In the classification of commercial motor vehicles (CMV's), trucks range from very large oversized trucks all the way down to small straight trucks. In order to drive these CMV's, people in the US must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive trucks over a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Components of a commercial driver's license test consist of both a skills test and a general knowledge test. The driver must show skills in making turns, backing up, stopping, driving on both highway and city roads, or weaing through a serpentine course. Commercial drivers licenses are available in Classes A, B, and C, and only Class A holders can operate the large trucks.
The first safety tip for truck drivers is to establish a cushion of space in all dimensions. Make sure to keep tabs on the heights above the truck (e.g. overpasses) along with road surfaces (e.g. road hazards, pot holes, or speed bumps). In addition, ensuring adequate forward and rear space for necessary quick stopping along with adequate turning radiuses will increase safety as well.
Researching travel conditions prior to a trip (such as weather and traffic) will lead to safer driving decisions. This may allow one to avoid inclement weather and a potential accident. Also, increased traffic may lead to impatient drivers and bad decisions which can cause an accident putting one's truck safety at risk.
Another part of planning is pre-trip inspections. Routinely having maintenance performed will prevent potential problems with tires, axles, fluids, etc.
Driving at safe speeds can prevent fatalities. After all, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported speeding as the #1 factor in fatal large truck crashes in 2009. It always takes longer to brake a large truck than a car, so the safe driving speed and cushion is extremely important.
If safe speeds are stuck with, the truck's tires can maintain sufficient traction during a necessary quick slow down. Driving at night, on hilly or mountainous areas, on curving roads, or whenever rain is falling can make it difficult to stop safely. Total stopping distance is equal to the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and effective braking distance. Adverse weather will lengthen the total stopping distance.
Contrary to a typical car driver, those in a truck need to look much farther down the road since it takes so much longer for a truck to stop effectively. It is also not a great idea to rely blindly on GPS routes when it comes to clearance under bridges and overpasses. Just because the GPS says it is the shortest route, the top of your truck may not be so happy when it is gone.
When backing up, remember a truck is not a car. There are significant blind spots with a truck while backing up so the acronym G.O.A.L. is important - Get Out And Look. Having plenty of mirrors on a truck on each side can decrease the size of any blind spots. This may mean 3 to 5 on each side.
Components of a commercial driver's license test consist of both a skills test and a general knowledge test. The driver must show skills in making turns, backing up, stopping, driving on both highway and city roads, or weaing through a serpentine course. Commercial drivers licenses are available in Classes A, B, and C, and only Class A holders can operate the large trucks.
The first safety tip for truck drivers is to establish a cushion of space in all dimensions. Make sure to keep tabs on the heights above the truck (e.g. overpasses) along with road surfaces (e.g. road hazards, pot holes, or speed bumps). In addition, ensuring adequate forward and rear space for necessary quick stopping along with adequate turning radiuses will increase safety as well.
Researching travel conditions prior to a trip (such as weather and traffic) will lead to safer driving decisions. This may allow one to avoid inclement weather and a potential accident. Also, increased traffic may lead to impatient drivers and bad decisions which can cause an accident putting one's truck safety at risk.
Another part of planning is pre-trip inspections. Routinely having maintenance performed will prevent potential problems with tires, axles, fluids, etc.
Driving at safe speeds can prevent fatalities. After all, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported speeding as the #1 factor in fatal large truck crashes in 2009. It always takes longer to brake a large truck than a car, so the safe driving speed and cushion is extremely important.
If safe speeds are stuck with, the truck's tires can maintain sufficient traction during a necessary quick slow down. Driving at night, on hilly or mountainous areas, on curving roads, or whenever rain is falling can make it difficult to stop safely. Total stopping distance is equal to the sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and effective braking distance. Adverse weather will lengthen the total stopping distance.
Contrary to a typical car driver, those in a truck need to look much farther down the road since it takes so much longer for a truck to stop effectively. It is also not a great idea to rely blindly on GPS routes when it comes to clearance under bridges and overpasses. Just because the GPS says it is the shortest route, the top of your truck may not be so happy when it is gone.
When backing up, remember a truck is not a car. There are significant blind spots with a truck while backing up so the acronym G.O.A.L. is important - Get Out And Look. Having plenty of mirrors on a truck on each side can decrease the size of any blind spots. This may mean 3 to 5 on each side.
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