We frequently emphasize the fact that as truck drivers you should be using your mirrors and constantly aware of your surroundings. Sure, you may just nod in agreement with this “common sense tip” and move on with your day, but these common sense tips can be the most easily ignored or forgotten. Remember that you are driving an 80,000 pound truck on a busy highway and share that limited and fast moving space with much lighter vehicles that don’t come close to matching the weight of your commercial truck. You need to be able to handle all that weight safely, and one of the best and easiest ways to do this is by using your mirrors correctly at all times in your career as a truck driver with Bay & Bay Transportation in Minneapolis, MN.
Before you roll off the lot, make sure you check your mirrors and adjust them as needed. Your trailer should be aligned straight with the cab to do this accurately, not at an angle. You should be able to see the side of the trailer and the road on either side of you. This allows you to see as much of the surrounding traffic as possible. It also lets you watch for loose straps and chains if you are carrying open cargo, or spot a tire that is about to blow or go flat. If you notice that your mirrors are chipped or cracked or have damaged brackets, get them repaired as soon as possible. Remember, a little glass cleaner applied regularly goes a long way to increasing your visibility.
In addition to looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead of you, you need to look on both sides of your truck and behind you. That means scanning all of your mirrors constantly. Don’t stare at one mirror; just glance for a few seconds at most. We suggest scanning your mirrors at least once a minute, if not more often. Keep an eye on your mirrors before, during, and after lane changes, turns, and parking so you always know you have enough space to complete your maneuver.
Don’t rely on your mirrors alone. The convex mirrors we use may give a better range of view, but they also make everything look smaller and farther away. You still need to physically turn your head from left to right to really get an idea of your surroundings. Plus, it gives you the chance to stretch your neck.
A little extra vigilance can prevent deadly accidents. Keep yourself safe and protect the drivers you share the road with by using common sense and watching your mirrors. Your career as a truck driver with Bay & Bay Transportation is your chance to be a role model for other truck drivers in Minneapolis, MN and wherever else your route may take you.