Tips & Tricks Out on the Road
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Staying safe on the road is even more important when you’re driving for long stretches of time in a large, heavy vehicle as a commercial trucker. That makes learning how to drive defensively important to reduce the chances of an accident while doing a job you love. It’s also a good idea to know your legal responsibilities to protect yourself and act as required in the case of an accident, in the unfortunate event that one happens.
What is Defensive Driving for Truckers?
Driving defensively means staying aware of drivers, pedestrians and others on the road around you and thinking ahead about possible dangers. Being proactive, from anticipating what could happen to being cautious, can help you maneuver the large vehicle more safely. Here are the top defensive driving tips for commercial truckers:
Situational Awareness
Be aware of road conditions, such as wet or icy roads, as well as construction zones and school areas. Be alert to signs of trouble that could come from the situation, such as weather changes that could increase risk.
Safe Following Distance
Trucks need a longer stopping distance than a car. Use the 4-second rule to provide enough space between you and the car in front, so you can stop safely, even with a heavy load. Increasing the distance in bad weather conditions makes sense, as well as on downhill roads.
Reduce Speed as Needed
In bad weather conditions, a lower speed is best to help prevent rear-ending the car in front or crashing off the road. Reducing speed when entering curves or in construction sites is also part of defensive driving for a commercial trucker.
Use Signals Early
Using turn signals well ahead of time alerts other drivers to your intentions in the big rig. That way, when you turn or switch lanes, there is less likelihood of an accident on the road, and you’ll maintain a good time in your work schedule.
Night Driving
Low light or pitch black at night can make it harder to see, so ensure your commercial truck’s headlights and taillights work properly. Reflective markers on the truck also improve your visibility. Drive at a lower speed at night and stay alert or pull off the road if you’re tired to minimize the chances of a collision.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Truck drivers have unique risks that make collisions more likely. Understanding the causes helps drivers take steps to prevent it.
Tired from Long Hours
For instance, being on the road for many hours can make you tired behind the wheel. That slows reaction time and can affect judgment, increasing the chances of veering off the road or into another lane. If you have an irregular sleep schedule or a tight timeline for delivering the cargo, you might be more likely to be tired. To reduce risks, take time for rest breaks, follow HOS (hours-of-service) requirements, and get enough sleep when possible.
Distracted Driving
Smartphones, GPS devices, paperwork and eating are common things that distract truck drivers. Even just a few seconds of taking your eyes off the road could lead to an accident. That’s why many commercial truck drivers pre-program routes and look at papers once they’re parked.
Mechanical Issues
When vehicle parts malfunction, it can cause an accident. Brake failure is one example, often due to worn pads or disks. An overloaded truck may also have a braking issue. Tires are also problematic, with worn-out or damaged tires causing a driver to lose control on the road. Improper maintenance of the truck can also lead to steering problems, a failed suspension, and other issues. Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to prevent these issues. Drivers and fleet managers must keep inspection and repair records.
Other Factors
Many other things can lead to an accident, such as other drivers causing dangerous situations. Weather conditions, such as fog, rain and ice, can also make it harder to see on the road. Plus, construction zones with narrow lanes and rocks can be hazards in your big truck. Lowering speed and staying alert is important to avoid a crash.
Legal Considerations for Truck Drivers
Many legal responsibilities come with commercial trucking. Understanding these obligations can protect drivers from liability, fines, or legal challenges if a collision happens.
Liability in Commercial Collisions
The word “liability” refers to who is legally responsible for damages or injuries resulting from a crash. For truck drivers, both the driver and the trucking company can be held responsible, depending on the situation. Negligence, failing to follow regulations and mechanical issues caused by poor maintenance can increase liability.
Reporting Requirements
The Department of Transportation requires certain accidents to be reported to it, such as those involving injuries. Tell your insurance provider as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible to get coverage. If the police are at the accident scene, give the facts as requested of you. Make notes about the scene and gather evidence, such as taking photos, which can later help your case, from insurance to any legal aspects. Call your employer, too, of course.
Protect Yourself Legally
As determining fault is often more complicated than car crashes, getting the help of a legal firm is important. The right firm specializes in this type of truck accident, understanding the specific laws that apply and related defenses, and has the experience needed to best represent you. A top law firm makes identifying liability in commercial truck accidents more straightforward, helping drivers and companies better navigate complicated legal issues.
Conclusion: Driving Defensively and the Law
Being a defensive driver helps you reduce the risk of a collision as a commercial truck driver. Some examples are keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, taking rest hours, and paying attention to how changing weather affects road conditions are all important.
It is also crucial to be legally prepared. Understanding liability and knowing when to see a lawyer helps ensure that if something goes wrong, you’re protected. An experienced lawyer makes determining liability if an accident happens less stressful. Smart driving and legal awareness are essential to a successful trucking career.
The post A Truck Driver’s Guide to Defensive Driving and the Law first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
