You might think you are a safe truck driver that does not engage in risky activity. But the same can not always be said for other people on the road.
In its simplest form, defensive driving is all about being prepared and ready for whatever else is going on around you, and watching out for potential situations that could lead to trouble down the road.
The most important thing to do when it comes to defensive driving is to simply stay prepared and be ready. Make sure your truck is in good driving condition so you can be ready for any type of weather. Ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive will go a long way towards keeping you safe on the road. A truck with bad breaks is not going to allow you to stop and anticipate an accident in time.
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Being prepared also means staying alert to what is going on around you. You need to be noting areas where you can drive that is safe incase trouble comes up on the road. Taking action to get away from erratic drivers and avoiding accident situations are all elements of good defensive driving.
One of the best ways to be a good defensive driver is to stay three seconds from other drivers while in your truck. This gives you enough time to react to things going on the road. If the weather is bad, don’t be afraid to increase the distance and make the gap even larger. No matter what, do not tailgate others in your truck. It is a very unsafe practice and one that could get you a ticket. Otherwise, it is important to stay calm while practicing defensive driving.
Road rage can be a dangerous thing and it can be a big distraction out on the road. Don’t fall for the temptation, and instead remain calm and proactive around the environment around you. Making an emotion driving decision can put you and others in grave danger.
Another aspect of defensive driving is making yourself seen to other motorists. Make sure to drive with your truck lights on in the night and try to stay out of other’s blind spots whenever possible. You should also make sure other drivers can see you and your vehicle signals so they know what you are doing.
Keeping your mind and body free from any sort of impairment is another important aspect of good defensive driving. Operating your truck under the influence of drugs and alcohol can be very dangerous for you and many other people, and can cause you to make poor driving decisions.
A lot of people are not aware that even simple over-the-counter medication can make you tired and distracted, which can quickly lead to an accident. Even if you are not taking medication, you do not know what other people are doing in their vehicles.
Some will choose to listen to the radio or a podcast while driving and become distracted, increasing their risk for an accident. It is up to you as a defensive driver to be on the lookout for these types of people and assume others are distracted.
Then you can take steps to keep yourself safe while on the road. Just don’t fall into the temptation of distracted driving yourself. Keep your eyes on the road even while passing by an accident. Don’t try to gawk and see what is going on.
Do you have a question about defensive truck driving? Click here to contact Fleet Oil and Truck Supply today!
Courtesy of Cuselleration