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Sharing the Road Safely
Safety Tips for Truck
and Bus Drivers
TAKE CARE
OF YOURSELF!
The most important part of a moving truck or bus is the
driver! Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.
Eat well and stay fit. Remember, hours of service violations
are serious and can threaten your livelihood or even your life.
Stay healthy and well rested, or don't drive!
ALWAYS MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE
Inspect your vehicle before each trip and check your brakes
regularly. Learn how to inspect your brakes, identify safety
defects, and get them repaired before risking your life and
others on the highway.
BE AWARE OF YOUR "NO-ZONE"
Other drivers may not be aware of the size of your truck's
blind spots. Be vigilant in watching out for vehicles in the
No-Zone. The No-Zone represents the danger areas, or blind spots,
around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur.
One-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars take
place in the No-Zone.
SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES
Watch out for highway construction. Stay alert. Work zone
crashes are more likely to happen during the day. Almost one-third
of fatal crashes in work zones involved large trucks. Take your
time going through work zones and give yourself plenty of room.
Expect the unexpected!
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in
front of you. If you hit someone from behind, you are typically
considered "at fault," regardless of the situation. Large trucks
require more stopping distances than other vehicles. Take advantage
of your driving height, and anticipate braking situations.
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT
Buckle up for safety and control. If you are in a crash,
a seat belt can save your life and those around you. It will
keep you in your seat and allow you to maintain control of your
truck or bus. A major cause of truck and bus driver fatalities
involves being ejected from the vehicle. Wearing seat belts,
is still the single most effective thing all drivers can do
to save lives and reduce injures on our roadways.
ALWAYS DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Avoid aggressive drivers! It's estimated that each year
two-thirds of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive
driving behaviors. Keep your distance and maintain a safe speed.
The only thing speed will increase is your chance for a crash.
WORK TO HELP YOURSELVES
Be the professional on the highway and at safety events!
Help stranded motorists; notify traffic safety agencies of crashes,
unsafe drivers, unsafe roadway conditions, and other situations
that can lead to crashes.
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