Congratulations! You passed your driving and safety courses and are on your way to officially becoming a semitruck driver. We’re sure you’ve been bombarded with the many tips and tricks to remember on the road. Knowing when to take a break, gaining time management skills, and mastering pre-and post-trip inspections are essential to your career.
To ensure that you have the knowledge you need to hit the road, here are the top safety tips for new semitruck drivers to remember.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Whether driving a regular vehicle or semitruck, distracted driving is one of the biggest threats to your safety and the safety of others. You must pay attention to everything when driving a large truck at higher speeds. Keep your eyes on the road and refrain from eating, talking, texting, or doing anything that could potentially put you and others at risk. If you need to take a break to eat a snack or talk on the phone, make sure you plan time to do so.
Practice Defensive Driving
Keep yourself safe on the road by practicing defensive driving. This way, you can brace yourself for potential hazards, road conditions, and other issues that may pop up along your haul. Defensive driving reduces the risk of injury and fatal crashes by allowing you to make well-informed and safe decisions while heading down the road. Some things you can practice are:
- The three-second rule
- Identifying your blind spots
- Using your signals
- Staying calm behind the wheel
Always Be Prepared for the Unexpected
As a truck driver, it’s important to expect the unexpected. Road conditions can be unpredictable, traffic can become heavy, your truck can break down, and more. Preparing for the unexpected is one of the most important safety tips new semitruck drivers should remember. Keep tools in your truck and learn the best practices for driving in inclement weather. By taking the time to take preventative measures, you can be prepared for unforeseen incidents and stay productive.
Gain Tips From Other Experienced Drivers
As a new truck driver, gaining experience from other drivers will help you learn tips and keep you safe. Learning new ways to correctly load your cargo, discovering different ways to plan your trip, and gaining common knowledge will help make your journeys easier. Don’t be afraid to befriend some truck drivers and ask for advice or safety tips they’ve used over the years.
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