The Essential Art of Reading Traffic as a Truck Driver in Joliet, IL

Most Joliet, IL residents, whether a truck driver or not, spend at least some time in a vehicle every day. What’s amazing about this is that for some people, no matter how many hours of driving they may have under their belt, they still drive like they’ve never seen a car before as soon as that key turns. The job of professional truck drivers, like those here at Bay and Bay Transportation, is to not only avoid bad driving habits but also avoid the people making these choices every day on the road.

Being able to read traffic or judge other drivers before they make a bad decision is a key component of being a truck driver. Dealing with bad drivers comes with the territory, so avoiding them in a safe and effective way is necessary just about everywhere in the country. Sometimes this means getting where you’re going a little bit slower, but more often than not it just means keeping your eyes peeled no matter where you are and what time of day it is.

Being a good truck driver means thinking several steps ahead of everyone around you. Over time, you may start to feel like a traffic fortune teller. In reality, you’re just learning how to interpret the environment of your workplace. Many truck drivers are likely used to staying extra vigilant at night, but bad drivers can appear at any time of day.

While truck driving, watch for signs of poor attention or erratic behavior. This might be as obvious as observing a driver swerving or changing speeds suddenly, but the signs can be subtler than that. It could be that you see someone has their phone in their hand or they’re having a conversation with someone in the back seat. As a truck driver you have a higher vantage point; take advantage of it.

Sometimes, however, despite your best efforts, you’ll find yourself stuck near someone who just isn’t paying attention. In these cases, the best strategy is often to give them space. You can’t force someone to behave better on the road, but you can make safer choices and use your driving experience to your advantage. Give these drivers leeway, but always be as predictable as possible while you do it. Making a sudden move to get away from a rowdy road hog may put other drivers around you at risk.

One great thing to learn early on in truck driving is that you have a lot of power in your vehicle. Truck drivers, ideally, should be setting an example of behavior on the road. You may not be able to control the drivers around you, but truck drivers can certainly lead by example. Play it safe, make your behavior obvious, and do your best when the people around you won’t give you the same courtesy.

Professionals near Joliet, IL interested in career truck driving can contact Bay and Bay transportation at (888) 801-3026 or by visiting our website here for details.