Motorist Tips: How to Drive Safely Near Large Trucks

We recently did a blog on safe driving tips for truck drivers.  It is equally as important for motorists to use safe driving tips when driving near or around large freight trucks.  Here are a few tips for the common highway driver to stay safe on the road.

• Leave a large margin of safety space between yourself and the truck.  Usually 20-25 car lengths is sufficient space.  At an incline this distance should be extended as large manual trucks could roll backwards.  If you an see the truck's side mirrors you've usually left enough distance between you and the truck.  

• Avoid changing lanes too frequently around a truck.  Large trucks have significantly larger blind spots than a normal motorist vehicle.  You want the driver to know there is a vehicle near them at all times.

• When passing a large truck look for the truck's headlights in your rear-view mirror.  If you can't see them you've cut it too close to the vehicle.  If an accident occurred the truck would not be able to stop in time to prevent a massive collision.

• Watch out for debris in the roads when following a large truck.  Trucks can easily drive over such debris, but a driver driving too closely to a truck will not see it in time to maneuver around it.  

• Drive carefully around liquid tankers and livestock carriers. Both of these types of vehicles can sway sideways, their loads can shift as they're driving and making turns.  Be extra cautious around these vehicles.

Taking these precautions can ensure a safe driving experience for both you and the truck driver.  Happy driving!

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The Life of a Truck Driver

Transportation and infrastructure is considered the life line of America. An astonishing 15.5 million trucks operate in the U.S, transporting goods to and from around the world to distribution centers, your local convenient store and eventually your home.  Being a trucker has its pros and cons.  Family life can be more difficult and eating habits may be hard to control.  But most truck drivers love their jobs.  Many own their own trucks operating as their own self sufficient small business with growth potential as high as their willing to work.  More and more women are choosing trucking as a carrier choice.  These women are thought to be easier to train and more attentive on the road than their counterparts. 

Truckers typically have an early day getting to business between 4am and 8am.  Many carriers have a 24hr dispatch so hours typically vary.  Truckers get to enjoy the most beautiful views from around the country.  Each trucker has routes and lanes they like best.  Truckers keep a log of their daily activity, starting the morning out checking their vehicle from head to toe.  They stop through weight stations along the way ensuring their vehicles weight doesn’t exceed state requirements.  In the Western states, California and New Mexico area, they also have inspections stations.  Anti-drug dogs and xray equipment is used to make sure no illegal activity is going on.   

Along the road safety is first, truck drivers have to be cautious drivers constantly surveying their surroundings and taking note of unusual activity.  Truckers will sleep at a trucker stop or a hotel with truck parking.  Many have sleeper cabs with fully functional beds.  The next morning they start all over again. Trucking life is a profession all its own and one to be admired and appreciated for the hard work that goes into it.  

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and here at FreightCenter.com we can’t express how truly appreciative we are.  Hundreds of carriers nationwide ship our customer’s cargo around the world.  Thank you Truck Drivers for all you do! 

HAPPY NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK!

To make a shipment or learn more about FreightCenter visit http://www.freightcenter.com/