It is common for professional truck drivers to spend more time on the roads than in their own homes. That’s because of the long trips they take to deliver products take days and, in some cases, even weeks. Even with all the steering wheel experience that these drivers have, some positions can be taken to drive the truck more safely. Many countries have their truck driving schools. Which help them to become professional and understand the safety-related to truck driving
According to G1, truck accidents grow an average of 12% at the end of the year. And a large part of these tragedies could be avoided by putting some practices into practice.
Here are ten tips for driving the truck with the safest posture and the biggest causes of traffic accidents involving trucks!
Ten tips for driving the truck with the safest posture
These tips were established by Contran (National Traffic Council) and are present in your Defensive Driving and First Aid handout. It was published to guide motor vehicle drivers regarding their posture in traffic.
1- Hold the steering wheel with both hands
The recommendation is that the driver holds the vehicle’s steering wheel with both hands in the position where the clock hands indicate 9 hours and 15 minutes. That is one hand on each side of the direction. Thus, it is possible to see the dashboard and access the vehicle’s controls whenever necessary.
2- Check the operation of essential items
Before starting their journey, the driver must carefully analyze the dashboard’s information and check that the vehicle is functioning correctly. It is also essential to be aware of the tires’ condition and always do the overhaul before starting a very long journey.
3- Wear the seat belt
The use of seat belts is essential for any driver. It must also be firmly adjusted and pass over the chest, never over the driver’s neck. Failure to use safety equipment is considered a severe offense by article 167 of the Brazilian Traffic Code. The penalty is a fine, accompanied by an administrative measure to restrain the car until the driver fastens the belt.
4- Driving with arms and legs folded
Driving with your arms and legs slightly bent helps to decrease the chances of injury.
The arms should be neither too straight nor too bent. Likewise, the legs must not extend entirely to the pedals.
5- Support the body on the seat
Make sure your body is well supported on the seat and backrest. Ideally, it would help if you approached as close as possible to a 90-degree angle.
6- Adjusting the headrest
Many people forget this detail, but adjusting the headrest according to its occupant’s height is a posture that helps to improve travel safety. This adjustment should be made at eye level.
7- Keep your heels on the vehicle floor
Heels should always be supported on the vehicle floor. Especially when not using the pedals, the act can help when it comes to preventing accidents. After all, if you keep your feet on any of them, you may end up pressing them unnecessarily.
8- Choosing shoes fixed to the feet
Driving in flip-flops can cause your foot to slip, and you may not be able to activate the pedals quickly. Therefore, always choose those shoes that stick to your feet, like sneakers or boots, for example.
9- Always look at the mirrors
You should always check the mirrors before starting or doing any maneuver that puts traffic at risk. Stay in the correct posture and adjust the mirrors in a way that you see in the mirror, 10% of your vehicle’s side, and, in the remaining 90%, the track.
10- Don’t use your cell phone while driving
Nowadays, it is widespread to find people driving cars and trucks using their cell phones. However, your attention should be all directed to the track and not to the device’s screen. Besides occupying your hand that should be on the steering wheel, it also distracts your vision and thoughts.
According to G1, truck accidents grow an average of 12% at the end of the year. And a large part of these tragedies could be avoided by putting some practices into practice.
Here are ten tips for driving the truck with the safest posture and the biggest causes of traffic accidents involving trucks!