If you’re in the trucking industry, then you know that safety is always the number one concern. Life on the road can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. That being said, do you know what the biggest threat on the road is? It isn’t the weather or a blown tire… it’s the other vehicles we share the road with! So for all the 4-wheelers out there, this blog’s for you! Here are a few tips to keep yourself and the big rigs you share the road with safe:
- Watch for blind spots.
We’re not talking about your blind spots, we’re talking about the 18-wheelers blind spots. Trucks have blind spots all over and it’s important you know the no-zones. For a detailed look at the areas you need to be aware of, we encourage you to read our blog “Know the “No Zones”.
- Don’t linger.
Now that you have a clear understanding about a truck’s blind spots, it’s important to remember not to linger too close to the truck and give them plenty of room. A dangerous event, such as a gust of wind coming through tipping the rig to its side or a tire finally giving out and blowing – a truck should have ample space around it.
- Don’t travel too close.
It’s best not to travel too close to the front of a truck or behind the truck. Tailgating is dangerous because the truck driver can not see you. Driving too close to the front of the truck is equally dangerous because again, the truck driver could have a hard time seeing you over the rig’s large hood. Additionally, if you’re driving too close and suddenly break, the truck driver doesn’t have the luxury of breaking quickly and the likelihood of you getting rear-ended increases significantly.
- Don’t be distracted.
Distracted driving is increasingly becoming a major problem. According to the CDC, “approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.” Driving is major responsibility and it’s imperative to always be present while operating a vehicle.
Bottom line – be aware, be smart, be safe and stay visible. Whether you’re a four-wheeler or 18-wheeler, if everyone drives safe and respects the road, then we should all be ok.