What to Look Out for When Driving a Truck

Safe Driving Habits  is an important topic within the transportation & warehousing industry. With all the potential dangers that truck drivers are exposed to, having good driving habits is important and making it home safely should be top priority. Edmund Vehicle Rental is an established commercial vehicle rental company in Singapore, and we’ve put together this list of truck driving safety tips. Read on for advice on what you can do to improve overall safety while on the roads. 

Maintaining the safe distance 

A safe distance  is a certain length  you keep between you and the vehicle in front which allows you to easily manoeuvre in any condition. Leaving a  sufficient space between your truck and the vehicle ahead, behind and to either side to stop safely or steer around a possible hazard. In the event someone is following too closely, reduce your speed just enough to encourage them to pass. 

When stopping behind another vehicle in traffic, ensure there is enough space such that you are able to move your commercial vehicle into another lane without having to reverse. The extra space also reduces the risk of hitting the vehicle ahead if ever you are hit from behind, and allows you to move out of the way of a vehicle that may be skidding behind you.

Slow down for turns and curves

Accidents often occur during  turns and curves could easily be prevented by reducing the speed of your vehicle. Always take turns and curves very slowly, reducing your speed as you approach one. Keep a lookout for road signs warning of impending curves to ensure that you have ample time to slow down before steering through. 

Check your blind spots

Driving  a large commercial vehicle can make it difficult to see cars behind or even next to their vehicle. By regularly checking your mirrors, and maintaining the distance  of the vehicles driving near your truck . Check every 8-10 seconds to be mindful of vehicles entering your blind spots. It is also advisable to constantly scan the road ahead for potential dangers to ensure timely response. Keep a lookout for traffic, work zones, and other road users 

Develop a maintenance schedule

The safety of your trips starts with the maintenance of your vehicles. Commercial vehicles like trucks that aren’t regularly maintained such as servicing  and brake pad checks are more likely to cause issues on the road  . Regular upkeep and maintenance  is therefore crucial to ensure your vehicles are in good condition  to avoid breakdowns . Alternatively, you may consider truck rentals where vehicle rental companies have a fixed scheduling for their fleet of vehicles, providing you with the benefits of both convenience and peace of mind.

Learn more: Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Vehicle Rental Company | Edmund Vehicle Rental

With all the potential dangers, making it home to your family safely should be the  first priority. Keep these tips in mind to help stay safe when on the roads and avoid possible hazards.

On the search for truck rental services or used trucks for sale? Edmund Vehicle Rental carries an extensive range of commercial vehicles – reach out to us today to find the most suited vehicle for your needs!