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9 common mistakes truck drivers should avoid

The freight industry is experiencing rapid growth. In today’s interconnected world, we rely heavily on trucks and trailers to transport a wide range of goods. However, driving a truck is not as simple as some may think. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran truck driver, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid any accidents or mishaps when you are on the road. Here are 9 errors all truck drivers should avoid on the road:

Crossing speed limits
When transporting goods, it’s understandable to have a deadline to meet. However, unforeseen circumstances and road hazards may cause delays. It’s important to resist the urge to speed or exceed the recommended speed limit. According to truck driving laws in the country, a single axle can carry up to 20,000 lbs, while a tandem axle can carry up to 34,000 lbs. Carrying such a heavy load requires careful control, and overspeeding can lead to loss of control, risking your safety and that of others around you. It’s crucial to follow the recommended speed limit to avoid accidents that could slow you down even more.

Sleep deprived riving
Many truck drivers get paid by the hours they drive or the distance they cover. This can push drivers into driving for longer than recommended. According to Federal Law, truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour shift, after which they must spend 10 consecutive hours away from the wheel. This leaves very little time for drivers to take care of their responsibilities and get the right amount of rest, causing them to feel drowsy behind the wheel. This may lead to:

Challenged reflexes – When you’re drowsy, your reflexes slow down. This increases your response time to whatever may be happening on the road around you and increases the likelihood or severity of an accident.
Paying less attention to the road – In an exhausted state, some drivers may also have issues keeping up with the vehicles or road signs around them, causing negligent driving.
Falling asleep behind the wheel – This is perhaps the most dangerous situation. A driver who has fallen asleep behind the wheel has lost control of the truck, which may drift into another lane or cause a collision with another vehicle.

Ignoring traffic signs
When driving any type of vehicle, it is crucial to follow the rules of the road. This includes obeying stop signs and height restrictions. It’s common for some drivers to avoid coming to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign to save on gas, but this can lead to dangerous accidents and put multiple lives at risk. So, always adhere to traffic regulations for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Forgetting about the trailer
It may sound otherworldly to forget about the massive trailer attached to your truck, but it is more common than you would think! Many drivers misjudge the distance because they aren’t used to a particular length of the trailer. To avoid any inconvenience, it is important to regularly check your blind spots and wait for sufficient room before making any turns or changing lanes.

Failing to secure the load correctly
Generally, drivers do not load the trucks. However, as a driver, be sure to check that the load has been secured correctly. In a closed trailer, a shifting load could cause the weight to move constantly, increasing the risk of a rollover. It may also make it difficult for the driver to maneuver the truck properly. In an open trailer, the load may topple onto other vehicles, causing an accident. To avoid these mishaps, check if the load has been secured properly at every stop.

Ignoring maintenance
Although it is not the responsibility of the truck driver to maintain the trucks, they should promptly report any issues. Neglecting or disregarding these reports can result in larger problems, like brake failures, that could endanger many lives.

Not planning fuel stops
Each gallon of fuel weighs approximately 6 pounds. With a full tank, that’s a lot of weight to lug around, as it can affect your mileage, trip time, and weigh-in. With driving experience, you learn the intricacies of when and how much to fuel, which helps make your drives much more efficient. It is also important to plan your fueling strategy, as there are several routes with no truck stops for several hours at a stretch.

Being disorganized
While on the road, paperwork may seem dull or boring. However, being disorganized, not filling out your logs regularly, or losing track of receipts can cost you a lot of time and money. To avoid these problems and manage your drives more effectively, ensure your paperwork is organized.

Not taking care of yourself
This may feel instinctive, but with a job as stressful as trucking, many often forget to take care of themselves. Trucking involves a significant change in our daily routines, which can make it difficult to adapt to. Moreover, when you’re constantly on the road, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy eating plan or take some time out to exercise or stretch. This could lead to health troubles in the future.

To take better care of yourself:
Plan your routes and stops well in advance.
Opt for healthier food options at truck stops instead of relying on heavily processed or fatty foods.
While it may be difficult to take a break to stretch your body, try to do so as much as you can when you’re off the road.

As a driver, there are many details to attend to in order to succeed in the trucking industry. It’s important to ensure your turn indicators are working properly and keep accurate records of your travel and expenses. By mastering these aspects, you can build a successful career as a truck driver.

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