8 Common Errors Truck Drivers Should Avoid

Truck drivers in the country are supposed to drive only up to 11 hours per day. While this is a recommended limit that helps them avoid overexerting themselves, driving for long periods still requires caution and undivided attention. About 388,000 truck accidents occur every year, making it cause for concern for truckers. Here, the only way to ensure maximum safety keeping an out for the following errors truck drivers should avoid on the road: Drowsy driving On average, truck drivers spend almost half of their day on the road. This can leave one struggling to stay wide awake behind the wheel. Although Federal law states that after 11 hours of driving, drivers are supposed to take a break for 10 consecutive hours and get enough rest before heading out again. However, trucking companies may push employees to meet tight deadlines and determine the pay based on the miles driven. This could force drivers to make errors like drowsy driving. Here, one may not pay enough attention to the road, have slow reflexes, and may even fall asleep while driving, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. So, drivers should get enough rest after driving for a while and get the truck off the road if they feel drowsy. Speeding Most truck drivers on the road have to meet delivery deadlines. However, certain uncontrollable factors can affect the delivery time, like delays caused by extreme weather conditions. Additionally, heavy traffic can slow one down. Here, truckers opt for speeding to make up for the lost time; however, driving too fast, especially when driving long trailers, can expose the vehicle to road accidents. This is because when driving too fast, truckers must have quick reflexes and enough space to maneuver the vehicle and prevent collisions. If not, they can cause heavy damage to the truck and other vehicles on the road.  Distracted driving The term distracted driving refers to any behavior or activity that drives the attention of the driver away from the road. Often, due to the long hours spent driving, many truckers may indulge in distracting activities to keep them alert or entertained. While the most common distraction is talking on the phone while driving, the hands-free calling feature available today has helped mitigate the risk of distraction. Additionally, here are other simple behaviors or activities that contribute to distracted driving: Eating behind the wheel, especially foods that can make a mess, like sandwiches and hamburgers Changing radio stations or songs and adjusting music player settings Setting up GPS devices while driving Adjusting clothes External distractions like looking at something outside the car other than the road Ignoring road signs The purpose of road signs is to keep vehicles safe and ensure that one takes the right turns to reach their destination. However, sometimes, one may miss or choose to ignore key road signs and end up not stopping, slowing down, or making a turn when they should. Ignoring road signs is a violation of the law, which can lead to one being pulled over by the police. Additionally, when passing through cities and small towns, ignoring these signs can increase the chances of pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Not taking care of themselves Although driving across the country can seem like an exciting job, it requires one to make significant changes to daily routine to adapt to life on the road. This also includes being alert on the job and maintaining a flexible sleep schedule to get enough rest when not on the road. However, if one feels extremely tired and cannot guarantee the safety of the truck and other vehicles on the road, one should take a break. Recognizing physical and mental limits is a key priority for truckers, as knowing when to stop can help one stay safe and maintain personal well-being for a rewarding career. Being disorganized When driving across the country, one must have all the permits and other necessary paperwork on hand. This way, one can keep track of on-road receipts, expenses, logs, and other important documents that must be handed over post-delivery. Losing or misplacing the paperwork can lead to incorrect paychecks. So, one should keep the truck cabin clean and organize all documents before setting out.  Overlooking key safety measures Following driving regulations and key safety guidelines can ensure that the driver, truck, load, and other on-road vehicles are not at risk of damage. Not ensuring complete safety can cause accidents, threats to life, and monetary losses. So, here are a few tips for ensuring safety on the road: Conducting pre-trip truck inspections and looking for potential issues Wearing seatbelts at all times Staying alert and focused when behind the wheel Avoiding distractions while driving Additionally, one must make changes to account for bad weather conditions, carefully plan the route, and keep an eye out for blindspots to exercise caution. Ignoring truck maintenance As most trucks are the property of trucking companies, drivers may not bear the responsibility of ensuring routine maintenance. Nevertheless, truckers are required to inform the company in case of problems to arrange for prompt repair and care. However, at times, one may overlook mechanical issues or try to avoid bringing up such problems. When such snags are left unchecked, drivers can encounter break failures, unsecured cargo, faulty signals/reflectors, and worn-out tires on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents and delays. So, it is important to report minor or major issues as soon as one notices them. Timely repair services and care can prevent the issues from worsening and causing vehicle breakdowns. In addition to the above-mentioned errors truck drivers should avoid on the road, one should not engage in aggressive driving, driving beyond suggested hours, failing to secure loads, and overlooking mental and physical health issues like burnout.