Dallas is a beautiful city located in Texas. It is famous for its culture, economy, and transportation. Trucking is one of the main forms of transportation here, and it is used to transport goods. However, trucks come with risks to people.
Truck accidents are the most dangerous modes of road crashes, resulting in serious harm or death. If you are involved in a truck accident, Dallas truck accident lawyers can help you in the legal process, from gathering evidence to advocating for the compensation that you deserve.
Most of the time, these accidents are preventable, so here in this blog, we will discuss 6 important tips to prevent truck accidents.
- Maintain the Vehicle Well
Mechanical failure is the leading reason why trucks are involved in accidents, usually because of careless truck maintenance. Pre-trip inspection and maintenance are vital to facilitate efficient truck mechanism functioning, such as brakes, tires, headlights, and steering.
Trucking companies need to adhere to federal regulations necessitating frequent checks of trucks, and drivers must perform pre-departure checks to detect any failure before venturing onto the road.
- Be Aware of Driver Fatigue
Another frequent reason for truck accidents is driver fatigue, especially among truck drivers who transport commodities over long distances and spend hours behind the wheel.
Drowsiness and sleeping can lead to poor judgment, slow reaction times, and impaired driving ability overall. Drivers can ensure carriers follow the rules for hours of service, limiting the time that drivers can spend operating before they take a rest break.
- Practice Safe Following Distances
Due to the weight and size of the trucks, it takes longer and more distance to be able to stop safely. The drivers should maintain a safe following distance at all times, especially during adverse weather conditions, i.e., rain or fog, that will affect visibility and road traction.
Truck drivers should be conscious of their speed and slow down according to road conditions. Maintaining a safe following distance between vehicles gives truck drivers more reaction time in cases of emergencies and prevents rear-end collisions.
- Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a significant factor in accidents across all vehicles, but it’s especially hazardous when driving big rigs. A few of the biggest distractions include texting, using a GPS system, eating, or talking.
Truck drivers must pay full attention to the road and refrain from using their phones or other devices while driving. Trucking companies can also help by adding hands-free communication equipment and adopting policies prohibiting driving distractions.
- Use Proper Loading Techniques
Overloaded and incorrectly loaded trucks have a much higher probability of being involved in an accident. If the load is unevenly distributed, it can cause the truck to tip, which makes it more difficult to steer. Overloading also creates additional stress on the tires and brakes, increasing the chances of brake failure and tire blowouts.
- Train Drivers in the Art of Defensive Driving
Successful training is necessary to prevent accidents. Drivers should be taught and rehearse defensive driving techniques, especially when operating heavy, oversized vehicles. Comprehensive training sessions that focus on defensive driving, vehicle handling, and emergency techniques can help truck drivers avoid dangerous situations while driving.
Trucking companies should invest in regular training programs for their drivers, particularly with a focus on dangerous conditions such as driving during bad weather or driving in urban areas with heavy traffic.
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