexpected and always having an exit plan. Large vehicles require more distance to stop and react to sudden changes. When following another vehicle, allow at least a four-second gap between your truck and the vehicle ahead.
Stay vigilant for changes in traffic flow, debris, or erratic drivers. Also, signal early. Your intentions must be clear to others, especially given your vehicle’s size and slower maneuverability.
Adapt To Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, fog, snow, and ice create unique road hazards. The right preparations and tools are vital. For instance, fog lights are essential for safe driving. These lights emit a wide, low beam that cuts underneath the fog and illuminates the road immediately in front of your vehicle without producing glare. The sharp cutoff pattern keeps light close to the surface, enhancing your visibility while minimizing reflection back into your eyes or those of oncoming drivers.
Prioritize Cargo Safety
An improperly secured load can shift unexpectedly, toppling balance and creating risks for rollovers or cargo loss. To prevent this, use straps and chains rated for your cargo type and weight. Follow recommended weight limits, as overloaded or unevenly balanced trucks are harder to control. Use your scheduled stops to do a quick walk-around inspection to confirm cargo is secure.
Maintain Communication and Stay Updated
Dispatchers, customers, roadside assistance, and emergency contacts may need to reach you quickly when on the road, so use hands-free devices where legal. Monitor weather and traffic updates; apps, radio, and GPS can warn you about roadblocks or hazardous conditions ahead. Knowing what’s happening on the road helps you make safer, more informed choices in real time.
The road will always be challenging. However, by building these safety tips for your commercial driving career into your routine, you’ll be better positioned to respond effectively, protect your livelihood, and ensure others’ safety. Your diligence forms the backbone of a safer, more respected commercial driving industry.
