Truck driving in Nashville can be both a rewarding and dangerous job. In fact, roughly 500,00 trucking accidents occur each year. To avoid a potentially dangerous situation, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Here we go over seven truck driver safety tips to keep you safe on the road.
1. Be Aware of Blind Spots around Your Truck
Big trucks have larger blind spots than most other cars. You typically find these blind spots (also called “no zones”) located in the following places:
- To the side in front of the cab
- Behind the side mirrors
- Right behind the truck
Other cars on the road may not be aware of these blind spots, which is certainly frustrating to truck drivers. However, at the end of the day, you are responsible for using caution when driving, turning and changing lanes. Your safe driving will ultimately make the road a better place for you and other drivers.
2. Slow Down around Curves
While it’s usually best to follow speed limits, there are times as a truck driver where you will have to slow down quite a bit. Curves, for example, are especially dangerous for semi-trucks. Reduce your speed when approaching big curves to avoid tipping. The speed limits for many curves and ramps are mostly for cars, not trucks, so you may need to go slower than the posted speed limit.
3. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Truck
Before heading out on the open road, make sure to give your vehicle a good look over. Check out this tractor trailer maintenance checklist for help, and make sure to report anything that doesn’t look right to dispatch before heading out.
4. Stay in Good Health
While truck maintenance is crucial, your health is more so. If you are not staying healthy, you won’t be able to properly handle your vehicle. Consider the following:
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- Do you get an appropriate level of exercise?
- Do you spend quality home time with friends and family?
If you answered no to any of these question, consider making adjustments in your schedule and lifestyle to ensure you are keeping your health in the best possible condition.
5. Use Proper Signaling
Make sure to use proper signaling to let other drivers know your intent to change lanes. This is especially important for truck drivers, since you may have a driver in your blind spot. The law requires you use a signal 100 feet before changing lanes or turning.
6. Don’t Fight Eye Fatigue while Driving
If you are feeling tired, pull over and take a quick nap. Don’t try to fight exhaustion. The consequences of falling asleep on the road are a lot worse than arriving late. Here are some tips for avoiding eye fatigue on the road.
7. Check Weather Reports
Nearly a quarter of all trucking accidents are a result of weather related problems. It’s recommended that you slow down your speed by about ⅓ in rainy weather and about ½ in ice or snow (Example: If the speed limit is 60 mph, drive 40 mph in rain and 30 mph in ice or snow). This will give you extra time to stop if needed. If you see other trucks pulling to the side, it may be wise for you to do the same.
Driving an 18 wheeler can be a highly rewarding career because of the steady pay and great benefits, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t use the proper safety precautions. By keeping safety top of mind while making your deliveries, you will be set for a safe and exciting career in the world of trucking.
At Nashville-based M&W Logistics, we take truck driver safety seriously by offering bonuses for safe driving. Interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming an M&W truck driver? Contact a recruiter today at 866-685-6282.
