Only a small percentage of auto accidents involve large commercial trucks, but their considerable size means that even minor accidents can have serious consequences. Some safety skills can only be learned through on-the-job experience and CDL training, but there are a few tips that can help you minimize risks on the road.
Avoid Distractions
Taking your eyes off of the road for just 5 seconds at 70 miles an hour means that you have travelled a distance of more than 500 feet, blind. Longer drives often require drivers to live out of their trucks, which can be problematic when it comes to handling a radio, checking routes, grabbing a bite to eat, andlistening for traffic updates all at the same time. Also keep in mind that speeding usually doesn’t provide significant time savings—speeding 85 mph going from Tucson to Phoenix would only save you about 10 to 15 minutes under optimal conditions than driving the 75 mph speed limit.
Remember Your CDL Training
CDL training is more than just a means to an end. Much of road safety can only be learned through over-the-road experience and instruction from seasoned drivers—for example, how to navigate a steep grade without destroying your brakes. Drivers average hundreds of miles each day, and they have to be able to anticipate and respond to traffic hazards and accidents. Other drivers on the road often assume that CDL license holders are always aware of what’s going on around them, even if they are clearly in the “no-zone” and out of sight from the mirrors.
Prioritize Your Time
The Department of Transportation and many carriers have strict regulations about how long a driver can actively be on the road, and forgetting to abide by the time clock can have serious ramifications. Drivers often feel pressured to cover as many miles as possible within a limited timeframe, but you’re only at your safest and most efficient when you get enough sleep.
HDL Truck Driving Institute is a nationally recognized CDL training facility in Tucson, and we offer flexible program schedules. Contact us at (877) 205-2141 to request more information, or follow the link to see our next scheduled Open House!
