Logan Voss
As you head out onto the open road for the first time, you may feel a tinge of fear in the pit of your stomach. You’ve probably driven far distances before, but never in a large semi-truck. Luckily, there’s a vast amount of advice out there for new commercial drivers who are preparing to take on the open road. Here are some essential road safety tips for new commercial drivers.
Obeying Traffic Laws
One of the essential road safety tips for new drivers is knowing to follow the road rules. By learning the ins and outs of road rules and guidelines, you’ll already be on the right path to having a safe trip to your destination. This knowledge will benefit your readiness and handling of your semi. If you aren’t careful about following these road laws, you can fall victim to punishment.
You can quickly find yourself with a CDL speeding ticket if you aren’t cautious of your driving habits. So be sure to check your mirrors, wear your seatbelt, and use your turn signals when changing lanes. Also, be aware that semi-trucks take up a lot of road space; always be cautious when merging lanes and taking wide turns.
Knowing Your Vehicle
Before every trip, inspect your vehicle and conduct any necessary maintenance. Staying familiar with your semi-truck’s controls and needs is essential to traveling safely. This practice will help you gain confidence when driving your commercial truck.
Additionally, you should know where all your identification papers are located in case you are ever pulled over by a police officer. Being familiar with your dashboard symbols is also a big help to diagnose any issues while on the road.
Provide a Safety Kit
There is nothing wrong with preparing a commercial truck safety kit for your long travels. You can make your own kit, or you can purchase a prepacked one at your local car shop. Your safety kit should include:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Road flares
- Jumper cables
- A spare tire and tire iron
- Additional handy tools
- Oil, windshield washer fluid, and coolant
- Blankets and water bottles
- Mobile phone
It’s better to be safe than sorry in the event you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. You’ll thank yourself later for preparing ahead of time. You should also know the contact information of towing companies that specialize in commercial and semi-trucks.
Driving long distances shouldn’t cause any trouble so long as you prepare. By being cautious and prepared, you’ll reach your destination in no time. So, enjoy the freedom of the open road and honk that loud horn.
