So many of us are
used to being behind the wheel of a vehicle, especially those who drive trucks
for a living.
With such confidence
in driving, as the years pass, it gets easier and easier to overlook certain
risk factors you would have been far more cautious than when you started out.
While there is an
infinite number of causes to truck crashes, today we’re going to explore
factors that can make an incident far more likely. The more aware of these you
are, the less likely you will be to be involved in a truck crash.
#1 - Fatigue
When you’re a truck
driver, you can spend hours on the road at a time, remaining sat in the same
position, and it’s easy to get too comfortable. When tiredness hits, make sure you’re pulling over and
getting some rest in a designated area. Your life could depend on it.
#2 - A Poorly Loaded
Truck
Perhaps one of the
most overlooked factors that could contribute to an accident is the load you’re
carrying being poorly stacked. This isn’t your fault, but it can cause serious
problems when it comes to weight distribution that can seriously affect your
truck’s handling.
#3 - Drugs or Alcohol
Of course, as a truck
driver, you would be stupid to drink and drive or to drive under the influence
of narcotics. Your safety, other people’s safety, and your job depend on it.
However, the substance doesn’t have to be illegal. Some medication can have
fatigue-enhancing effects, so be aware.
#4 -
Unlicensed/Unqualified Drivers
While you may be over
the moon at securing a job in a truck driving vacancy, if you’re not qualified
to drive the truck you’re licensed for, you may not be used to the handling,
and this is incredibly unsafe.
You should always
stick to drive what you’ve been trained to drive. Even if the company is asking
you to do them a favor, is it really worth the risk?
#5 - Mechanical
Issues
A truck driver is
never normally responsible for the nitty-gritty maintenance tasks of a truck,
but one small oversight in the garage can cause a lot of problems out on the
road. It doesn’t matter whether you drive the same truck regularly, always be
aware of what sounds and feelings the truck are giving you, and don’t be afraid
to say something when it’s wrong.
#6 - Poor Road Design
Not all truck
accidents will come down to the driver or even the truck itself. In some parts
of the world, a poorly maintained road can be more than enough to cause
problems for a truck; especially when the truck is carrying weight.
Drivers should always
try
to be as focused as possiblewhile driving and be on the lookout for possible dangers.
#7 - Speeding
One of the most
common causes of accident for all vehicles, as a truck driver, it’s imperative
you don’t speed. Each country will have its own laws and regulations for
speeding depending on the weight of your truck, so be aware of what they are
before hitting the roads.
Summary
While it’s impossible
to predict when an accident may take place, it’s important for all truck
drivers to be aware of their responsibilities while out on the road. Be mindful
of what you and the truck are doing at all times, and you can surely minimize
the risk of being involved in an accident.
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