Long-distance truck driving can be a great job, but it can also be very dangerous. Every year, there are over 500,000 accidents involving trucks on American roads. More than 10% of all traffic accidents in the US involve a trucking accident. Anthem can help facilitate those accidents and claims. Driving long haul can be very, very physically and mentally, and a moment’s lapse in concentration can have fatal consequences. 5,000 trucking accidents each year lead to death, so it is so important to take every measure necessary to drive safely.
This article lays out four road safety tips that every truck driver should know. If all else fails, contact this Orlando Truck Accident Attorney.
1. Do Not Drive If You are Tired
Long haul driving is extremely extraneous and tiredness is one of the main contributing factors in traffic accidents. If a driver is tired they may momentarily lose concentration or even fall asleep, both of which can lead to a crash. Being overly exhausted and staring for hours at the road can even lead to hallucinations which can cause a driver to make a mistake. Over 70,000 accidents a year come as a result of drowsy driving and these lead to more than 800 deaths. The expert attorneys at http://www.kraftlaw.com/, who represent drivers in all kinds of accidents, told us that it is vital for long-distance truck drivers to ensure that they have plenty of sleep before doing a long drive or an accident can easily occur for which they may be culpable. Whether you are a long-distance truck driver or a parent on the way home for a school run, your legal case will be significantly weakened if you were found to be overly tired when involved in a crash. Many truck drivers consume large quantities of caffeine or other stimulants to stay awake and alert, but these can distort judgment and affect reaction times so being well rested before the trip is a much safer method.
2. Make Sure Your Truck is Fully Operational
A huge number of traffic accidents are caused by a mechanical failure and so it is vital to make sure that your truck is fully operational and that the brakes, lights, and other important safety features are all working perfectly. It is far better to check your truck before the trip rather than having to stop and find somewhere to make repairs. Not only may you not be able to find a place that can do the necessary repairs, but even if you do, the delay will put you behind schedule. This may cause you to speed which will increase your chance of an accident. Not only should you personally check your truck each time, but all commercial trucks should be regularly serviced by professional mechanics to make sure that they are up to road standards.
3. Rest Every Few Hours
As well as getting lots of sleep before the journey, take regular rest stops along the way. This gives you a chance to recharge your batteries and to switch off mentally for a little while. Maintaining the concentration levels necessary to do a long drive is incredibly taxing so regular rests are very important to make sure that you don’t lose focus. Plan these stops on your route before you head off to break the journey up into manageable chunks. Budget the stops into your predicted driving time and make the most of each one. Whether you are stopping for a bite to eat, for a cigarette, or a nap, make sure that you are fully refreshed before you set off again. Meal times are a great time for rest stops and if you are driving a route you know well, you probably already have your favorite eateries to stop off at on the journey. Take your time and you will be well-rested and ready to continue.
4. Don’t Exceed the Speed Limit
Make sure you plan the journey well and give yourself enough time so that you can take those important rest stops and don’t have to speed. More than 50% of crashes are caused by speeding or careless driving and it can be so tempting to exceed the speed limit when you are falling behind schedule. When you are planning your route, assume there will be heavy traffic, roadblocks, or other obstacles and take them into account when estimating your journey time.
Long-distance truck driving can be a fantastic way to see the country and to spend some time with your thoughts. To make sure that you finish your journey safely, it is vitally important to follow all appropriate safety measures. Being well-rested, making sure your truck is working properly, and planning your route and time carefully are all key to safe long-distance truck driving. Take these tips into account next time you are planning a long haul journey.
