Starting a new job can be invigorating, but in order to make a good impression and complete your tasks effectively, you have to keep the right safety standards in mind. When it comes to the trucking industry, safety is key. Not following these safety tips for first-time truck drivers below can lead to accidents during your trip. As long as you account for these factors, you can remain safe and efficient over the course of your long haul.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
As with any new job, you’ll go through those new-hire growing pains when you first become a truck driver. Then, at some point, you’ll have a stronger grasp of the job and the company you work for, taking you from a novice to a professional. It’s important not to let yourself get too comfortable when you reach this stage.
What we mean is that you should always stay alert and aware whenever you’re behind the wheel of the truck. This means avoiding distractions like cell phones so you can keep both your eyes and your mind on the road. Don’t drive while texting just because you think you’re a good enough driver to get away with it.
Don’t Forget To Check the Weather
There are many essential tools all truck drivers needwhen they hit the road. However, specific circumstances call for specific tools. One step you’ll always need to take before getting behind the wheel is looking at the forecast for the areas you’ll be driving through. That way, you can prepare accordingly.
For instance, if the forecast calls for harsh weather conditions, make sure you have gear like flashlights and road flares inside the truck in case you have to exit the vehicle for any reason. Likewise, if the forecast calls for sunny afternoons ahead, make sure you have a pair of sunglasses (and a back-up pair) so you can protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sunlight.
Don’t Ignore a Proper Sleep Schedule
One of the single most essential safety tips for first-time truck drivers is to try not to push yourself when you don’t need to. This doesn’t mean be lazy – it means to be smart. If you feel drowsy but continue to drive, you run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Before each trip, put together a concise sleeping and driving schedule so you can maintain a healthy balance of the two while you’re on the road. That way, you’ll remain awake and energetic during the day, and then when the nighttime arrives, you can pull over and get some rest. If you ever feel drowsy during the day as well, you should pull over and take a break so you can rest up for a bit and reset.
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