subject: Guidelines For Safe Truck Driving [print this page] Driving has virtually revolutionized how our society gets from place to place. It is important to always get from place to place safely.
To ensure a safe trip, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with driving a truck before you jump behind the wheel. Here are some guidelines to help you drive your truck safely.
First, before you hit the road, be sure to get comfortable with the truck's switches and gauges. Driving a truck will feel a bit different from driving a car.
Second, take the time to adjust your mirrors before you get on the road. Remember, you won't have a direct rearview mirror, so make sure your mirrors are in the right place for you. Mirror adjustments are important because you will rely on them more when driving a bigger vehicle.
Third, it is important to remember that trucks are taller and wider than cars and need greater overhead and side clearance. If the height and width of the vehicle is not indicated on the truck, be sure to get this information from your rental agent. Be sure to look out for low bridges and tree limbs, as well as canopies at service stations, fast food restaurants, banks, parking garages, and hotels.
Fourth, remember to pay attention to road signs pertaining to trucks. This means stopping at weigh stations, as well as obeying truck or lane restriction signs and overhead clearance postings.
Fifth, always use your turn signals and avoid making sudden stops or abrupt lane changes.
Sixth, never tailgate other cars, especially when driving a truck. This is because trucks weigh three to 10 times more than cars and must have more time and room to stop. Maintain more than one car length between the truck and the vehicle in front of you.
Seventh, do not attempt to pass a vehicle moving faster than 40 mph. In a large truck it will be difficult. Remember to never pass on hills or curves.
Eighth, be sure to set the emergency brake every time you park. Turn the wheels away from the curb when parking with the truck faced uphill.
When parking with the truck faced downhill, turn the wheels in toward the curb. This will help insure that if the car does roll it will be stopped before too much damage can occur.
Ninth, it is smart to look for an area that provides drive-through parking spaces. Avoid backing up into parking spaces as much as possible.
If you must back up, ask someone to direct you from the side at the rear. This is because it is harder to see what is in back of the car when you are driving a big truck.
To learn more truck safety tips you can take truck safety courses. In order to drive some trucks you will need to be certified.
As you drive a truck it is important to follow these safety rules to help ensure the safety of yourself, any passengers, and others on the road.
