Truck accidents are the most catastrophic because of the size and weight of the vehicles. Victims of truck accidents are either left dead or with lifelong injuries. Unfortunately, many truck accidents occur because of distracted driving.
Distracted driving happens when the driver is not paying attention to the road because they may be using the phone, eating, or simply fatigued. Unfortunately, even two seconds of distraction can cause serious accidents. Drivers are usually unable to react quickly and control the vehicle when in danger.
While there are many safety measures for towing vehicles and commercial trucks, distracted driving is still a huge menace. So, how can truck drivers avoid distracted driving?
1. Start By Understanding What Distracted Driving Means
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about distracted driving is the cell phone. While phones are the biggest culprit, they’re not the only cause of distracted driving. Truck drivers get distracted in many ways.
Anything that takes your mind off the driving task, hands away from the steering, and eyes off the road will distract you from driving well. You could be reaching for things, eating, or fantasizing while the vehicle is moving.
While you might have managed to do two things at the same time in the past, remember that you won’t react in case of an emergency. Since the brain doesn’t multitask easily, drivers should pay full attention to the road and react quickly if need be.
2. Avoid Using Your Phone While Driving
The use of cell phones is the number one cause of distracted driving. Many truck drivers receive calls, send texts, or simply glance at their phones while driving.
Even if the phone has hands-free features, you shouldn’t use it while driving. Even a simple conversation on the phone is enough to take your mind off the road. Your hands might still be on the steering wheel, but your mind might wander far away.
So, even if it’s a work call or an emergency, don’t take it while the vehicle is still moving. The least you can do is pull over and talk on the phone before resuming driving.
3. Ensure You’re Ready Before Starting the Engine
Distracted driving also happens when the driver reaches for things while driving. They could be turning on the radio or reaching for the seatbelt.
When reaching for things while driving, the hands usually take the steering wheel and the eyes off the road. Getting back on the road and regaining control of the vehicle will be hard if something happens.
So, ensure everything is in its proper place before starting the engine. Do a readiness test and move only once you’ve confirmed nothing is missing.
4. Eat and Rest Well
Fatigue and hunger are among the things that fuel distracted driving. When a driver is hungry, they’ll be tempted to grab a few snacks while driving and end up getting distracted.
Also, fatigue is the leading cause of truck accidents. When a driver is fatigued, they may doze on the steering or might not be able to concentrate fully on the task at hand.
Before hitting the road, have your meals first. Make sure you eat your full meals and avoid the temptation of carrying some snacks with you.
Also, get enough sleep to energize and focus when you get behind the wheel. Don’t be in a hurry to reach your destination and neglect quality sleep. You’ll only end up dozing on the wheel and putting other people in danger.
5. Get Your Passenger to Help
If you have a passenger on board, you can rely on them to help with some simple tasks, such as turning on the radio and receiving calls. Also, let them keep you active and awake so that your mind doesn’t drift off while driving.
The passenger can also help you navigate the road, especially if you’re driving in an unfamiliar environment. They can watch out for road signs and figure out turns. These simple activities enable you to focus on driving and avoid multitasking.
Bottom Line
Considering your own safety and that of other road users is very important. Staying safe and keeping others from harm is your responsibility whenever you get on the road. Other things, such as answering calls, can wait.
If you avoid distracted driving, you’ll not only keep everyone safe but also have a good driving record. So, rest and eat well, and avoid reaching out for things while on the road. You need to focus on the task at hand and keep the brain from multitasking.
