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Driving a Truck

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.

Truck Clearance

• Pay attention to your truck's dimensions.
• Find your truck’s height listed on the front corner radius of the box and the inside of the windshield. It is also visible in your side mirrors while in the driver’s seat.
• Pay special attention to bridges, parking garages and drive-throughs at banks, fast food establishments, etc. Alert signs typically mark low clearances, listing the height of the overpass or other obstruction. Look for them, so you know of potential trouble ahead.
• If you are unsure if there is enough space, don't chance it.
• Consider using mapping software that shows safe truck routes and helps you avoid low clearance bridges.

The Basics

• Pay attention to road signs pertaining to trucks (weigh station stops, truck or lane restriction signs, weight limits 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 far left lane on an interstate highway because many states have laws against this.

Parking Advice

• Set the emergency brake every time you park.
• 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.

Pets

• Place your pet up front in the truck cab with you. Use a dog harness or crate your pet properly for the trip.
• Put your pet on a leash or in a kennel/cage when outside the truck.
• Be sure to have an appropriate ID tag attached to their collar with a current phone number. You might also consider microchip technology that has the full information about your pet placed on a chip under his skin.
• Do not leave your pet in the truck. (If you absolutely must, park the truck in a shaded area and open the window).
• If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, take your pet to an air-conditioned area and place him in a shallow tub of cool water or rub your pet down with cool, wet towels.
• Check with your pet's veterinarian to see if a mild sedative is recommended for the move.
• Make sure your pet has enough food and water during the trip.
• If you have to travel a long distance to your new home and run the chance of making an overnight stay at a hotel/motel, plan ahead of time for a pet-friendly establishment.
• When you arrive at your new home, unpack your pet's belongings as soon as you get there. These items would include bedding, food and water bowls, and toys. This will help your pet adjust as quickly as possible to his new surroundings by having familiar items around.