5 Best Practices to Prevent Truck Accidents

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The freight industry has been a lifeline during these challenging times, providing millions of jobs as well as delivering food, medicine, and other essential goods across the country. In fact, despite a slowdown in global economic growth, the logistics sector is expected to grow at a rate of five percent worldwide, buoyed by increasing demand as well as improving infrastructure. However, more trucks on the road also mean an increased risk of accidents.

Official statistics show that heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks account for more than 2 percent of motor vehicle accidents, of which 16 percent can be attributed to driver error. While this seems somewhat small, it should be noted that the sheer size and weight of trucks can cause extensive property damage, severe injuries, and even fatalities in the event of an accident. And that’s not counting the financial expenses owners will incur from repairs or purchasing a replacement vehicle.

While there is no perfect way to predict when and where an accident will happen, there are steps truck owners and operators can take to minimize the risk. We've listed down some practical tips that you can follow to help you avoid accidents and drive better in the future.

1. Get plenty of rest. One of the most common causes of truck accidents is drowsiness. According to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study, 13 percent of crashes involving trucks the driver is suffering from fatigue. And while there are regulations in place that help ensure drivers get enough rest between trips, the increasingly high demands for truck drivers still make fatigue a major concern in the industry.

The best solution for driver fatigue is to get some rest. A full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is recommended before starting work, especially if it involves traveling exceptionally long distances. If you begin to feel drowsy while on the wheel, park your truck and take a quick nap. And don’t rely too much on coffee and other caffeinated drinks either, as these have rapidly diminishing returns and will make you drowsier once the effects wear off.

1. Stay at the speed limit. Speeding is the second most common cause of vehicular accidents. And compared to cars, a truck barreling down the road can exert more force and damage. So it’s even more important for truck drivers to be aware of their speed and distance between other vehicles. While it is tempting to drive a little faster, whether it’s for chasing a timetable or a parking space at the truck stop, you’re also putting yourself and everyone else at risk. Also, if you’re driving beyond the speed limit, you’ll set yourself and your company back in penalties when you get caught.
2. Keep an eye out for blind spots. Trucks are approximately four times the length of an average passenger car, so it’s no surprise that they have more blind spots than other vehicles on the road. Studies have shown that around 10 percent of road accidents can be attributed to visibility restrictions. In fact, many personal injury lawyers and safety experts recommend drivers stay at least half a trailer’s length away from the truck to make sure they are always within the truck driver’s sights. As an operator, it’s also your responsibility to be more aware of your surroundings. Not all drivers may be aware of the unique blind spots a truck has, so it’s up to you to maintain a safe distance and take the necessary precautions when changing lanes.

If you're having particular trouble with blind spots in your truck, you may want to consider adding some more mirrors to improve your visibility. A pair of blind spot mirrors or wide-angle mirrors mounted on either side of your cab can significantly enhance your line of sight. They're also cheap and easy to install, so there's really no reason why you should have them in your vehicle. However, just make sure that any mirror you plan to mount in your truck should be DOT approved.

1. Inspect and maintain your vehicle regularly. We all know the popular trope in movies and TV shows where a moving truck suddenly loses its brakes or pops its tires, resulting in a terrible accident. While these stories seem well within the realm of fiction, the chance of an accident by faulty components is an all-too-real risk. This is why your truck must be properly checked and maintained before and after every trip.

Following a strict maintenance schedule remains the best way to prevent mechanical failure on the road. Going through a checklist of all the key systems, such as the brakes, tires, mirrors, and engine, can help you catch any damaged components or ones that are starting to fail. Make sure that all the filters are in good condition and the fluid levels are all topped up as well. If you address these before heading out on the road, you’ll significantly cut down on a potential accident and save time, money, and lives in the process. What’s more, if your vehicle does get involved in an accident without undergoing a pre-trip inspection, there’s a high chance that the liability of the accident will fall upon you.

1. Avoid distractions. Whether it's eating a burger, chatting on the phone, or watching TikTok videos, there is an increasing number of distractions that can make you lose focus while driving. Of course, some drivers use these distractions to stay awake, but the risks of losing awareness of your surroundings and causing damage and injury are far too great.

Try to keep distractions to a minimum while driving. As a rule of thumb, if it can be done while you’re on a break, it’s better that you do so during that time. Also, make it a habit to send and respond to calls and messages before and after you drive. And if you’re the type of person who likes to listen to music or podcasts, make a playlist beforehand, so you don’t have to fiddle with controls while handling the steering wheel.

These are just a few ways that you can protect yourself from accidents on the road. Whether you're a newbie or a veteran trucker, you must be prioritizing your safety with good driving practices, regular vehicle inspections, and maintenance.