As Labor Day approaches, experts predict that over 92 million U.S. adults will hit the road for the long weekend, leading to massive traffic congestion! With Labor Day drivers and truckers sharing the road, it’s crucial to practice patience and adhere to safety fundamentals.
To ensure a safe journey, let’s dive into the top seven safety rules for professional truck drivers to follow when sharing the road with other motorists.
Slow Down
Research shows that the risk of crashing triples when speeding in heavy traffic. Since Labor Day translates to increased traffic, truckers must reduce speeds.
When driving in high-traffic areas, remember to slow down and avoid trying to cut in front of other truckers and motorists.
Remove All Distractions
Distracted driving causes over 3,000 fatalities annually, accounting for nearly 9% of fatal collisions. Keeping your eyes on the road is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and that of others.
Remove distractions, such as mobile phones, GPS devices, eating, and changing the radio. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds can be life-threatening, especially when the roads are packed over the holiday weekend.
Maintain Your Truck
Give your truck some TLC during high-traffic seasons by checking the tires, oil, and antifreeze levels. In addition, maintain your brakes, wipers, and fuel daily. Additionally, utilize designated parked areas when pulling off roadways or taking rests.
Evaluate Congestion Patterns
High traffic volumes can increase the risk of accidents, so keep up-to-date with daily traffic patterns.
Identify high-traffic areas to avoid bottlenecks and narrow streets full of Labor Day drivers. And leverage dual-facing cameras or electronic stability control technology to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Be Aware of Vehicles Around You
Checking what’s behind and beside you can be tricky when driving a bulky truck. So, ensure safety by leaving space between you and the vehicles beside and in front of you.
And avoid tailgating, as it makes drivers uneasy and prone to making mistakes.
Signal Early When Maneuvering
Labor Day traffic can make it challenging for drivers to see your turn signal, so it’s best to signal early and often before navigating through or around an intersection.
Signaling before maneuvering allows drivers to avoid pulling up alongside you.
Never Drive Impaired
Holidays are the perfect time to celebrate, but never at the risk of other people’s safety or your own. So, remember to make good decisions when driving.
The Bottom Line
Labor Day traffic can be hectic, but with a bit of preparation, you can ensure your and other drivers’ safety! Remember to follow these tips to minimize risk.
Happy Labor Day and safe travels to all!