A truck collision is rarely a fender bender. More than 4,800 trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2020. That's up by 33% since 2011.
If you're driving a truck, truck
accident tips must always be on your mind. Thankfully, tips are easy to follow
and implement. You just need to know what they are and make a routine out of
following them.
What should you do before you start
driving? How should you drive, and when should you take breaks? What are the
first things you need to do if your cargo spills?
Answer these questions and you can
prevent collisions through no-nonsense steps. Here are five tips to prevent
accidents.
1.
Prepare for Each Drive
Before taking your truck on the
road, you should do a thorough pre-trip inspection. You should run the engine
and headlights to make sure they work. You should drive around a parking lot to
see if you can maneuver and brake your truck without problems.
Pick the main route you will take to
your destination. Pick a few side routes you can take in case roads are closed
or conditions change. Feel free to bring a GPS with you so you know you are
going in the right direction while you are driving.
If you can visit your delivery area,
you should do so. Walk around and see how you can back in without causing an
accident. Ask someone to serve as a spotter so you don't crash into anything.
2. Be
Methodical With Your Movements
Trucks are harder to maneuver than
cars. You have large blind spots on both sides of your vehicle as well as
directly behind your truck.
You should arrange your mirrors so
you can see as much space around your truck as possible. But you should also
turn your head and look out your windows to look in your blind spots.
While you are traveling behind other
vehicles, you should follow the three-second rule. At least three seconds
should pass between the car in front of you driving by an object and you
driving by that object.
When you are changing lanes or
turning, you should signal. Adjust your speed so you don't lose your center of
balance as you are moving. Your truck can flip over if your turn is too abrupt
or if you are going too fast.
Many truck accidents occur because
the trucks are traveling at a high speed. You should keep at least five miles
per hour below the speed limit and give yourself plenty of time to brake.
3.
Take Breaks
Truck collisions can also occur
because truck drivers get tired and inattentive. The Department of Transportation
requires commercial drivers to take a 30-minute break when they have driven for
eight hours straight. You can switch off with another driver or pull over and
stop your vehicle.
You can only drive for 11 hours on a
given day. You then must take at least 10 hours off, which you can use to eat
and sleep. You can perform other work like unloading or loading vehicles
for three hours, but your work day cannot be longer than 14 hours.
Try to get out of your truck during
your break and stretch your legs and back. Sitting in a chair for hours on end
can cause blood clots and make your muscles stiff. You can drink coffee or tea,
but try to nap, as sleep is more refreshing than caffeine.
4.
React to Changes in Road and Weather Conditions
Rain and dew can make roads slick,
which means you need more distance to stop your truck. You should slow down and
turn your headlights on so you are easier to see.
Snow can impede your vision and make
roadways harder to navigate. You should stay 10 miles per hour below the speed
limit so you can stop your truck in time. You should also turn on your high
beams, especially if you are on unlit roads.
Wind can blow objects across a road
or knock trees and other objects down. Drive in the center lane so you are less
likely to be hit by something.
Do not drive during a natural
disaster like a hurricane. If there is a severe weather warning in your area,
you should consider avoiding major roadways. They may be crowded with people
trying to get home or evacuate, which can increase your chances of a truck
accident.
5.
Respond to Emergencies
If you are transporting chemicals
and they fall over, you should put their containers up. You can clean your
truck with a chemical spill kit, but make sure you are wearing protective
clothing, including a respirator.
If cargo falls onto the road, pull
your truck over and put on your emergency blinkers. Call 911 so officers can
close the road and prevent collisions with your cargo.
Call your boss once it is safe to do
so. You can also contact a truck accident lawyer if your vehicle got damaged. They can contact your insurer
and file for compensation.
Prevent
a Truck Collision Today
Preventing a truck collision doesn't
have to be exhausting. Check all of the systems on your vehicle and make
repairs if anything is broken. Be careful when maneuvering your truck and
always check your mirrors.
Take breaks after eight hours and
stop driving after 11. Check the weather for any changes and adjust your course
so rain or snow doesn't get you into an accident. Be careful with your cargo,
especially if you are transporting chemicals.
These tips are the essentials to
keep you safe, but you must know more. Read more truck safety guides by
following our coverage.
