Here are some guidelines for safe truck driving. Practice these basic driving habits so others know your intentions and help prevent accidents.
Driving in winter conditions? Read about winter driving.
The Basics
- Pay attention to road signs pertaining to trucks (weigh station stops, truck or lane restriction signs and overhead clearance postings)
- Use caution at intersections. Before crossing, check left, then right, then left again
- Obey all traffic signs and lights, and always use your turn signals
- Use the vehicle mirrors. Maneuvering a truck requires more turning area and more room for lane changes
- Avoid making sudden stops or abrupt lane changes. (Remember: No trucks in interstate passing lane!)
- Never tailgate. Trucks require more time and room to stop. Maintain more than one car length between the truck and the vehicle in front of you
- Take turns driving. If you're moving alone, bring a friend or family member to help
- Prevent fatigue. Stop every two or three hours
- Always wear a seatbelt!
Passing Rules
- Don't attempt to pass a vehicle that's moving faster than 40 mph
- Never pass on hills or curves
- Never use the passing lane on an interstate highway
Parking Advice
- Set the emergency brake every time you park.
- Park with turn the wheels away from the curb with the truck faced uphill. Toward the curb when facing downhill
- Always look for "drive-through" parking spaces. Avoid backing up. If you must back up, ask someone to direct you from the side at the rear
- Park in well-lit areas at hotels. Lock all doors and padlock the safety chain from the towing device to the truck, and the safety chain from the towing device to the towed vehicle
- At road stops or restaurants, park where you can see the vehicle
Fuel Saving Tips
- Drive cautiously and obey the speed limits
- Build to your desired speed gradually
- Ease off of the accelerator early when approaching a stop (This also helps prevent your cargo from shifting)
- Avoid driving at the truck's governed maximum speed
- Park in a well-lit, secure area to help avoid possible fuel theft
Driving in winter conditions? Read about winter driving.