Do you own a semi-truck? If so, then this article is for you. Semi-trucks are often the focal point of traffic accidents because they are large and take up more space on the road than other vehicles. However, you can take many safety precautions to reduce your risk of accident when driving a semi-truck. This blog post will detail some of the essential safety precautions to take when operating a semi-truck. Check on the list below.
Practise Defensive Driving
It is important to drive defensively and stay aware of your surroundings while operating a semi-truck. As seen at https://www.brookslawgroup.com/blog/3-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/, trucks are more complicated to drive than the normal cars we are used to and require more space on the road. Semi-trucks do not respond quickly when turning, braking or accelerating. Therefore you must stay aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Always be on the lookout for other vehicles that may not see you or change lanes suddenly, and avoid tailgating at all costs. Keep in mind how much space your vehicle requires when changing lanes or turning left/right. Doing so will prevent you from cutting off other vehicles and causing a collision.
Have Preventive Maintenance Schedules
Preventive maintenance is a crucial part of owning and operating a semi-truck. Keeping your vehicle in proper working order will ensure that it stays reliable while on the road. Consult with an expert to discuss what preventive maintenance schedules are best suited for your specific semi-truck. Some of these preventive measures include checking the tires, lights, brakes, and fluids regularly.
It would be best if you also had a mechanic inspect your truck before long road trips to ensure that everything is in proper working condition and you don’t run the risk of being stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle.
Be Alert to reduce Fatigue
It is easy to fall asleep while driving a semi-truck, especially during long road trips. Not only can this increase your chances of getting into an accident, but it will also make you less safe on the job and reduce your overall performance as a driver.
Although other drivers’ should be aware that they may encounter big rigs like semis on the road, drivers of semi-trucks need to be aware of their bodies. Avoid driving during sleep cycles and take breaks when you feel tired or out of focus.
Stick to the Posted Speed Limits
Semi-truck speed limits are often lower than other vehicles on the roads because semis require more space and time to stop. Driving too fast can increase your chances of getting into an accident, as well as the severity of those accidents.
Always stick to posted speed limits and avoid driving at unsafe speeds for road conditions or weather. If you are in a dangerous situation where your brakes aren’t stopping effectively enough, use your turn signals and find a safe place to pull over.
Always Follow Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are essential for everyone, regardless if it’s another car or a big 18-wheeler you are driving. Following traffic laws will ensure that your semi-truck is kept safe on the road, reduces accidents by being aware of other vehicles’ movements and signals, and ensures both the safety of yourself as well as members in surrounding cars or trucks.
Driving under the influence is never okay when operating a vehicle. Avoid driving while tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. All drivers need to be aware of their safety and the people around them on the road at all times.
Have Tools to Respond to the Changing Road Conditions
Semi-truck drivers need to stay aware of changing road conditions and be prepared for the unexpected. You must have certain tools on hand to respond accordingly if something goes wrong while driving or carrying a load.
Always keep extra food, water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, and other supplies in your truck at all times. If you are involved in an accident, or your truck breaks down, these supplies can help keep both yourself and other drivers safe until they can be rescued by professionals or tow trucks.
Always Keep Your Car Clean
Semi-trucks need to stay clean at all times for safety reasons as well as appearances. Semi-drivers should take the necessary precautions to keep their cars clean by washing them regularly, removing any debris or clutter that could interfere with the driver’s ability to drive safely.
Semi-drivers need to keep their cars clean to avoid any potential safety hazards resulting from debris, dirt, or water coming into contact with signals on the car’s exterior. It is also essential for drivers to maintain a tidy cabin to easily find necessary supplies if needed while driving on long road trips.
Semi-truck driving can be a fun way to make a living, but it also requires extra precautions that other vehicles don’t. Always be aware of your surroundings, stick to the speed limits and traffic laws, perform proper preventive maintenance regularly, and take breaks when you feel tired or unfocused. This will ensure that you are safe on the road as well as other drivers around you.
