Over the road truck driving is a skilled position, don't let anybody tell you any different. And as with any skill, it is in your best interest to stay on top and fresh. Some of you might be wondering how you do that in the trucking industry. After all, it’s not like driving is a technology that changes on a daily basis.
Driving is a straightforward procedure, there is no doubt about that. However, from time to time you should take a look at the way in which you drive. You see, you might be getting a little too comfortable behind the wheel. It happens to the best of us.
Take a day or two to really pay attention to everything you do on the road. You need to make sure that you are checking mirrors as recommended and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front of you. In this self-evaluation, you can go over ways in which you can be a safer driver.
Big Truck Hoods, your source for aftermarket truck bumpers, offers ways in which you can keep yourself safe while on the road.
Know the Territory
Think about the truck driver who has never made a delivery to Los Angeles. Since they are not familiar with the freeways and have no idea which roads to use and which to avoid, there could be a problem to be sure.
Now, you can’t expect a driver to keep their eyes glued to their GPS, that itself is a hazard. Your best bet is to study the area before making the trip. A proactive driver is going to take the time to get them familiar with the area before hitting the road. Basically, plan your route out in advance.
Put Down the Cell Phone
4.6 seconds is how long it takes just to take a look at your smartphone. That might not seem like a long time at all. But do you know what can happen in just 4.6 seconds?
In that seemingly very short amount of time, you travel nearly 400 feet, if traveling at 55 mph, that is longer than a football field in length. You may as well just close your eyes and travel the distance of a football field while traveling 55 mph.
Distracted driving is worse today than ever before. And even if you refrain from texting and talking on the phone while you drive, even a quick glance to see who sent you that text could prove to be deadly.
When checking your phone, you are literally putting your life and the lives of others on the line.
Be a Leader
When you are driving through a road construction zone, show others how to be safe. Remember that speeds through construction zones are slower and that you need to leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
You also need to stay aware of your surroundings. You need to see ahead if there will be lane shifts or a flagman stopping and starting traffic.
Use Your Signals
Flipping your blinker on when you are in the middle of changing lanes is totally pointless. You want to turn on your signal long before you actually start turning into the lane. Also, never assume that a vehicle will get out of your way once you begin to change lanes. You need to be proactive while you drive and help others make the right decisions.
Check Your Mirrors
You should be checking your mirrors about every 10 seconds. It does seem like a lot, but you must consider just how fast the landscape behind you can change. You might not see a car that wasn’t behind you just seconds ago start to pass you as you begin changing lanes. This is why you need to check the mirrors so frequently.
Watch Your Speed
There is no right or wrong answer as to how fast to drive in certain weather conditions. Some might feel perfectly comfortable doing a certain speed limit in the rain while others feel they can go a little faster.
Keep in mind that every factor you encounter on the road helps determine your safe speed.
Check out our impressive inventory of truck bumpers at Big Truck Hoods.