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A Guide to Defensive Driving: 7 Safe-Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

A Guide to Defensive Driving: 7 Safe-Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

The World Health Organization reports that road traffic crashes account for more than one million deaths and over twenty million fatal and non-fatal injuries each year. Although it may be true that accidents are inevitable, there are preventive measures you can take to lessen its probability.

Rapid Document Insurance Agency, a Truck Insurance Agency in Downey, California, offers some safe-driving tips for truck drivers:

  • Do not drive when you are tired.
    Driving a truck or any commercial vehicle is a full-time endeavor. This means that your body needs rest, especially every after long hours of nonstop driving. Stay cognizant of your fatigue level and avoid driving if your body is not in the mood for it. Inattentiveness is one of the leading causes of accidents.
  • Eliminate distractions.
    When handling the wheel, make sure that you put your 100% focus on the road. As much as possible, minimize eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. If you are hungry, thirsty, or desperate to smoke, park your truck somewhere safe. The same is especially true when taking important calls.
  • Stay awake.
    If you feel drowsy or sleepy, pull over and take a rest. Do not rely on tricks to keep you awake (e.g. drinking coffee, smoking, etc.). To ward off accidents caused by drowsiness or sleepiness, make sure to get enough sleep before you drive and take naps whenever your body needs to.
  • Share the road.
    Everyone on the road wants to get to their destination just like you. So always show respect to other drivers by sharing the road. This includes keeping a safe distance and letting emergency vehicles pass first. You should also avoid changing lanes. If you have to, make sure that you signal the other drivers around you.
  • Follow traffic rules and regulations.
    All truck drivers should be aware of different traffic rules and regulations of the place you are driving. Basic traffic rules include wearing of the adjusted seat belt at all times and traveling at or lower than speeds of 62 mph or the otherwise posted speed limit of the roadway you are approaching.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
    Check your mirrors every eight seconds to enable you to identify if there is a car in your blind spot. You should also be mindful of brake lights and slowing vehicles. Furthermore, when merging into a different lane, leave your turning signals for at least four seconds to allow other drivers to be aware of their intentions. Remember that you are not the only driver on the road.
  • Maintain your vehicle.
    Before driving, inspect your truck first. Check if there are any mechanical defects. This includes making sure that your brakes, tires, and light signals are in perfect condition.

Get a Local Trucking Insurance for your trucks. Rapid Document Insurance Agency offers a comprehensive range of insurance coverage for trucks. For a better understanding, schedule a talk with us. You can call us at 562-904-9014 or shoot us an e-mail at info@rapiddocuments.com.

Reference:
World Health Organization. 2017. “Road traffic injuries.” Last modified May.
Accessed December 13, 2017.
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs358/en/.

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