Driving a commercial vehicle is a big responsibility and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As a truck driver, you’re not only responsible for your safety but also for the safety of other drivers on the road. To help keep yourself safe and avoid distractions while driving, follow these tips:
Prevent Doing Other Things While Driving
It’s well known that texting, eating, and drinking while driving can cause crashes. These tasks should never be done while driving an 18-wheeler or a car. Dayne Yeager advises drivers to pull over before responding to an emergency, such as a car making an illegal turn.
Ensure That You Get Sufficient Rest
If you’re tired, it’s more likely that your concentration will slip and you’ll make mistakes on the road. For most adults, 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is ideal although this will vary based on individual needs. To avoid drowsiness while driving:
• Sleep in a quiet, dark room free from noise or distractions. The truck drivers sleep in the daytime because natural light is more restful than artificial light. If feasible, take naps instead of sleeping through the night because they provide higher-quality rest without affecting your circadian rhythm as much as a full night’s sleep would.
Never Consume Alcohol Or Drugs While Driving
Dayne Yeager If you’re driving a truck, it’s important to remember that you are responsible for the safety of yourself and your passengers. You should never consume alcohol or drugs while driving. Even if you think that your ability to operate a vehicle is not affected by alcohol, it’s still illegal for truck drivers to drive with blood alcohol concentrations aka BAC above 0.08%.
Make Frequent Use Of Your Mirrors
When you’re driving a large truck, it’s important to use your mirrors often. This will help you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents.
• Use your side mirrors to check blind spots. The side mirrors should show what’s behind each side of your vehicle. If there is someone in that area, try to slow down or change lanes so they can pass safely.
• Use your rearview mirror to check traffic behind you. Before changing lanes, check the cars’ headlights or taillights in this mirror by peering out one of the front windows. You don’t want to get hit from behind.
