Professional truckers offer safety tips for holiday motorists
September 8th, 2010 by Kurt Niland
To help motorists stay safe on the road during holidays and every other day of the year, the America’s’ Road Team Captains, an elite group of professional drivers with millions of accident-free miles between them, used their unique point of view to develop a list of safety tips for their fellow drivers.
Safety threats abound on America’s roads and interstates at any given time, but holidays are particularly dangerous due to a normally dramatic increase in traffic. Given the long hours they spend on the road, commercial truck drivers have seen some of the worst that drivers have to offer. Many accidents can be eliminated if drivers follow these simple lifesaving tips, offered from the commercial trucker’s unique point of view:
- Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids.
- Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
- Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Use a map or GPS: Surprisingly, few motorists plan their routes, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving – it allows you to anticipate lane changes and avoid a panicked search for directions.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations: don’t drive when tired, upset, or physically ill.
- Be aware of trucks’ blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
America’s Road Team Captain Greg Nauertz said that additional motorists on the roads and interstates “make safe driving habits all the more important. Nothing beats planning, preparation, and patience.”
According to the American Trucking Associations, “America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America and serves as a national public outreach led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records, and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway.”