While operating a truck on a highway, you may observe many people in cars who are unaware of blind spots in your mirrors.
Some drivers tend to turn sharply or be otherwise dangerously close to causing an accident. By learning to drive defensively, you can help prevent injuries on the road.
Stay vigilant
As an operator of a larger vehicle, it can be daunting to try to avoid collisions when you cannot predict what smaller cars will do. However, maintaining a safe distance away from them can help greatly.
According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, smaller vehicles are responsible for initiating the vast majority of accidents on the road. This means you must act defensively and remind yourself to check your mirrors frequently.
Take turns and roundabouts seriously
Some of the trickiest driving situations occur when a truck enters an intersection with many cars nearby. Many car drivers assume truck drivers can see them at all angles. This is not true, since there are numerous blind spots that block smaller vehicles from a semi’s rear-view mirror.
Look ahead
As a truck driver, it is best to take precautions to not put yourself or another person in danger. Looking both ways and checking 15 seconds’ worth of road distance ahead of you helps you stay alert. This leads to a shorter break time if an obstacle appears.
The same advice goes for turning left or right, since trucks need a larger radius for safe turns. Keeping your eyes on the road and drivers around you can help prevent accidents.
