As a truck driver, the most important aspect of your career is safety. As you embark on each journey, you want to return safely. That is why it is important to take all safety precautions while driving. Here we discuss ten precautions you should take as a truck driver.
Be Sober and Physically Fit for Your Job
Once you are behind the steering, your physical, medical, and mental conditions are important. So make sure you are fit for driving before you embark on any trip. To make yourself fit, it is good to maintain good health, eat a balanced diet, and have adequate rest.
Prepare Ahead of Your Trip
Check the weather forecast for all the cities and towns you are going to pass. Make a good plan for your journey, prepare for alternative routes and challenges you may meet on the road.
Never Drink and Drive
You must have heard this repeatedly. It is part of being sober while driving. You must avoid alcohol and any other thing that can influence your consciousness, like drugs and medications that can make you drowsy.
Avoid Cell Phones and Other Distractions
While driving, do away with your cell phones. In many states, it is even a crime to be on the phone when you are driving. It would help if you also avoided any other thing that can distract you, like loud music.
Wear Seat Belt
Seat belts safe life. In case of an accident, you stand a better chance to survive with minimal injury if you wear your seat belt.
Obey All Traffic Rules
Apart from the traffic rules that had been mentioned so far, obey all other rules as well. Be cautious of the speed limit. Don’t turn where the sign says there is no U-turn. Don’t overtake where it is not allowed, and only go when the light is green.
Be Mindful of Other Road User
Accidents will not affect only the culprit, so be mindful of other road users.
Never Turn at a High Speed
Always slow down to turn or when you are approaching a curve.
Apply Break at the Right Time
As you know that your vehicle is big, it is vital to ensure a significant distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Therefore, when stopping, apply the Break early enough to maintain a reasonable distance from other vehicles.
Mind the Weather
There is a limit to which you should drive in bad weather. If the weather is not favorable, then park and wait till it becomes better. It is always better to be late than to risk your life.