Learn about four truck driver accident prevention tips that work.
As a professional truck driver, your number one goal is to get from point A to point B as safely as possible, so it is crucial to know as many accident prevention tips as possible. Some tips are common sense, such as driving slow and keeping a significant amount of distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you, but there are plenty of other helpful tips for avoiding preventable accidents.
Plan The Trip Ahead Of Time
Driving through places you’ve never been can be scary, and many drivers lose focus on the road when looking for their destination. Even with the use of a GPS, driving in a new area is not easy and can get very stressful. Be sure to make trip planning a part of your daily routine, and take extra time to familiarize yourself with the location of the customer. If you know what to look for and have a good idea where to park, you’ll be able to keep your focus on the road rather than turning your head to look for signs.
Call Customer For Directions
In addition to planning your trip and familiarizing yourself with the area, it’s always a good idea to call the receiver or customer to get directions to the exact delivery location. They will give you the most accurate information, and will the help of your GPS, you have a higher chance of knowing exactly where to go. Driving your truck around a residential zone or getting lost is very stressful and puts you at a higher risk of getting in an accident, so it’s best to prepare as much as possible before leaving on the trip.
Don’t Trust Your Spotter Completely
Backing up is a difficult part of trucking, and while it can be helpful to have a spotter, remember that you can’t trust them completely. Most of the times, a spotter is only watching one part of your truck, and he is likely not watching for overhead clearance or your front right corner. Instead of trusting his every word completely, it’s important for every trucker to get out of the truck and take a look for themselves to ensure they have a clear path.
Be Thorough
Lastly, professionals truckers must be as thorough as possible before driving and to cover all their bases. The simple things can lead to accidents, such as forgetting to check your blind spot or to get lazy and not keep an eye out for obstacles. Remember that you need to watch the entire vehicle rather than just the front of the truck to avoid preventable accidents.
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Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.