10 Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents: The Complete Guide for Truck Drivers

16 March 2022

We all know that truck accident can cause severe injuries and even death. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 4,000 people killed in truck accidents each year.

The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable. This blog post will discuss some tips that truck drivers can use to prevent accidents from happening.

Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented?

Regardless of how technology has advanced, there are still many dangers associated with driving a truck. Truck accidents can be caused by several factors, including driver error, mechanical problems, and poor weather conditions.

Although accidents cannot always be prevented, there are specific steps that truck drivers can take to minimize the risk of being involved in an accident. Below are some tips on how to avoid truck accidents:

Always obey the speed limit and other traffic laws.
Be aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to other drivers.
Ensure that your truck is maintained correctly and that all mechanical problems are fixed before you hit the road.
Avoid driving in poor weather conditions whenever possible. If you must drive in bad weather, use caution and drive slowly.
If you are tired, take a break. Driving when you are tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
Plan your route, and avoid congested areas whenever possible.
Stay alert at all times, and never drink and drive.

Following these tips will not guarantee that you will never be involved in an accident, but they can help to reduce the risk. Remember, even if an accident is not your fault, it can still have severe consequences for you and your career. So do everything you can to avoid them.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A well-versed Macon Personal Injury Lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

1. Give Clear Signs And Signals

Regardless of how careful and cautious they are, truck drivers can’t avoid accidents if other motorists on the road don’t know their intentions. Truckers need to give clear signs and signals when changing lanes or making turns. Unfortunately, many car drivers often fail to notice these signals, resulting in serious accidents.

2. Avoid Going To Their Blind Spots

Truck drivers should always avoid going to the blind spots of other trucks. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, then chances are they can’t see you either.

3. Merge Carefully When Entering The Highway

It is essential to do so gradually and carefully when merging onto the highway. Speeding up to match traffic flow can be dangerous, as it gives other motorists less time to react.

4. Keep A Safe Distance From Other Vehicles

Truck drivers should always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. This is especially true in bad weather conditions when trucks take longer to stop.

5. Use Extra Caution When Driving Near Schools And Playgrounds

Trucks should always use extra caution when driving near schools and playgrounds. Children can be unpredictable and dart out into the street without warning.

6. Use Extra Caution When You Pass

When passing other vehicles, use extra caution and give yourself plenty of room. Sudden braking or lane changes can cause accidents.

7. Lower Brights When Approaching Other Vehicles

When approaching other vehicles, truck drivers should lower their brights. This will help to avoid blinding the other driver and causing an accident.

8. Avoid Getting Distracted

Truck drivers need to avoid getting distracted while driving. This can be difficult, as many things can cause distractions, including cell phones, GPS devices, and other passengers in the cab. If you must use a cell phone or GPS device, pull over to a safe location first. And if you have passengers in the cab, make sure to keep them quiet and out of the way.

9. Stay In The Right Lane Whenever Possible

Truck drivers should stay in the right lane whenever possible. This will help to keep traffic moving and reduce the risk of accidents.

10. Be Aware Of Road Conditions

Truck drivers should be aware of the road conditions at all times. This includes checking for potholes, icy roads, and other potential hazards.

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents

As a truck driver, you should be aware of the most common causes of truck accidents. This will help you to be more cautious and avoid these situations altogether. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

1. Driver Error

This is the number one cause of truck accidents, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as fatigue, distractions, and inexperience.

2. Mechanical Problems

Trucks are complex machines, and it is not uncommon for them to experience mechanical problems. These problems can often lead to accidents.

3. Poor Weather Conditions

Bad weather can make driving a truck very dangerous, and it is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.

Final Words

If you take the road next to a heavy vehicle like a truck or bus, you need to be extra vigilant. These big boys are not easy to stop, and they will take up most of the road, so there would be hardly any space for you should an emergency happen. Remember that even if these drivers do their best to avoid accidents, there are still factors beyond their control.

