7 Keys of Defensive Driving

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Safe driving is essential for every driver on the road, but it is especially crucial for truck drivers. As a truck driver, you are responsible for a large and heavy vehicle, which makes safety a top priority. Some essential tips for safe driving for the average truck driver are listed below.

1) Most Neglected Mirror

The right side mirror. Many drivers forget to check this mirror, which can lead to blind spots and accidents. It's important to remember that all mirrors, including the right side mirror, should be checked every 8-10 seconds to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings at all times.

2) Advanced Signaling

When changing lanes, it's essential to signal at least 5 seconds before making the move. This gives other drivers enough time to react to your signal and adjust their speed or position accordingly. Failure to signal can result in accidents, so always make sure to use your turn signal.

3) Maintaining a #safe distance

You can gauge the distance while following another vehicle at 40 miles per hour using the "1 second equals 10 feet" method. This means that if you're following a vehicle and it passes a fixed point, such as a sign or a line on the road, you should count one second before you reach the same point. If you're too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won't have enough time to react in case of an emergency. Seven to eight seconds at #55MPH is recommended.

4) Get Attention

To get another driver's attention on the road, light, color, and sound are the best ways. For example, flashing your lights or honking your horn can alert other drivers to your presence. However, it's important to use these methods responsibly and only when necessary.

5) Clearance Lights

It's also important to ensure that your vehicle is visible to other drivers, especially during dawn, dusk, or rain. It's not acceptable to drive with only identification or clearance lights during these conditions.

6) Reflective Triangles

When required under driving regulations to use reflective warning triangles when pulled over on the side of a road, they should be placed at intervals of 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet in the direction of oncoming traffic. This ensures that other drivers can see the warning signs and take appropriate action.

7) Stress

Finally, it's recommended to create a reduced stress environment inside the truck cab by listening to music that helps maintain a relaxing environment as opposed to yelling at traffic or engaging in other distracting behavior. Driving IS stressful, and creating a calming environment can help you stay focused and alert on the road.

Be well, stay safe and keep your hands dirty.


#SafeDriving #TruckDriverSafety #MirrorCheck #SignalEarly #MaintainDistance #GetAttention #VisibilityMatters #ReflectiveSigns #ReducedStress #StayAlert #RoadSafety #TrafficSafety #DriveSafe #TruckDriverTips #StayFocused #GasolineTanker #HazMat #Tanker #Trucking #TruckingIndustry #TruckerLife #smithsystem #5keysofdriving

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