Every year approximately 600 truck drivers die in highway accidents, thousands more are injured, and thousands of citizens die or are injured in accidents involving a truck. The most important element in avoiding accidents out on the road and how you can be safe starts with y-o-u. It’s up to you to know and follow regulations and practice safe driving.
Here are our ABC’s of Driving Safety to keep you and other motorists driving safe:
Awareness. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Braking. Give yourself enough time. (It’s recommended to leave one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length.)
Checks. Inspections are not only important but often required by your carrier and the law.
Defensive driving. Avoid aggressive drivers and maintain a safe speed. Excessive speed increases your chance for an accident. (Two thirds of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive drivers.)
Effective fuel management. Manage fuel consumption by buying fuel within your company’s fuel network, limiting idle time and slowly accelerating and decelerating. Have your fuel stops planned ahead of time so you don’t have to quickly switch lanes to exit for a truck stop when you’re low on fuel.
Fasten your seatbelt. Buckle up. It’s the law!
General health. According to the Massachusetts DOT, things such as arthritis, poor vision or hearing, mental abilities and drugs and alcohol can significantly impair your driving abilities. And they recommend if you are sick you should take some time off to feel better before you get back on the road. Remember to read those warning labels if you are on any medication, they can impair your driving as well.
Hoses, clamps and belts. Make sure they are not worn, loose, or in need or replacement. Add checking these items to your pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
Intersections. According to the DOT over 20% of roadway fatalities in the US happen in intersections or are intersection related. Be cautious of the drivers around you when crossing through an intersection.
Jumping from the cab to the ground. Don’t do it! Your body is not prepared for the impact. Climb down from the cab.
Keep your distance. The best and safest following distance can vary for each truck. (Again it’s recommended to leave one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length.)
Lane departure systems. This system uses video cameras to monitor the road and provides an audible warning if your vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. (Ask your dealer for more information.)
Mirrors. Use your mirrors before making a turn or switching lanes. In a truck you need more turning area and more room for lane changes.
No-Zone awareness. The “no-zone” represents the danger areas around trucks where crashes are more likely to occur. You may know your “no-zone,” but other drivers may not. Some are blind spots and can make vehicles disappear. Be aware of all of your no-zones to avoid accidents.
Obey the law. You should have a working knowledge of the laws for heavy trucks created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA). Your CSA score can be affected if you do not pass their roadside inspections and it's been found that poor performance in the safety areas they test causes crashes the most. The categories tested are: unsafe driving, driver fatigue (hours of service), driver fitness, controlled substance and alcohol, vehicle maintenance, cargo related, and crash history. Violations can count against you and your carrier.
Parking. The USDOT found that more than half of truck drivers could not find adequate parking at truck stops that gave them enough space safely pull in and out. You cannot change the situation at truck stops but here are some tips on how you can be as safe as possible when you have to park elsewhere:
- Avoid using the shoulder for parking unless an unsafe vehicle condition or mechanical situation requires you to do so.
- Never park on soft shoulders, blind curves or off ramps.
- Use reflective devices, or flares to warn other drivers of your vehicle location if you are 10 feet of a right of way.
Quick lane changes. Always be alert to other drivers on the road.
Road Vibrations. Cab seats should have good anti-vibration characteristics. Some of the natural vibration frequencies that vehicles operate at are also frequencies at which the spine is more likely to be injured long-term. ( Click here for more information on Cab Seat Safety.) Tilting the seat back a little from vertical may reduce the amount of vibration and road shock that travels directly up the spine. Maintain proper tire pressure and suspension systems as well as lower the back part of the seat so that the “sit bones” don’t bear all you body weight.
Speed. Watch the speed limits and adjust your speed appropriately. Speed alone is rarely the cause of accidents. Differences in speed are the main problem, according to The National Motorists Association. So make sure you are going the appropriate truck speed limit and with the flow of traffic, but keep in mind the speed where you get the best fuel efficiency.
Tires. They need to be properly inflated and not worn. Look for cuts, cracks and excessive wear in your pre-trip check. Get a tire pressure gauge and inflate your tires to the recommended psi stated in your handbook.
Unusual Sounds. As part of your pre-trip check, listen for unusual sounds after you turn on the vehicle.
Vehicle Inspection. Besides your pre-trip checks, once a week perform a thorough inspection and follow the checklist from your handbook. The list should include checking the tire pressure, oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering brake fluid, and windshield wiper blades. Check your belts for cracks, dry rotting and shredding threads.
X-pect the UneXpected. You never know what other drivers are going to do, what hazards the road might present and what natural obstacles might come into your path.
Weather. Poor weather conditions can be dangerous and cause thousands of accidents each year. Check the weather before a trip and be prepared for the conditions ahead. For example, fog is one of the many hazardous road conditions that require you to be extra alert. Double check all of your lights and maybe get a cup of coffee before you hit the road to keep you focused.
Your lights. Turn them on in low light as well as darkness. In your pre-trip check make sure your turning lamps are blinking and the headlights are burning so drivers see you coming.
Zzzzz. Get a good night sleep. Numerous studies have found that sleep deprivation can affect driving as much as (and sometimes more than) alcohol.
Truck driving can be a dangerous job but if we do our part to be safe while on the road, we can help decrease those highway accidents. Drive safe out there!