Safety Tips for Truck Drivers On The Road

Driving safely is easier said than done. Every driver who has been trucking for any length of time knows the basic rules of the road for safety, but, every now and then, either a reminder or a few trucking safety tips can help. Staying safe on the road, particularly during winter weather can be hard, and while roadside assistance is just a phone call away if something goes wrong, no trucker wants to make that call.

Here are 9 safety tips for commercial truck drivers:

  1. Don’t change lanes too often and always signal. No matter how vigilant a driver is, the fact is that trucks have major blind spots.
  2. Take frequent breaks. Stretching and frequent exercise breaks are necessary for truckers to stay alert and they also help in terms of long-term driver health, too.
  3. Always have and maintain proper weather- and terrain-related equipment. No one wants to contend with winter weather in the mountains, and it only gets worse without tire chains.
  4. Give other drivers space. Most trucking collisions are caused when a truck hits the vehicle in front of it. Commercial trucks take a long time to brake and ensure proper distance helps avoid potential collisions.
  5. Adhere to driver hour restrictions. Perhaps the most critical part of trucking safety occurs off the road. Sleep, rest, and relaxation are all necessary components of trucker safety.
  6. Be aware of the weather. In winter, be ready to slow to below the speed limit if necessary. Try to keep a full tank to avoid fuel line condensation. Use common sense and remember that bridge surfaces can freeze, jeopardizing driver safety.
  7. Don’t forget that other drivers on the road may act erratically. Consider the use of flashers.
  8. Avoid idling the truck whenever possible, but if you must, keep the windows rolled up.
  9. If pulled over to the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance, be sure to utilize flashers, cones, and even road flares to alert fellow truck driver.

Driving safety, particularly trucking safety, involves a long series of small individual decisions. Trucking isn’t just the time spent on the road, it is a series of life choices involving sleep, rest, and relaxation as well. These trucking safety tips for truckers are a start, but making the right decision every time can help everyone get home safe and sound.

TIPS

4 Basic Maintenance Tips for Your Pickup Truck

Pickup trucks offer reliability, safety, and longevity for many drivers. A quality truck can haul thousands of pounds in towing power and provide a safe means of transportation for you and your family.

Over time, if you ignore its maintenance needs, a pickup truck can run into permanent problems. Adhere to these four basic maintenance tips for your pickup truck so that your vehicle runs smoothly. Before you know it, your car can outlast its life expectancy and provide years of dependability.

Check Your Vehicle Fluids

For a pickup truck to run correctly, it needs the necessary fluids. First and foremost, engine oil needs to remain clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris. Additionally, other fluids such as engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and other liquids must stay specific to your make and model.

Checking your owner’s manual will provide the correct fluids you need so you don’t accidentally pick up the wrong one. For engine oil, pickup trucks older than 2007 need oil changes every 5,000 miles, while newer vehicles require replacement every 7,500 miles. It’s one of the basic maintenance tips for your pickup truck you need to know.

Rotate Your Tires Routinely

Over time, tires start to wear down and lose their tread on the road. The less tread your tires have, the worse the grip is on the road. Uneven or worn tread can quickly result in hydroplaning during a rainstorm or sliding along icy roads.

Getting your tires professionally rotated will help prevent this issue. It helps maintain an even amount of treadwear on your truck’s tires. Additionally, it helps prolong the life of your tires and vehicle suspension while improving gas mileage.

Keep the Exterior Clean

Whether you live in consistent 75-degree and sunny weather all year-round or somewhere where you experience all four seasons, your pickup truck endures a lot. Rainstorms, road salt, hail, and other loose debris can kick up into your vehicle’s paint and create a layer of grime.

Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule will keep your vehicle’s exterior looking beautiful and shiny. Regularly cleaning your car will also keep your car’s paint from fading and even reduce rust growth. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your undercarriage.

Keep an Eye on Wheel Alignment

When you get your oil, it’s also essential to check your wheel alignment. Wheel misalignment can occur by driving through roads at high speeds and aggressive driving. It can easily throw your wheel alignment off and subsequently increase wear on your tires, worsen gas mileage, and affect hauling abilities. Make sure you maintain your wheel alignment through evenly inflated tires. Loading evenly into your truck bed to prevent vehicle pulling can also maintain the alignment.

Having a pickup truck brings plenty of benefits to your daily routine. Maintaining and caring for your truck is a regular investment of your time and energy, but it’s worthwhile.

TIPS