Defensive Driving Techniques For Truck Drivers

Your number one priority as a commercial truck driver is to stay safe. One of the best ways to do this is by driving defensively. It allows you to defend yourself against other drivers, who may or may not be paying attention to the road and you. It can also help you avoid accidents due to the weather and unforeseen circumstances. 

So, how can you drive defensively? 

Make sure that you are always on alert and keep your eye up ahead. You should always make sure that you are on when you are driving. Keep an eye on what is coming up, so that you have plenty of time to react if necessary. You should be on the lookout for other drivers, things that may be on the road, or even things that may come on the road in front of you. 

However, you also need to stay alert with things that are going on around and behind you. You should be constantly checking your mirrors so that you know where all of the other vehicles are at all times. You may notice that someone is driving too fast, and weaving in and out of traffic. That way, when he (or she) is closer to you, you are ready for what will happen next.

It also helps you know who is in your blind spot. You will see cars coming up behind you and will know to watch out for them to get ahead of you. If you don’t see them ahead of you, they are still in your blind spot! 

You should always use your turn signals. This lets other drivers know what you are doing. You should never get off an exit or switch lanes without using your turn signals. 

By the same account, you should keep an eye on turn signals around you. If you see someone put theirs on, give him or her room to get where they are heading. 

As a truck driver, you should always, always, always drive safe. This means that you should follow any signs and speed limits when you are driving. You should always give yourself plenty of room to switch lanes and turn when needed. When the weather isn’t ideal, you are going to want to slow down and give yourself even more room to maneuver your truck and trailer. 

it helps to keep distractions in your cab to a minimum. Though you may want to listen to your music or a podcast, if it distracts you in any way, you should turn it off. Too many people get caught up in what is going on in the radio, they struggle to pay attention to the road.

You also should avoid eating and drinking while driving. It is much safer to pull over and eat lunch than it is to try to eat while driving. 

The simple truth is that, if you want to get from point A to point B, you are going to have to drive defensively to get there. Too many people are distracted in their vehicles, and they aren’t paying attention to you or the road! For this reason, you need to stay alert and watch what is going on around you. If you notice a car weaving around, keep away from it as long as you can. Once it approaches you, make sure that you don’t stay by it for very long. You should also keep your own distractions to a minimum. If you are trying to eat while driving, you may not be as alert as you should be! 

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David Ott

David Ott