Blog

Truck Driving Tips: 10 Ways to Keep You Safe on the Road

For more than 40 years, Emerald Transformer has been an industry leader in managing the entire transformer life cycle. With over 450 associates nationwide, we make sure our customers receive the highest-quality support in industry. To do so, we employ one of the largest truck fleets consisting of over 80 drivers for deliveries and pick-ups.

Our drivers perform in the top 1/3 of their like peers and had zero recordable crashes reported in 2018. For Emerald Transformer to maintain our industry leading status we put safety first in all things we do.

Our drivers, including DOT supervisors, incumbent drivers and supervisors, complete a detailed 3-tiered or 4-tiered orientation comprised of respective topics. We ensure our drivers also complete monthly safety meetings relevant to industry topics.

Interested in learning driving tips to help improve your truck fleet? Review our tips below!

Truck Driving Tips: 10 Ways to Keep You Safe on the Road

Driver safety is important in all industries – most accidents and injuries can be prevented by utilizing proper safety tips during the drive. To ensure the driver’s safety and safety of others on the road utilize the below safety tips:

  1. Wear Your Seatbelt
    Studies show that roughly 1 in 6 truck drivers do not wear their safety belts. The use of seatbelts is not only required, but it’s also the most preventable way to reduce injury. More than 40% of crash-related deaths occur every year from not wearing a seatbelt.
  2. Avoid Using Your Cell Phone While Driving
    Not only is it careless, but it is now illegal in most states to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. Talking, texting or looking at your phone screen is distracting and can lead to a serious accident.
  3. Be Aware of Speed Limits
    Speed limits are there, especially ones specifically noted for trucks. Stay within the speed limit and you will stay safer on the road.
  4. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
    While it may sound obvious, drinking and driving is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Drugs include anything that impairs your judgment or physical faculties, such as medications that may cause drowsiness. Besides having safety concerns, being under the influence can also cost you your job.
  5. Plan Your Trip
    There are all sorts of unexpected events that could occur on the road but having a plan can make you more prepared. The better you have your trip planned out (driving hours, routes, weather scouting, etc.), the safer your journey will be.
  6. Mind Your Truck’s Space Cushion
    Always be mindful of your truck’s large height and weight. Make sure there is a safe space cushion around all sides of the vehicle to prevent accidents.
  7. Slow Down for Turns/Curves
    Be careful when making turns on a curvy road or at an off-ramp. Slow down accordingly to adjust for lane changes and other vehicles.
  8. Maintain a Proper Stopping Distance
    Make sure to maintain ample stopping distance between you and any vehicles ahead of you. Keeping your head forward and reducing distractions will help you avoid close interactions.
  9. Watch Out for the Weather
    Certain parts of the country are known for having unpredictable weather but try to keep track of changes and avoid dangerous driving conditions whenever possible.
  10. Eat Healthy and Get Your Rest
    A healthier diet and ample rest will keep you more alert on the road. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and pull over if you are feeling tired. Grab a light snack, stretch your legs or take a catnap. Munching on junk foods, drinking sugary drinks and consuming heavy meals can make you drowsy, so look for healthy alternatives when you can.

Next time you’re out on the road, keep these safety tips in mind.

 

“America Truck Driving School: Truck Driving Tips” May 16, https://www.americatruckdriving.com/truck-driving-tips-10-ways-to-keep-you-safe-on-the-road/

< Back to Main Blog Page