Seeing a truck on the road seems manic and imagine driving one. Should we say most Nigerian drivers didn’t even pass driver’s education and how did they manage to get their licence half of the time, they drive so recklessly as if they all went to the same driving school.
Not to talk about the trucks they drive, most of the time, they are tilting. So how do you get safe driving then as a driver of a truck?
How to Be Safe While Operating a Truck on a Risky Road
Safety is the most crucial factor to consider when operating a truck. Trucks can do a lot of damage in a collision since they are heavier and bigger than vehicles. Additionally, driving on a poorly maintained road makes it even riskier. As a result, you will need to take extra steps to ensure the safety of both you and your truck. Here are some advice that will be of benefit to you:
- Observe the traffic regulations
Even though this one ought to be obvious, it’s nevertheless important to state. When driving on a hazardous route, you must adhere strictly to all traffic laws. This entails driving within the posted speed limit, keeping a safe following distance, utilising your turn signals when lane-changing or turning, and other similar actions. While it may seem that breaking the law will get you where you’re going more quickly, in reality, it will just make accidents more likely. And on a hazardous road, even a slight collision can have significant
Therefore, before getting behind the wheel and driving somewhere you are unfamiliar with, take the time to think and really get into what your truck does.
- Protective driving
Driving conservatively necessitates being conscious of your surroundings and planning for potential outcomes. Driving defensively also entails being ready for any eventuality and being able to respond appropriately, which may involve making an evasive manoeuvre or slowing down. When driving on the highway, in particular, this proactive approach will often help prevent accidents from happening in the first place by discouraging other drivers from behaving dangerously around you: they’ll see that you’re expecting problems and won’t try anything themselves because they know they’ll be dealt with if they do.
The key to this situation is maintaining your composure when under pressure. Try to avoid rash decisions, stick to your strategy at all times, and have faith in your abilities. In this manner, you will be able to better manage the situation and steer clear of potential threats.
- Recognize the limitations of your truck.
Because they are larger, heavier, and need distinct operating procedures, trucks are not like vehicles. Make sure you are familiar with the dimensions of your truck and are aware of its capabilities and restrictions before operating it on a hazardous route. This includes both its blind spots and its braking distance, which is much greater than that of a car.
It’s also important to know how to load your truck properly. An overloaded or unbalanced truck can be very difficult to control, particularly on winding or slippery roads. If you’re not sure how to load your truck properly, ask for help from someone who does or look up the information online. Additionally, If you’re carrying hazardous materials, be sure to follow all of the proper safety procedures for doing so.
- Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating, or following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you, is never a good idea. But on a dangerous road, it can be downright deadly. That’s because if the driver in front of you makes a sudden stop, you could plough into them, causing a serious accident. To avoid this, always leave plenty of space between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a following distance of at least four seconds. This may seem like a lot, but it’s not when you’re driving a big truck at highway speeds. It may take a little getting used to, but once you do, you’ll find that it’s much easier (and safer) to maintain a safe following distance than you might think.
Watch Out For Winding Roads
Trucks might be at risk on winding roads for a variety of reasons. First of all, when making a sudden bend at high speed, it is simple to lose control of your truck. A fully laden truck’s weight also makes it more challenging to stop on a steep hill. And lastly, if you’re making a tight curve while towing a load that isn’t correctly balanced, it may shift unexpectedly and tip your truck over.
It’s crucial to take it easy and take your time when driving on a twisting road. Find a different route that doesn’t have any steep twists if you’re carrying a load that isn’t evenly distributed.
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