8 Safety Tips for Professional Truck Drivers

Truck driving can be stressful. You may feel pressed for time as you drive, and the long days on the road contribute to your general exhaustion. And because you’re maneuvering a rig weighing up to 80,000 pounds, truck driving takes careful attention, skill, and patience. Because of the pressures associated with truck driving, the industry has seen a huge reduction in its workforce in recent years. Many are looking to sell their trucks on websites like this one here, but others stay in the job because they enjoy the chances to travel that the job offers. Others simply enjoy spending time in their own company.

As a truck driver, you have a responsibility to keep yourself and others on the road safe. It’s important to do what you can to keep your truck in great condition and practice safe driving.

In addition to drivers doing their part to remain safe, companies should also ensure their drivers’ safety. Therefore, employers might seek trucking solutions that offer total transparency into how their drivers are doing. It might be possible to identify and assign corrective training to drivers with a solution like the one above so that they are able to move forward towards improved safety. That said, why not look here to learn more about such solutions that can not not only make your drivers safe but also prevent any further issues.

Anyway, coming back to the topic, to maintain maximum safety while trucking, truckers can take a note of the below-mentioned tips.

1. Maintain Your Rig

Each morning, inspect your truck. Ensure the mirrors are in the proper position and that the horn is working. You’ll also want to check on the fluids, and you’ll want to pay special attention to your brakes. As mentioned before, your truck weighs quite a few tons, and if your brakes fail, the results can be catastrophic.



When you notice something is off, contact dispatch to let them know. Don’t get back on the road without inspecting your rig; careful maintenance can help minimize your risks as you drive.

2. Stay Alert

While driving, look out for any hazards or problems. Keeping a careful watch on the road can give you ample time to avoid problems. Watch for stopped traffic, road damage, and objects in the road. You’ll want to be especially careful during the night and drive slowly, as the darkness can hinder your vision.

3. Take Care in Inclement Weather

Before you get driving, take a look at the forecast for the day so you can prepare yourself for any poor weather. If you do hit a little rain, hail, or snow, then slow down. No matter what kind of hurry you’re in, it’s important not to underestimate foul weather and slick roads. Be careful, and if you’re having trouble, pull over.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Blind Spots

When changing lanes or turning, use extra caution. While many drivers know not to drive too close to a semi-truck, others may not be as careful. Regularly look at your mirrors, and do your best to check the following areas:

• The back of the truck
• The front of the truck
• The area behind the side mirrors



These blind spots can easily hide a car, and it can be difficult to correct your movements at the last second.

5. Take It Slow

Don’t rush; stick to a reasonable speed, and follow the suggested speeds for hills and turns. If you’re in a particularly curvy area, take the turns carefully, and slow down a bit. And when you’re rolling through work zones, reduce your speed considerably to keep yourself, other drivers, and construction workers safe.

6. Avoid High Traffic Areas

When you can, try and avoid crowded areas in cities and towns. Take the backroads, and if you do venture into a crowded area in town, be sure to keep a decent gap between you and the car in front of you and carefully watch your blind spots as you maneuver through traffic.

7. Use Proper Signals

For every lane change and turn, use the correct blinker, and be sure to signal for at least 100 feet before you make your move. Also, use your hazard lights whenever you’re going much slower than the surrounding traffic or whenever you’re experiencing problems. For instance, you might put on your hazard lights while going up a steep incline.

8. Pay Attention to Your Health