Many people are surprised to learn that truck driving is actually a fairly hazardous career. Drivers undergo extensive CDL training to respond to countless road conditions, and they are held to a higher standard of responsibility than other drivers. Truck safety is a crucial skill that is developed through hours of experience on the road, but there are a few simple safety tips that can help you minimize on-the-job risks.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Vehicle maintenance is a good idea for anyone with a car, but it’s a must for commercial drivers. Carriers are responsible for maintaining their own fleet, but drivers are still required to maintain maintenance logs and to examine their trucks on the road. In general, the brakes, tires, and lights are the parts that are most prone to wear and tear. Also, be sure to double-check the connections when hauling a trailer.
Drive Defensively
You can’t account for other drivers’ actions, but you may be held accountable for delays or property damage in the event of an accident. Drive defensively by always signaling before turns, scanning for merges and potential road hazards well ahead of time, and by keeping the driver’s seat as free of distractions a possible. Other drivers don’t always know when they’re in your “no zone,” so always take the time to double-check.
Help Others, Help Yourself
Providing support to other drivers is as much as a responsibility of professional drivers as basic road safety. If your schedule allows, take the time to help stranded drivers, respond to distress calls, and notify other drivers of dangerous conditions.
Here at DSW Drivers, we work closely with our drivers to provide flexible scheduling, fair wages, and clear opportunities for advancement. As a family-owned business and Tucson’s largest over the road trucking company, we have the resources and experience to provide a rewarding career path as a professional driver. Follow the link or call 888-266-7534 today to learn more about our job opportunities in Tucson and Phoenix.
