Being a truck driver isn’t always easy, and even the most experienced professionals can make mistakes from time to time. When these mistakes happen behind the wheel of a big rig, however, they can lead to serious and/or costly problems for you or your career, so it’s important to take steps to avoid them when possible. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the common mistakes truck drivers make and how they can implement measures that will help guard against them.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. For truck drivers, distractions can come in various forms, such as mobile phones, music players, or even eating and drinking. To avoid distracted driving, truck drivers should avoid using their phones or any other electronic device while driving. Any use of phones should be done hands-free. They should also pull over to a safe spot to consume meals.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another significant problem that affects truck drivers. Long hours of driving can cause fatigue, reducing a driver’s ability to react quickly to unexpected situations. To prevent fatigue, truck drivers should adhere to their prescribed hours of service and take regular breaks to rest and rejuvenate. It’s always a good idea to get out from behind the wheel and move your body every few hours to feel refreshed. If you’re feeling overly fatigued, take a nap; there is no load worth the consequences that can occur when we drive too tired.
Speeding
Speeding is a common mistake that truck drivers make, often due to the pressure to meet deadlines or cover more miles. However, speeding increases the risk of accidents and can cause severe injuries or fatalities. On a lesser scale depending on the state and the violation, it can make you less employable or even cost you your job or your CDL. To avoid speeding, truck drivers should avoid distracted driving, focus on the road and their rig, and adjust their driving speed to the weather and road conditions. Practicing patience is a useful tool in the toolbox of any trucker. This skill will help you avoid many pitfalls while driving that spread well beyond speeding and even into your general health and wellbeing.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Truck drivers who own their own rigs are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in good working condition. However, some drivers neglect regular maintenance, which can result in accidents or breakdowns. To avoid this, drivers should conduct regular checks and maintenance on their trucks, including the brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels. Have these appointments scheduled out at regular intervals well in advance so it becomes second nature and ensure that you’re always listening to your rig and take it in right away if anything seems amiss.
Improper Loading
Improper loading is another mistake that can cause accidents and injuries. Truck drivers should ensure that their cargo is correctly loaded, secured, and balanced before hitting the road. Overloading a truck can also result in damage to the truck’s suspension system, brakes, and tires. Ensure your load is properly secured before you hit the road and check your load at each stop to ensure nothing has shifted to cause an imbalance or other issue.
Not Having Proper Paperwork
Having proper paperwork is also essential for truck drivers. It is crucial to ensure that all documents related to the truck, cargo, and driver are up-to-date and in order. Failure to have the required paperwork can lead to fines, penalties, and delays in delivery. Therefore, truck drivers should create an organization system of their paperwork, including their commercial driver’s license, registration, insurance, and permits, and any info related to their load. They should also ensure that they are easy to access and comply with all federal and state regulations regarding their paperwork. By having a system for paperwork and ensuring that all proper documents are available at all times, truck drivers can avoid legal issues and ensure a smooth and successful delivery.
Not Paying Attention to Road Signs
Road signs provide critical information about speed limits, construction zones, lane closures, and other potential hazards on the road. Ignoring or missing road signs can lead to accidents, fines, and delays. To avoid this, truck drivers should stay alert and focused on the road at all times. They should also make a habit of reading and understanding road signs and adjusting their driving accordingly. Truck drivers should also pay attention to electronic message signs and alerts that provide real-time information about traffic conditions and accidents. This can help them plan their route and avoid potential delays or hazards on the road.
