Some Tips for Truck Drivers to Avoid Becoming a Statistic

Commercial vehicles and large trucks are prominent parts of the economy, especially in cities like St. Petersburg. With the steady growth of the e-commerce industry, the trucking industry has also seen plenty of growth. This is due to the fact that trucks play an integral part in moving goods from point A to point B in the logistic chain. Having said that, the nature of this job puts St. Petersburg truck drivers at constant risk.

Some Tips for Truck Drivers to Avoid Becoming a Statistic

However, if you find yourself involved in an accident, then legal assistance is vital. Experienced St. Petersburg, Florida, truck accident attorneys will make sure you recover fair compensation for all the losses and damages you have suffered.

We will discuss some tips truck drivers can follow to avoid getting into accidents.

Regularly Inspect Your Vehicle

Spend some time inspecting your truck before you get on the road. Examine the tires, lights, brakes, and other vital parts. By spotting problems early on and taking appropriate action, accidents caused by mechanical breakdowns can be avoided. 

Maintain Speeds Within the Legal Limits

A speed limit means a “limit.” It is not a suggestion or a minimum. It's the fastest you're permitted to go on that specific section of road.

If the weather is terrible or other factors make driving slower and safer, you'll need to reduce your speed. You have a job, and getting your cargo to its destination as soon as possible is undoubtedly part of doing it well. However, if you don't get it there safely, neither you nor your employer will benefit from it. 

Plan Your Trip

Transporting cargo to a new location is part of the job. Before you go, familiarize yourself with the route.

Be aware of your bridge and trestle clearances in advance to avoid causing an accident when your vehicle gets trapped somewhere it shouldn't be.

Deadly truck accidents that make the news often happen on highways. But to reach the warehouse, retailer, or other delivery location, every truck must get off the highway. It would be a brilliant idea to call the destination contact in advance and ask about specific road hazards or any other conditions that could be dangerous. You can avoid trouble and possible danger upon your arrival.

Ensure Adequate Breaks

Strict guidelines govern the hours you can drive a commercial vehicle, the number of breaks you must take, and the hours you must sleep. As a truck driver, these are the most significant regulations you should adhere to.

A sleepy driver poses a risk to road safety. You need to fulfill deadlines and make deliveries. It's a difficult job, and efficiency is vital to doing it correctly. However, it's critical to stay productive without sacrificing your sleep schedule.

Be Fully Aware of the Cargo

Knowing what's in the truck you drive makes plain sense. Still, whether you work as an independent contractor or through an employment agency, you may drive daily for several different organizations.

But if you have a truck full of dangerous material, you really need to know what to do in the event of an emergency. Even a minor mishap can become a significant issue when carrying materials that could be dangerous.

Do Not Drive Under the Influence

Although some tired truck drivers may find it tempting to use stimulants while driving, this is not a safe way to address driver fatigue. Using drugs to remain awake unnaturally increases the chance that you may drive too fast, change lanes unsafely, or engage in other reckless driving behaviors.

Furthermore, as the stimulants wear off, you're more likely to doze off on the wheel.

Conclusion

Let’s just say some accidents are just what they are: Accidents. No matter how cautious you are or how many preventive measures you take, truck accidents can happen. However, by remembering the tips, you can hopefully prevent an accident from occurring.

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