Commercial truck drivers, a staple on every Texas highway, spend more time on the road than a typical Texas commuter or road trip enthusiast. Driving day and night, truck drivers adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe pickup and delivery of goods across the state. Staying safe is essential to their job and by following their lead, all drivers can stay safe on our roads.
6 Truck Driver Safety Tips:
Drive Defensively
Truck drivers must be constantly aware of their surroundings to be able to detect unexpected changes on the road – poor road conditions, drivers not paying attention, unexpected slow-downs ahead, and much more. Driving defensively is crucial for all drivers, as it helps them prepare for unexpected changes in driving conditions. Make sure to look ahead about a quarter mile or so – or one to two blocks while inside city limits – for any traffic issues, work zones, or other unexpected changes in the road.
Buckle Up
This truck driver safety tip is one of the easiest to follow. As required by Texas law, all drivers and passengers in vehicles must be secured by a safety belt. Truck drivers know that seat belts save lives. Seat belts are most effective when used properly, including wearing the lap belt snuggly across the hips and the shoulder belt worn over the shoulder and across the center of the chest.
Use Your Signals
Truck drivers have much larger vehicles to maneuver when on the road and should thus signal where they want to go or when they need to pass other drivers well ahead of their actions. Truck drivers must use their turn signals and brakes at appropriate times to show other vehicles their intentions. By following this truck driver safety tip, drivers will know where other vehicles want to go and can take additional precautions to ensure the lane changes or turns are made safely.
Avoid Tailgating
When traveling on the highway, commercial truck drivers should avoid tailgating, as it takes longer for a larger vehicle to stop when needing to stop quickly. A severe collision can occur if a truck rear-ends a car in front of them and vice-versa. Leaving 20-25 car lengths between a car and a commercial truck will provide enough space to brake safely if traffic stops suddenly.
Stay Away from Blind Spots
Large commercial vehicles have many blind spots and truck drivers have to be constantly aware of where smaller vehicles are in relation to those blind spots. By being mindful of avoiding the blind spots of larger commercial vehicles as well as other passenger cars, all drivers on the road will be much safer.
Never Drive Distracted
Driving a commercial truck is a licensed profession; and, while on the job truck drivers are expected to adhere to all work rules and traffic laws. This includes not texting and driving. Driving while distracted increases the odds of being involved in a crash or near crash for all types of vehicles. Distractions can include driving while texting, eating, managing children, interacting with a navigational device, or any activity that takes one’s focus off the road.
By following these truck driver safety tips, all drivers in Texas will be better prepared for the road ahead.
Rio Grande Valley Car Accident Attorneys
Those who live and work in the Rio Grande Valley share the road with passenger vehicles as well as semi-trucks. Anytime you are in an accident, whether with a passenger vehicle or a big rig, it can be confusing, complex, and stressful. Victims don’t have to handle it all on their own. By selecting knowledgeable, qualified legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident or semi-truck accident, contact the Rio Grande Valley car accident attorneys of Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following an accident in Texas, so don’t delay.
