Getting your CDL is only the first step toward becoming a professional and safe truck driver. To improve your abilities and confidence, adopt an “always learning” and “Safety First and Always” approach. These truck driver safety suggestions cover many aspects of a typical day at work, including pre-trip, on-the-road, arriving, and post-trip.

No matter how much experience you have, the following safety and defensive driving advice for truck drivers are excellent reminders.

● Take care of yourself.

You are the most valuable asset in the truck, so do everything you can to become a healthy truck driver by eating well, exercising regularly, and sleeping well.

● Plan your route with care.

Make sure you're on the weather, road conditions, traffic patterns, construction, low bridges, and state-specific informed regulations. These are just a few of the many key trip planning considerations that truck drivers should make before hitting the road.

● Adjust for bad weather.

Inclement weather is responsible for around 21% of all car crashes, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). To keep safe, review these weather guidelines and Schneider's bad-weather driving policy, which includes drivers' stop-work power.

● Tell others your plan by using your lights to make sure you're visible.

Turn on your headlights half an hour before dusk and leave them on till daybreak half an hour later. Turn on your turn signals well ahead of time and keep them on until the turn is completed.

● Stay focused on driving.

An accident can happen in a fraction of a second, but stopping a fully loaded semi-truck takes much longer. As a result, truck drivers should be cautious when driving long distances and devote their whole attention to the road.

● Hang up.

Simply, put your phone down. Mobile phone use is prohibited when operating a commercial motor vehicle, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Schneider.

● Stay alert in work zones and school zones.

Large trucks are involved in around one-third of all fatal work-zone incidents. While driving through work zones, take your time and be cautious.

● Reduce speed on curves.

The listed speed limit for heavy vehicles may still be too fast, especially on exit/entrance ramps. Given your vehicle's centre of gravity, slow down at least 5-10 mph below the posted speed to avoid tipping.

● Be aware of your trailer 24/7.

It's important to be mindful of more than simply your tractor. Because your tractor-trailer is around 70 feet long overall, you must be cautious of the trailer track when turning and changing lanes. Make sure there are no things in the passenger seat that are obstructing your view.

You have a responsibility as a trailer driver to operate properly, and you should avoid doing anything that could injure you or others. On your next load, put these defensive driving and safety recommendations for truck drivers to the test!