4 Essential Safety Tips For Driving a Truck

Approximately 18% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. are pickup trucks. Trucks are great vehicles because they are extremely powerful, convenient, and visually appealing. They are a lot of fun to drive and can help with all sorts of tasks. Since these vehicles are much larger and more powerful than the majority of sedans on the road, they are a little more dangerous, however.

As long as you’re taking your responsibilities as a truck owner seriously and are being careful at all times, you shouldn’t have any issues. From utilizing truck tie down straps to simply paying more attention on the road, here are some great truck safety tips to keep in mind:

• Beware of your blind spots — Every vehicle has a few blind spots that drivers need to be aware of, and truck drivers have some of the largest “no zones,” where are areas where crashes are most likely to occur. Common “no zones” for any size truck are: off to the side just in front of the cab, directly behind the truck, and just behind the side mirrors.

• Properly secure your cargo — Approximately two-thirds of the 200,000 truck accidents in a four-year study by AAA were the result of improperly secured cargo. No matter what you’re hauling, whether it’s a few tools for work or are furniture during a move, you need to ensure that it’s properly secured. That’s where truck tie down straps and similar equipment come in. Without truck bed tie downs, your haul could fly around all over the road, potentially causing serious roadway accidents.

• Maintain your truck — Before you get behind the wheel of your truck, make sure you’re thoroughly inspecting every inch of the vehicle. Check fluid levels, tire pressure, mirrors, brakes, etc. Additionally, make sure you’re staying on top of oil changes and truck repairs year-round.

• Pay attention — It sounds obvious but the importance of paying attention while operating a vehicle cannot be overstated. No matter what kind of vehicle you’re in or what you’re hauling, you need to be attentive, alert, and focused throughout the entire trip. In order to pay better attention behind the wheel, make sure you’re well rested and are taking frequent breaks during long trips.

If you want to learn more about the importance of utilizing quality truck tie down straps, retractable truck bed hooks, truck bed anchors, and more, contact us right away — and stay safe out there!