One of the first thing you should know about long-haul trucking is that it requires precision. The moment you sit down behind the wheel of a semi, with 80,000 pounds of metal, glass and rubber loaded behind you, your life becomes your responsibility.
The good news is that most truckers make sure they’ve got their skills down before they venture out on the open road, but there are still plenty of accidents involving semis every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in 11% of all fatal crashes in 2014.
It’s not surprising, considering the way many drivers treat their trucks.
“A semi is a small apartment on wheels,” says Peter Patel, who drives for Walmart. “I’m carrying my house with me.”
So take care of your ride, and it will take care of you. Here are eight ways to do that:
Get Plenty of Rest
One mistake drivers make is thinking that just because they work nights doesn’t mean their bodies have to. Patel says there’s plenty of research showing that people don’t sleep well when they’re constantly shifting schedules.
Keep Your Eye on the Road
“I was once passed by a wreck while driving,” Patel says. “I could see the truck in front of me shifting lanes, and I knew what was coming.” Tired drivers aren’t quick to respond, which means you’re more likely to end up in a crash because you can’t avoid it.
See more: https://ezcustomgifts.com/top-10-traits-of-a-good-truck-driver/
Fill Your Tank Before It’s Empty
You don’t want to get caught on the road with an empty tank. If you run out of fuel, not only will you face a steep roadside assistance charge from your carrier, but it can also take hours for a service truck to come and get you. That’s just time that could have been spent at home.
Mind Your Space
“If you hit the brakes, I’ll crash into you,” Patel says. Trucks require a wide berth to stop quickly. So if you see someone coming up fast behind you, give them room by pulling over, even if it means sacrificing your space on the road for a few minutes.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Semi trucks have big blind spots, and smaller vehicles can get lost in them easily. Patel says it’s important to look over your shoulder before changing lanes, so you don’t cut off a truck or get stuck in its path.
See more: https://ezcustomgifts.com/8-tips-for-truck-drivers-to-make-plan-for-road-safety/
Get Out of the Way
If you’re not passing a truck, stay out of its way. Stay behind it or in front of it, but don’t try to stay even with the cab, because the draft from a semi’s tractor can suck you right in.
Be Aware of Traffic Behind You
Remember that run-in Patel had? He was following another truck when he came upon an accident and ended up rear-ended. The person behind you might not see you stopping, so make sure they know what’s happening by turning on your emergency warning flashers.
Stay Alert for Oncoming Trucks
When passing a truck up ahead, Patel says it’s important to check the other side of the road as well, because another truck might be coming toward you.
In conclusion, being a long-haul trucker takes precision and skill. Remember to always be safe on the road, and watch out for others who might not have as much experience as you do.
See more: https://ezcustomgifts.com/10-tips-for-truck-drivers-in-the-rain/
