Long haul drivers all know the importance of staying alert and safe throughout the journey. Avoiding accidents is the best way to get to the final destination safely and on time. Being on guard and using defensive driving techniques is the best way to avoid accidents on the road. Below are some of the key defensive driving techniques every long haul driver should be using on any journey.
Always Plan In Advance
As a long haul driver, you should always be planning your routes in advance. This also includes checking the weather forecast, potential road closures, traffic patterns, local events, and construction zones throughout the journey. These events can impact your journey and require a detour. Knowing the other route options before you get behind the wheel helps to minimize stress and allow you to completely focus on driving.
Remove Distractions
Almost 300,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents last year. To avoid becoming another statistic, make sure to eliminate any potential distractions in the truck. This can include changing your phone to ‘Do not disturb’ or silent, setting your audiobook to auto-play, setting up a playlist of songs or podcasts, and removing your headphones. By minimizing the potential to get distracted during the drive, you can better focus on the road ahead of you.
Know Your Distances
Establishing a safe distance between your truck and other vehicles can make a huge difference in an emergency. You should never tailgate another vehicle, and adjust your speed as necessary if the gap is too small. A good rule is four seconds of following distance at 40mph, adding 1 second per 10mph. This should allow plenty of space for an emergency stop. If it is raining, increase the following distance by at least 2 seconds.
Look Ahead of You
As you are driving, you should be constantly scanning the road ahead. This allows you to spot potential hazards before you get to them, while also giving you time to react. Try to look a few cars ahead, or 10-15 seconds down the road. If you see cars ahead start to brake, follow their lead, even if the vehicle directly ahead isn’t braking yet.
Give Yourself an Out
Creating a physical buffer between you and the vehicle ahead of you gives you a chance to react if necessary. Wherever possible, try to have an empty space to the left or right of your vehicle. These gaps allow you to move out of the way quickly when needed.
Know Your Blindspots
As a long haul driver, you know that different loads create different blind spots. This makes it difficult to see vehicles behind and beside you. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure you understand where these blind spots are and that you can check them from your seat. Anytime you are changing lanes or approaching intersections, be sure to check all of your blind spots.
Be Cautious at Lights
While traffic lights seem straightforward, there are occasions when other drivers miss or ignore them. This is why you should always take a cautious approach and be ready to stop even if the light is clearly green. At a red light, take time to scan for fast-approaching vehicles, especially as the light changes to green. Do not move until you know it is safe to do so.
Defensive driving is a skill that every long haul driver should have, and the techniques above can help you stay safe. Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course for a more in-depth look at the techniques. These techniques also help to reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle and can improve fuel usage.
Drive for Classic Transport
Classic Transport is dedicated to their drivers and has a significant focus on safety. They are more than just a transport company as they look to have long-lasting relationships with drivers and clients alike. Visit the Classic Transport website today to view the various driving programs and requirements.