According to a Driver Safety Risk Report in 2018, truck accidents cost fleets almost $57 billion. These costs include medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost productivity, and insurance claims. Despite these factors, less than half of all trucking companies have established driver safety programs in place.

Fortunately, truck drivers can take it upon themselves to be safe by considering important road safety tips and driving following the law and truck driver guidelines. Some of the most important safety tips for truck drivers include:

• Avoid Distracted Driving – Around 9% of all fatal auto accidents involve a distracted driver. Truck drivers should avoid this bad habit, including talking, texting, eating, reading, or adjusting knobs in the truck.
• Beware of Blind Spots – All truck drivers know that blind spots affect their ability to see smaller vehicles. Truck drivers must get in the habit of double-checking their blind spots while driving.
• Beware of Aggressive Tailgaters – Many drivers follow other vehicles too closely. Drivers who follow large trucks too closely are at risk of causing an accident or being the victim of one. A combination of speeding and tailgating can be deadly for anyone involved.
• Avoid Hard Braking – Large trucks take longer to stop because of their size and weight. Hard braking is a leading factor in rear-end accidents, including those involving trucks. If a truck driver is distracted and has to stop suddenly, vehicles behind him can quickly pile up in a mangled heap.
• Be Weather Aware – Changing weather conditions can impact truck driver safety. Slick, snowy, or icy roads can make maneuvering and stopping difficult. Rain and fog reduce visibility, making it more critical than ever to follow the speed limit and avoid distractions.  

Truck drivers are often assumed to be the cause of truck accidents. The fact is that any driver of any vehicle can cause an accident if they are reckless or careless. By considering these safety tips, truck drivers can reduce the chances of being involved in an accident or causing one.