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Have you ever driven in unsafe road conditions or experienced dangerous behavior by other drivers? Rain, fog, snow, and ice are a few of the many hazards truck drivers face daily on the job.
With advances in technology and changes in society, distracted drivers–individuals playing with their cell phones rather than keeping their eyes on the road–have become one of the most dangerous hazards on America’s roadways. Aggressive drivers, especially those in larger cities and those that don’t follow best practices for winter weather driving are another cause for concern.
With all these potential dangers, being a safe driver is paramount, and making it home to your family safely is a trucker’s priority. To help you stay safe, try these safety tips.
High traffic congestion increases the odds of a traffic incident. Be aware of segments of your route where traffic congestion is common. Be ready to slow down, or have an alternate route planned.
Stay up to date on weather conditions along your route so that you can adjust your route if needed or make the necessary preparations.
Driving defensively is your best option for protecting yourself because you have no control over other drivers on the road and you can’t assume they are driving with safety in mind. In fact, many truck drivers will agree that most motorists do not know how to drive safely around a big truck. According to a University of Michigan Transportation Institute study, 81 - 91% of crashes involving a commercial vehicle are caused by cars, rather than trucks.
Maintain a safe following distance. The FMCSA recommends 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at 40 mph. If you are traveling over 40 mph add an additional one second. The average length of a Class A combination truck and trailer is 72 feet so your following distance should be 7 seconds at 40 mph and under, and 8 seconds for speeds over 40 mph.
Distracted driving has grown to become one of the greatest threats to your safety on the road. According to the FMCSA, “the odds of being involved in a crash, near-crash, or unintentional lane deviation are 23.2 times greater for truck and bus drivers who are texting while driving.” The average time an individual takes their eyes off the road is 4.6 seconds and at 55 mph that means they travel 371 feet in that amount of time. That’s enough time for a child to run out onto the road, for a car to pull in front of you unexpectedly, or for that truck in front of you to blow out a steer tire and rollover.
Icy roads are one of the greatest dangers a truck driver will face yet is the easiest danger to avoid. Pay attention to weather and road condition reports and plan your trip around winter conditions. Snow can compact into ice, so caution is needed on roads that have not been plowed. In certain regions of the country, chains are required on some highways, and chains can be helpful anywhere you are dealing with a lot of snow on the roadway. Tennessee Code Annotated 55-9-102 addresses chains for truck tractors likely to encounter conditions requiring them.
Be there to Enjoy the Holidays with your family. Stay in the Zone!
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