It would be best if you could avoid being in their blind spot. Do not tailgate and always give them enough space should they need to stop or change lanes. You should also use your horn when necessary to get their attention, especially when it is dark or nasty weather. Lastly, do not cut them off as this will only anger the driver and cause an accident.

Read Also:

Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

View all posts

Answering 4 Common Questions About Tire Rotation: Is Yours Due Soon?

Just about every driver on the road realizes how important it is to provide routine maintenance like checking fluids and changing oil and filters. Surprisingly few of them consider how important it is to maintain their vehicles' tires, though. Just like oil changes protect the vehicle's engine and decrease costs of ownership over time, tire rotation protects the vehicle's tires, so it's important that drivers understand what tire rotations are and what schedule to follow. Read on to find answers to four frequently asked questions to get the search for knowledge started off on the right foot. Answering 4 Common Questions About Tire Rotation: Why Are Tire Rotations Necessary? Tires aren't cheap, but periodic tire rotations can help to extend the lifespan of tires by ensuring they all wear evenly, helping drivers make the most of their investments. Even tire wear also increases gas mileage and decreases the chances of a blowout. Along with other essential tire services, rotations can not only extend the lifespan of the car's tires but also help prevent potential safety risks on the road. How Often Do Tires Need to Be Rotated? There's actually no clear answer to this question. Some vehicles and tires need more frequent maintenance and rotation than others. For example, all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles need more frequent tire rotations because uneven wear can throw off the entire driving system. Driving habits also impact how often tires need to be changed. Aggressive drivers or those who drive long distances every day typically require rotations more often. The type and brand of the tire can also impact how often drivers need a rotation. New tires that are still under warranty typically need to be rotated by a professional at prescribed intervals to avoid voiding the warranty. Some warranties require rotations as frequently as every 4,000 miles, so make sure to check the manufacturer's specifications. For most drivers, getting the tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is a good rule of thumb. Get the tires rotated with each oil change to avoid missing an appointment and creating uneven wear patterns. Can Drivers Rotate Their Own Tires? Tire rotations require specialized tools, including multiple jack stands, floor jacks, and a torque wrench. Unless drivers have everything needed to remove multiple tires safely and replace them securely, it's never a good idea to attempt a DIY tire rotation. Failing to get documentation from an automotive or tire shop can also void the warranty on new tires. Feel like the quote on a tire rotation offered by the dealership is excessively high? The best solution is to head to an independent shop, not to attempt a home rotation. Some shops perform rotations as part of other routine maintenance services, while others include inspections at no additional cost, so it's worth the money. What About the Spare? Most vehicles' spare tires are smaller than ordinary tires. Known as "donuts," these tires should only be used in emergencies. Unless the vehicle has a full-sized spare, it should never be included in the tire rotation. The Bottom Line Tire rotations are essential for prolonging the lifespan of tires and vehicles. This affordable form of automotive maintenance is a necessity, not a luxury, so don't put it off. If it's been a while since the last tire rotation, schedule an appointment with a local tire shop as soon as possible. Read Also: Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained 5 Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Big rigs, delivery, trucks or any kind of commercial trucks can present some serious threats to other vehicles and passengers present on the road. As per statistics, around five hundred thousand accidents from the total accidents are caused either directly or indirectly by commercial trucks. Out of these five hundred thousand, around five thousand have reported leading to deaths due to truck accidents. In order to take efficient measures for the prevention of truck accidents, we first need to understand the main causes as well. In this article, we have listed some of the most common causes of truck accidents. The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents: 1.Cars Driving in the No-Zones areas The area behind and beside a truck is known as the ‘No-Zone’ area. A passenger vehicle or car driving in this area automatically puts itself in a dangerous position because the area is not visible by the driver. An accident can occur due to zero visibility. 2. Not Training the Truck Drivers Properly Driving a truck is entirely different from driving a car and requires an enhanced level of training. Drivers who are not properly trained may not be aware of the safety concerns and important techniques for driving trucks. These drivers, in turn, are more prone to cause accidents later on as well. 3. Speeding and Over Taking by the Truck Driver Speeding by any kind of vehicle whether it is a truck or a passenger car or even a motorcycle can ultimately lead to an accident. Overtaking while driving especially at high speeds also contributes to a majority of accidents. Most of the truck drivers tend to over-speed as a result of the unrealistic deadlines given by their companies to deliver goods in a lot of cases. Over-speeding, especially in poor weather conditions, poses a heightened level of danger for all the vehicles present on the road. 4. Poorly Maintained Trucks or Trucks with Faulty Systems A truck or any kind of vehicle needs to be properly maintained so that it can function well on the road. If a commercial truck is poorly maintained or consists of faulty systems, then it can lead to critical accidents. Faulty brakes, for example, can lead to an accident if a truck driver is not able to stop the truck at point hence leading to a collision. 5. Distracted Driving and Fatigue Drivers tend to become exhausted and even bored when they have been driving trucks from a long consistent period of time. As a result, they might be prone to falling asleep on the wheel or may look for distractions to keep them entertained. These distractions can include playing games on their cell phone or speaking on the cell phone while not focusing on the road. Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today! These were some of the common causes in brief. In order to learn more in detail for filing a truck accident claim, you can choose to contact the Truck Accident Attorney Chicago for better understanding. Read Also: Why Texting Is Not A Good Idea When You Drive Why Times Are Tough For Truckers and Why It Concerns You

