The Easy-to-Overlook Columbus, OH, Truck Driving Safety Tips

Truck driving is a profession that requires a lot of awareness. Bay & Bay Transportation’s truck driving jobs are all about maintaining constant attention on yourself, your truck, and all other drivers around you, and all that is only step one for safe driving while on the job. Getting a good night’s sleep, watching your blind spots, and being on top of the Columbus, OH, weather are just a few more, but the list doesn’t even end there. Some of the most vital safety tips for drivers are far less than obvious, especially for a novice in any truck driving career.

One of the most important safety rules for truck driving is to be consistent. Even if you’re running late, being a consistent driver is one of the best things you can do to benefit your fellow drivers. This doesn’t just mean not making sudden moves, but it also means keeping adequate space between you and other cars, keeping your speed even and low in hazardous areas or construction zones, and possibly most importantly, only changing lanes if it’s necessary. The last one in particular is probably hard to resist, especially if you’re boxed in, but planning ahead and staying in one lane makes you predictable and allows traffic to move around you. Many non-commercial drivers find trucks to be intimidating and become nervous when passing by. Keeping out of their way and allowing other drivers to pass as needed can help reduce road tension.

The next tip is a big one. Prior to even leaving on your truck driving job, make sure that you pay adequate attention to how you load your truck. An uneven load will significantly impact how your rig handles. It may take longer to depart if you take time to double check your load, but having unsecured or poorly stacked items shift on a turn can severely unbalance your trailer. This is not only an enormous hazard to you, but also to every single driver around you. This is one item that should always be ticked on your preparation checklist.

And finally, for the safety of you and your vehicle, always scope out your drop off locations before driving in, especially if you’ve never visited the location before. Exit your truck and look around at the environment. Make sure that your truck will fit into the lot and confirm that there will be enough room to turn around and exit. A simple, logistical error such as a stuck truck will not only slow you down, but it could also be dangerous as well. Always look before you leap during all truck driving jobs.

If you’re a Columbus, OH, resident interested in truck driving, contact Bay & Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 or visit their website here. Truck driving may require a lot of attention and expertise, but with a little foresight and a good amount of patience, many people can learn to excel on the open road.