As a trucker, your career involves certain risks associated with traveling on roadways. Whether you encounter distracted drivers, hazardous conditions, or fatigue, it’s important to keep your safety in mind at all times while driving your truck. Following a few essential safety guidelines will ensure that you have a safe and successful trucking career.
Avoid Talking or Texting on the Phone
Studies have shown that both talking and texting—even while using hands-free options—can reduce your concentration on the road by well over 30%. Avoid talking on the phone and never text while you are driving. If you need to make a phone call or answer a text, wait until you can safely pull your truck off the road before accessing your phone.
Wear Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts are an integral part of truck safety. Serious crashes can throw you from your truck if you are not buckled in, increasing your risk of death by up to 25 times. Always wear your seatbelt while in the driver’s seat, even if you are only taking your truck a short distance. There is no way to know what kind of hazards you will encounter during any drive, but your seatbelt will help to keep you safely in place if a crash does occur.
Know Your Blind Spots
Trucks can have many blind spots and each truck is slightly different. Staying aware of where other drivers are relative to your truck is a good way to prevent accidents. Never assume that other drivers know where your blind spots are; nor should you assume that drivers will know to stay out of your blind spots. Check your blind spots frequently and recheck them before you change lanes or make a turn.
At HDS Truck Driving Institute, you will learn how to keep yourself and others safe throughout your career as a trucker. Are you ready to get driving with our Class A and Class B bus training and testing options? Check out our website or give us a call at (877) 205-2141 to begin the admissions process today.
