It’s not easy to drive a truck for a living. Truck drivers have a huge responsibility in keeping themselves and other people safe. That’s why it’s a task that requires a great deal of skill and alertness.
Truck drivers put their life on the line every time they hit the road. A study found out that the number of truck drivers that died in 2019 has more than doubled compared to any year over the past decade.
No one wants to get into a fatal motor accident. So, here are the five best ways to avoid truck accidents on the road.
1. Keep your speed within safe limits.
Driving at an unsafe speed is one of the most common causes of motor accidents, second to distracted driving. Truck drivers need to be extra careful because trucks and semi-trucks exert more force due to their sheer size.
If you’re driving a large vehicle, keep your speed at an appropriate level. Moreover, keep a safe distance from other smaller vehicles. Keeping a safe speed improves your reaction time and also lowers your fuel costs.
Your truck green slip protects you from any financial burden when you get into a motor vehicle accident and you’re at fault. Learn more about getting NSW CTP greenslip insurance here.
2. Be cautious when there’s a sudden change in the weather.
We all know that the weather can be unpredictable. It’s important to react accordingly based on any weather change. Be more careful when you observe changes in temperature or cloud shapes. It may indicate that the weather is starting to change.
Always maintain your distance from other vehicles, especially when there is rain or snow. The roads get slippery when there is water on the surface.
3. Don’t drive a truck when you’re too tired.
Accidents due to fatigue are one of the most deadly. In fact, the National Transport Insurance company discovered that 53 truck drivers in Australia died in a fatal vehicle crash last year. Thirty-four percent of the truck driver deaths were linked to fatigue.
Make sure that you are fully alert when driving a large truck. When you notice that your reaction time is dropping, it’s better to find a safe place for you to stop and have a rest or even to take a nap.
4. Be aware when another vehicle is in your blind spot.
Trucks are typically three to four times the length of a car. Because of this, truck drivers have to be mindful of their surroundings to make sure that another vehicle is not in their blind spot.
Other drivers might not be aware of this fact. It’s up to the truck drivers to maintain a safe distance, especially when changing lanes.
5. Inspect your truck before every trip.
Checking your vehicle is essential in preventing accidents. Inspect your brakes, tyres, and other parts regularly before and after every trip. Schedule preventive maintenance to make sure that your vehicle won’t fail while driving.
If you got into an accident without performing a pre-trip inspection, the liability of the accident could fall on you.
Get a CTP green slip for your truck to protect yourself in case of a road accident. Your CTP green slip covers you for personal injury suffered by victims involved in a motor accident.
Driving trucks or semi-trucks is a big responsibility. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is key to making sure no gets hurt. It’s also important to be aware of the surroundings and weather changes, so you can drive safely with peace of mind.
Do you own a truck or a fleet of trucks? We provide truck green slip quotes based on your needs. Contact us today to get a CTP quote!
