Truck Driving Safety Tips

Driving a truck can be a challenging job and comes with risks. These risks can be increased if working in severe climate conditions or working extra hours. The chances of being involved in any road accident can be minimized by taking the following steps. If these are followed, and you make fewer claims you should also benefit from lower truck insurance costs.

Ensure your truck is safe to drive

You should be familiar with the truck assigned to you and ensure that you take care of it as though it were your own. You should also inspect your truck regularly. Before embarking on any trip, ensure that you inspect it, checking the brakes, oil, water, and lights, among other important parts to ensure that they are in the best working condition or level.

Carrying out quick and simple checks will reduce accidents that could have been prevented by a simple safety check.

Air Brake Check : Before embarking on a comprehensive brake test make sure your truck is on level ground with the park brake set. This is not an easy test, but worth taking time to learn the process for your ongoing safety.
Reduce Blind Spots: Driving a truck carrying huge containers compromises your vision of areas such as the back of the truck and immediately below the windscreen. Statistics indicate that many truck-related accidents are caused by other vehicles approaching these blind spots.
Plan safety routes and secure cargo : Select the safest routes that have fewer pedestrians and vehicle traffic to use on your trip. It is also best to choose a route that is more familiar to you. To enhance safety, never overload your truck. You should also ensure that the load is properly secured. The outcome of not securing the cargo can be often be witnessed on the motorways. Proper loading and securing also helps to maintain balance when you are turning into sharp corners and tight curves.
Drive at an appropriate speed to the prevailing conditions : Drive the truck at a safe speed especially in high traffic areas and when turning. The weight of the truck has an impact on its momentum so that you should always slow down well in advance when braking and turning. You can also enhance your safety and that of other road users by not tailgating. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Make other drivers aware of your intentions : Use all the signals that you have at your disposal. This includes lights and hand signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. You can also use stickers or paint warnings on the sides and rear of the truck so that other drivers are informed to take necessary caution.

Please refer to the full drivers walk around guide for recovery vehicle operations published by the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency

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