Some tips for driving a truck are essentially the same no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving. While driving in icy conditions, slow down and observe traffic signs and signals for road workers. Avoid lane changes in heavy traffic and pay attention to road workers. Prevent accidents by maintaining extra following space. Also, be prepared to make quick stops, especially when the road is wet. Most truck drivers also prefer to choose their lane, although this can increase the risk of an accident. When changing lanes, be sure to signal before moving over, as most motorists don’t know how to react to a truck changing lanes. Lastly, avoid lane-switching in poor weather or in heavy traffic.
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Safety inspection of truck
Philadelphia, PA product liability lawyers highlight that drivers should conduct a safety inspection of their trucks while they are on the road. DOT officers and state troopers may pull you over while you are driving, and they are responsible for stopping your truck to inspect it. You should be prepared to remain calm and professional during this process, and you should take note of any violations. Officers are alert from the moment you open the driver’s side door. They can tell if your truck has been inspected thoroughly by its cleanliness.
Precautions for driving a truck in icy conditions
One of the most important safety tips when driving a truck in icy conditions is to pay attention to your braking distance. On a wet road, your stopping distance is about twice as long as on an icy road. Always leave extra space between trucks so you don’t have to brake too hard. This will help you avoid accidents. Also, remember that your stopping distance will be longer on icy roads than on dry roads, which means that you’ll need extra time to stop.
Avoiding lane changes during heavy traffic
In order to avoid a collision, it is imperative to stay alert and communicate any lane changes with other drivers. Drivers in blind spots should honk their horns to make themselves visible to other drivers. Drivers should also maintain their speed when changing lanes and make sure there is ample room between them and the vehicle in front of them. Moreover, drivers should check their mirrors and avoid hovering in other drivers’ blind spots. Using a GPS device is helpful in this regard.
Keeping control of your vehicle during high winds
If you’ve ever driven a large truck during high winds, you know that they can cause problems on the road. The wind can make steering difficult and cause the vehicle to tip over. It’s also dangerous for other drivers, as a large truck’s wind force can be enough to knock a small car off its track. To stay safe on the road, drivers should slow down, avoid following vehicles too closely, and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Avoiding texting while driving a truck
The FMCSA has rules that prohibit driving while on a mobile device. Texting is defined as manually entering or reading alphanumeric information from an electronic device. Other prohibited behaviors for truckers include accessing web pages, sending e-mails and instant messages, and pressing multiple buttons to initiate or end a phone call. Drivers are also prohibited from texting while driving, and must follow all other FMCSA rules and regulations.
