Truck Accident Prevention: Tips for Truckers and Drivers

Barreling down the highway at 60 mph, pulling 80,000 pounds of cargo would seem intimidating for a motorist. However, for truckers, it is all in a day's work. Truck drivers take many precautions to ensure a safe trip. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, traffic accidents are unfortunately still common.

For example, in 2019, more than 5,000 18-wheelers were involved in fatal collisions. A few tips will help to cut down on these accidents and keep the roads safe for everyone.

Rest Up

A well-rested driver is a safe driver. Get adequate rest before a trip. Stop and pull over if you start to feel fatigued on your journey. While night driving is often unavoidable, take extra steps to ensure that you are refreshed if your trip includes driving at night. Do not push yourself past your limits. If you feel you are too tired to drive, stop and rest until it is safe to continue.

Watch the Weather

Poor weather can lead to poor road conditions and accidents. Adjust your speed to stay within the speed limit and drive a bit slower if necessary. Check the weather forecast before you begin your trip and check it periodically during your travel to avoid any surprises down the road.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Make sure your truck is well-maintained before you hit the road. A blown tire, an engine problem, or even a broken windshield wiper can make it more likely that you will get into an accident while driving. Complete a brief checklist before each trip, ensuring that all of your rig's parts are in good working order. In time, these will become a routine chore.

Avoid Distractions

While driving for long hours can get tedious and boring, it is important to stay focused on the road and the task at hand to avoid accidents. Avoid using your cell phone for texting, surfing, or talking and only eat while parked.

If you need to use your phone for anything, pull over whenever possible. Stick to one radio station so that you do not have to take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel while you are driving.

Watch Out for Problem Drivers

You might be the best driver on the road, but that does not mean that the other drivers will be as cautious. Be on the alert for distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and speeders. It can be easy to fall into a comfortable driving routine, but it is crucial that you remain alert and focused on the task at hand. When you are less distracted, you will be in a better position to respond to drivers who are.

Keep Fit

Sitting for long periods and eating at roadside truck stops can do a number on your health. Because trucking is a sedentary job, you will have to make more effort to keep fit than the average person.

Go for short walks when you are parked during downtime. Bring along your own healthy food and avoid eating at truck stops whenever possible. Join a nationwide gym and carve out some time to get in a workout or two each week.

The Bottom Line

If you have been involved in a truck-related accident, you may be confused about what to do next. Truck accidents tend to be more serious than passenger car accidents and have a higher incidence of injury. In many cases, if one trucker hits another, it can be hard to pin down who to sue. In some cases, the trucking company is at fault and liable for damages, and in other cases, both drivers are at fault.

We can get to the bottom of your case and get you the compensation you deserve if you have been hurt in an accident. If you need atruck accident lawyer in Houston Texas, contact a firm as soon as possible. Many even offer a free initial conversation.