How Professional Mechanics Can Score Deals on Auto Parts

As a professional auto mechanic, you still might be asking yourself what is the best auto store near me? Your business demands a lot. You need quality auto parts fast and at a great price. So selection and affordability are important, but so is building a strong relationship with your supplier. Since you purchase a high volume of auto parts, it only makes sense that you get rewarded for all of your business. Loyalty has its perks and partnering with an auto supplier who provides generous rewards benefits you both. The idea is to get the quality products for your needs without paying too much. So, you need to be vigilant and look out for auto supplier who got the right kind of reputation as a quality yet affordable auto parts supplier. Making money in business depends a lot on sourcing the right product at the least possible price on a consistent basis. Pro Deals Rock Once you’ve selected an outstanding auto supplier, the question of where to buy windshield wipers becomes a no-brainer. The advantages of being a commercial customer are many and include the following pluses: You get great deals You are linked into an easy online ordering system You build up rewards points to be used when you want The more you buy the more you earn You get short-listed for referrals from the store You are notified of rebates and new products Additionally, you receive tips on marketing your business and educational resources that help you and your employees grow in the profession. A good pro deal goes far beyond receiving solid discounts and extends to the very core of your shop’s success. Getting discounts comes with loyalty and long term relation with your supplier. Normally, the more you buy the more discounts you get. So, when you buy to make sure you order in bulk to have the economies of scale benefit. Rewards Programs Are the Best Your expertise in the auto care world should come with some added benefits and that’s just what a commercial account does. Once you’ve developed a strong relationship with the local auto store, you’ll begin to see rewards. These could include new customers and advice on how to reach out to existing customers. For example, testing more batteries could result in increased sales and safer clients. The better you serve the people who walk into your shop, the better will you build up. If you haven’t already it’s time to open a commercial account with your favorite supplier. You’ll be glad you did. If it is still early days of your business, you will take a little time to find the best available supplier but make sure you keep searching for the best to have a competitive advantage over the other auto mechanics in your area. Know the competition, work hard for the best products at the best price and make your business stand out among your competitors. Read Also: The Rapid Growth In The Global Industrial Automation Market And Its Career Opportunities Expert Advice: 5 Crucial Things To Do Immediately After An Automobile Accident Key Stats To Know About The Automotive Aftermarket

10 Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents: The Complete Guide for Truck Drivers