Some drivers find it a challenge to manage the space around their truck when dealing with other vehicles weaving in and out of the truck’s blind spots, tailgaters, construction zones and traffic congestion.
That’s why all drivers must be able to recognize the hazards that can lead to an accident. Once a trucker has identified these hazards, they can use these truck industry safety techniques to protect themselves on the road.
Truckers, start by asking yourself, “what actions can I take to improve my driving skills?”
There are two skills every truck driver needs to have- the ability to recognize and react to hazards while on the road.
These are the hazards that any truck driver should be on the lookout for surrounding equipment, environment and behaviors that can ultimately lead to an accident.
- Blind spots
- Traffic congestion
- School zones
- Construction zones
- Turning in Intersections
- Highway merge points
- Shipper/receiver facilities
- Truck stops
- Public parking pass
- Poor visibility
- Slippery road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Improper following distance
- Speeding/driving too fast for conditions
- Frequent lane changes
- Not paying attention to the road ahead
- Driving while ill or fatigued
Second, if something should happen, a driver needs to know how to defend themselves from any hazards that may come their way with these truck driving tips!
1) Maintain one lane: To avoid having to change lanes, pick one and try to stay there as long as possible
2) Observe proper speed for conditions: Make sure to follow the 2-3 mph slower rule based on the flow of traffic and adjust your speed to fit hazards that may occur.
3) Avoid distractions inside the cab and out: Put away cell phones, program GPS or other devices before driving.
4) Be attentive to the road ahead: Look for slowing or stopped traffic, make quick glances at mirrors and pay attention to road signs.
5) React properly to hazards: Use the “Lean and Look” technique, get out and look before backing up and if a vehicle is tailgating you, increase your following distance to allow more reaction time.
6) Maintain proper following distance: Keep a minimum of six seconds behind the vehicle in front of you and add one additional second for each hazard present.
7) Yield right of way: Slow down for merging traffic or if you are being tailgated.
By far, being able to notice any signs of trouble is an essential part of your basic training and truck industry safety. But, the combination of noticing trouble and knowing how to prevent hazards is a surefire way to keep you and your truck out of harm!
TransWood is committed to protecting the health, safety and security of our employees and independent contractors while minimizing the impact of our operations on the public and the environment where we operate. Please, contact TransWood so we can start serving your hauling freight needs.
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