Top Tips for Trucking Safety
Driving a truck can be a demanding and challenging job, but it's also an important one. Truck drivers help keep our economy moving by transporting goods across the country. However, with great responsibility comes great risk.
Truck drivers need to be constantly aware of their surroundings and take steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Here, we'll cover some important safe driving tips including blind spot awareness and circle checks.
BLIND SPOT AWARENESS
One of the biggest challenges for truck drivers is dealing with blind spots. Blind spots are areas around the truck where the driver's vision is obstructed, making it difficult to see other vehicles on the road.
Here are some tips to help truck drivers stay aware of their blind spots:
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Adjust Your Mirrors: Adjust to get the widest field of view to see as much of the road behind you as possible.
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Check Your Blind Spots: Be aware and check them, especially when changing lanes or turning.
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Use Your Turn Signals: Use when changing lanes or turning to help other drivers to anticipate your movements and avoid accidents.
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Don't Rely on Technology: While blind spot detection technology can be helpful, it's not foolproof. Don't rely solely on technology to detect vehicles in your blind spots.
Access our Blind Spot Resource
CIRCLE CHECKS
Circle checks are a pre-trip inspection that every truck driver should perform before hitting the road. Circle checks are important to help identify potential safety issues before they become a problem on the road.
We've listed numerous considerations above but ensure you're checking the below at minimum before departing:
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Tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Check for any cuts, punctures, or other signs of damage.
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Lights: Make sure all of your lights are working properly, including your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights.
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Brakes: Test your brakes to make sure they're working properly. Look for any signs of wear or damage to your brake pads, rotors, or drums.
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Fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and other fluids to make sure they're at the proper levels. Look for any signs of leaks or other issues.
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Load: Ensure it's properly secured and balanced. Check for signs of shifting or instability.
Safe driving is essential for truck drivers. By being aware of blind spots and performing regular circle checks, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Remember to always be alert and focused while driving, and never take unnecessary risks.
