Driving a truck can be a liberating experience. There’s something uniquely thrilling about being out there on the roads, traveling from place to place, and seeing all the sights along the way.
However, like any of us, truck drivers can develop some bad habits. We’ve listed a few of these below with some tips to help you break these bad habits and turn them into good ones.
Driving Dangerously
Unsurprisingly, truck drivers spend a significant amount of time driving. This means that many of them are excellent drivers; they are well-versed in the laws of the road and are generally extremely knowledgeable about routes and shortcuts.
However, spending that much time driving does mean you can start to feel too comfortable. Driving is dangerous, but we can become desensitized to this fact through overexposure.
Truck driving is different to driving a car. There are additional blind spots, and there is the potential to cause much more damage if you were to be involved in a collision.
Be a conscientious and responsible driver at all times. Demonstrate good lane discipline, always check your blind spots, and never use your phone while you’re driving.
Not Taking Care of Your Truck
Trucks are enormous, powerful vehicles that can seem indestructible. While they are incredibly tough and durable, they still need care and maintenance to keep them looking and performing at their best.
If you fail to properly take care of your truck, it could start to look shabby and unattractive. Crucially, it could pose a safety risk, with degradation affecting performance and increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.
Use a strong truck bed liner to protect the exterior of your vehicle and prevent the build-up of rust. You should also get your truck serviced regularly to ensure everything is as it should be under the hood.
Trucks are complex machines, sometimes you need an expert eye to identify any potential issues and address them before they escalate and cause serious problems.
Not Taking Regular Breaks
Truck driving can involve long journeys of several days or more. In a bid to reach your destination as fast as possible and break your previous record, it can be easy to skip breaks and push forward towards your objective.
This isn’t a good idea. Studies have shown that tiredness can seriously affect driving ability. It slows your reaction times, makes you less aware of hazards, and if you fall asleep at the wheel the consequences could be catastrophic.
Ensure you are taking regular breaks and getting all the rest you need. If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over when it’s safe to do so. Avoid using coffee to stay awake for long periods of time. Get some sleep and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to restart your journey.
Conclusion
Dangerous driving, improper truck maintenance, and failure to take regular breaks are three of the most common bad habits that truck drivers can develop. Make the effort to turn these bad habits around and you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable truck driving experience.
