Trucks are the backbone of the American economy, hauling essential goods across vast distances. But their size and weight also present unique safety challenges on our roadways. To keep everyone safe, both truck drivers and car drivers have a responsibility to be aware and prepared.

Truck Driver Safety

• Focus on the Road: Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and that goes double for truckers. Put down the phone, avoid eating while driving, and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Large trucks take much longer to stop than cars. Increase following distance significantly in bad weather or on crowded roads. Use the “3-second rule” as a minimum baseline, and increase it to 5 or even 10 seconds in adverse conditions.
• Know Your Blind Spots: Large trucks have extensive blind spots. Use your mirrors frequently, and be extra cautious when changing lanes or turning.
• Manage Fatigue: Long hours and monotonous stretches of highway can lead to drowsiness. Plan breaks, get enough sleep, and take advantage of driver rest areas.
• Pre-trip Inspections: A mechanical failure on the road can be disastrous. Perform thorough inspections of your truck before every trip, and address any maintenance issues promptly.