Operating a large commercial truck isn’t like driving a regular car. Commercial drivers contend with all the same hazards as normal drivers such as other motorists and dangerous weather conditions, but they also have the added challenge of carrying heavy and oftentimes dangerous cargo that can affect the handling of their rigs. One mistake by a commercial driver can lead to serious repercussions, which is why road safety is one of the major subjects you’ll study while attending truck driving school in Tucson. But you can never be too safe on the road, so here are some safety tips to get you started before you go to CDL school.
Increase Your Following Distance
The bigger and heavier your rig, the longer it will take to slow down to a complete stop. As a truck driver you’ll be faced with strict deadlines, but that’s no excuse to risk your safety or the safety of your fellow motorists. Keep at least six seconds between your rig and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself time to safely come to a stop if a situation suddenly develops.
Minimize Lane Changes
There are a lot more blind spots on a big rig than on your typical passenger vehicle, which is why truck drivers are encouraged to only change lanes when it is absolutely necessary. If you must change lanes, check your mirrors and signal early to give other motorists ample warning of your intended maneuver. Related to signaling, tap on the brakes a few times when coming up to a stop to flash your brake lights and signal motorists behind you that you will be slowing down.
Make Sure Your Rig is Road Worthy
You can be the safest driver on the road and still run into problems if your vehicle is not up to snuff. That’s why truck drivers need to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before hitting the road to make sure there are no mechanical or electrical issues that can lead to unsafe driving conditions.
HDS Truck Driving Institute can prepare you to pass the Arizona CDL exam and go on to have a long, lucrative, and safe career as a professional truck driver. Call us at (877) 205-2141 to learn more about our CDL training programs in Tucson and Phoenix.
