Truck Driver Safety

Truck Driver Safety Information & Facts

If you are a truck driver, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your personal safety and the safety of other motorists while you are driving your truck. Below, our law firm has provided several truck driver safety tips that we hope you will find useful and that we encourage you to follow. Additionally, most states offer truck driver training courses and safety courses related to fatigue management, rules of the road, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance and vehicle restrictions, all of which can be extremely educational for people who operate big rigs, 18 wheelers and commercial trucks on a day-to-day basis. 

When driving a truck, whether for personal use or for a company, you should make sure that you are well rested. It is never wise to step behind the wheel of a large truck when you feel fatigued or are unable to focus. Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents in the U.S., which is why most states have passed laws that restrict truck drivers from working long shifts. If you are driving a truck, make sure that you do not exceed your scheduled hours and always take time to rest in between shifts.

Do not drive too closely to other motor vehicles when you are operating a large truck. Large trucks take a longer time to stop. This is because giant trucks are heavy in weight and size, which prevents a truck driver from making a quick stop. For this reason, truck drivers should avoid driving too closely to other vehicles as a sudden stop could result in a deadly accident.

Be cautious when making wide turns. Trucks are very long and it will take time before a truck driver can make a complete turn. Truck drivers must be careful and check their mirrors when making turns as they may not be able to see other motor vehicles that are close by.

Do not overstock your truck. Just because a truck can handle a heavy load does not mean that drivers should overstock or overload their trucks. Overloading can lead to dangerous accidents and also truck rollovers, which is why overstocking is highly discouraged.

Contact Our Tennessee Trucking Accident Law Office

If you or someone you love has been harmed during a truck accident, contact experienced Chattanooga trucking accident lawyer, John Whitfield!