Part of your commercial truck driving training probably stressed the serious consequences of getting into an accident and effective defensive driving to prevent a fatal wreck. Truckers have a weighty responsibility for the safety of others on the road; in vehicles that weigh more than ten times the cars and SUVs they pass on the highway, their large trucks can cause fatal damage.
Our California truck accident attorneys are committed to the safety of everyone on the road. Our truck driver safety tips can help save lives and avoid costly lawsuits.
Conduct proper pre- and post-trip inspections
The best driver safety tips start with the right preparation of all your equipment, truck, rig, and cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to complete a safety inspection log. Regularly checking the truck’s mechanical components, ensuring all headlights and brake lights work, and making sure the steering and brakes are operational prevents accidents due to malfunctioning vehicles.
Follow regular maintenance schedules and keep your inspection logs current to remain compliant with FMCSA requirements. And, a mechanic regularly checking the truck can spot potential trouble early enough to avoid extensive, expensive repairs.
Plan your trip in advance
Our next safety tip for truck drivers not only helps save lives but can also help you avoid distracted driving and getting a citation that could jeopardize your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Setting your agenda in advance and loading your GPS route, stops, and all, before starting your trip.
Whether the trucking company you’re driving for sets your agenda or you plan your own load pick-ups and deliveries as an independent driver-operator, planning your trip, including accounting for construction or other road delays, helps you avoid road hazards and conditions that make a collision more likely.
Use caution in work zones
Road construction is especially dangerous for truckers. Changing speed limits make it harder for your oversized vehicle to safely slow to a crawl, and the shifting traffic patterns and narrow lanes of road construction stretches are more dangerous for massive semis to maneuver than smaller vehicles. Add in plenty of distractions and sudden lane changes from other drivers, and road work zones are especially hazardous.
Planning your route ahead of time can help you avoid construction areas, but if you must drive through road work, be especially cautious.
Avoid common distractions and stay alert
Distractions behind the wheel contribute to more accidents than any single other cause. To ensure safety on the road, make sure to avoid all types of distractions:
- Visual: Looking at something else, like your phone, GPS, billboards, or construction work, instead of keeping your eyes focused on traffic
- Physical: Taking your hands off the wheel, like eating or using your phone, reduces the control you have over the vehicle. You may not have time to react if your hands aren’t on the wheel
- Cognitive: Daydreaming or taking your concentration off the road. You may miss clues that another driver is about to take dangerous actions, like cutting you off or suddenly swerving into your lane to avoid road debris
Long hours in a truck can get boring, but if you find your attention wandering, it may be time to stop for a quick rest break.
Check your load
Shifting cargo can cause your truck to become unbalanced. The cargo loaders are responsible for securing the load initially, but after you depart, it’s your responsibility to ensure your load hasn’t dangerously shifted during transit. Unbalanced or lost cargo can make your vehicle more prone to rollovers, especially when going up or down hills or in high winds and inclement weather.
Make cargo checks part of your routine, such as when you stop for gas or after navigating a rough patch of road.
Follow all traffic laws
Speeding semis require more space to safely slow and stop than other vehicles. Breaking traffic laws, such as posted speed limits, and engaging in dangerous behaviors like tailgating or aggressive maneuvers can lead to a wreck. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and be cautious about your speed, especially at night or when visibility is low.
Take your rest time
Did you know that driving after being awake for 17 consecutive hours is the equivalent of driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05% (a BAC above the legal limit for commercial drivers)? After 24 hours, it’s the equivalent of driving with a BAC of 0.10%!
Take your rest and break times. You’re legally required to take regular breaks, which helps you stay awake and alert on the road.
Learn how California personal injury attorneys can help
At Ernst Law Group, our California personal injury attorneys understand how serious truck accidents can be. We’ve helped countless people who’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence due to distracted driving or reckless behavior on the road.
Have you been hurt in a truck accident caused by a negligent trucker? The legal team at Ernst Law Group can help you get a fair settlement for your injuries. Call us today at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation.
