Avoiding Trucking Accidents
Trucking helps keep every industry alive by getting what they need where they need it, but it can be a risky profession. As dangerous as a truck accident can be to the operator, they’re even more deadly for any other motorists who get caught in the accident. We here at McCandless want to help keep you, your cargo, and those around you safe, so we’ve put together some of the most common causes of truck accidents and how to avoid them. To learn more, or to see the trucks we have for sale, contact our stores across Colorado and Wyoming, today!
Fatigue
Trucking is a 24/7 kind of job, which can lead to sleepless nights and insomnia—but a good night’s rest is vital to your work. Even if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s vital that you stay well-rested however you can. Caffeine and energy drinks won’t do it all, and if you start to lose focus or fall asleep on the road, you’ll endanger yourself and everyone nearby.
Do your best to catch small naps when you can. Even just resting your eyes for a few minutes can help rejuvenate you a bit. You should also be careful how much caffeine you consume, since a caffeine crash can be just as dangerous as not drinking any at all.
Distractions
Every driver has to work hard nowadays to avoid distractions while driving. Phone calls, texts, food, drinks, and even radio and navigation can pull your attention away from the road at a critical moment. You need to stay focused and awake, so some form of background noise can be beneficial, but make sure it doesn’t become your main focus.
Alcohol And Drugs
You’re an adult, and you can make your own choices, especially when it comes to your free time. No one will ever say anything different. But recreational drugs and alcohol should never be used when their effects can impact your driving. No matter how good a trucker you are, altered brain chemistry is bad for your reaction time, hand-eye-coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Even drugs that are designed to keep you awake can make you act more recklessly, leading you to take needless risks or ignore warning signs. And when they wear off, you’re going to feel it.
Speeding
No matter how close a deadline is, your truck is a huge and dangerous vehicle and should be handled responsibly. Speeding may seem like a reasonable choice when time ticks away, but in truth it’s more likely to cause accidents than save time. Whether other motorists misjudge your speed and stay in or get in your way, or whether they see you barreling down at them and panic, your truck can lead to some serious injuries and even deaths. Stay at or near the speed limit, and stay in the right lane when you can.
We hope these tips help you and yours stay safe! If you have any questions, or you just want to see the trucks we have for sale, contact us at McCandless Truck Center. We proudly serve the people of Colorado and Wyoming—let us serve you today!
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