Did you know that one of the leading causes of loss of productivity in the commercial truck driving sector and businesses is the fatalities and damages caused to the vehicle, the labor, and the equipment whilst on the road. In trying times like the ones our nation is going through right now, it’s not a shock when we see numerous sectors of our economy taking a huge blow. The commercial truck driving industry is one of them. We know how hard truck drivers work and realize the extensive sacrifices they make in their personal life to serve the people of this country. At Paradiso insurance, we not only care about your finances but for your life and livelihood too. Therefore, we’ve put together an array of precautions which every commercial truck driver should observe whilst on the road.

Be vigilant

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,841 lives were lost in 2018 due to distracted driving, and over 23,000 have died between 2012-2018. You know, we get it, truck drivers are on the road for hours on the end and it is normal to grab a bite, take a call, light a cigarette, etc. while driving. However, it is also important to understand that commercial trucks are heavy vehicles which have low maneuverability. Therefore, it is increasingly important that truck drivers try to stray from being distracted at all times.

Blind spots

To be fair, knowing your blind spots is extremely important while driving any vehicle. It becomes even more important when driving a commercial truck.  This is because visibility is extremely important for truck driver’s safety and is paramount in preventing road collisions. While driving a large vehicle, of course, the number and distance of your blind spots also increase. In order to prevent any accidents, try to keep your lane changes to a minimum and the distance between your vehicle and others maximal.

Defensive driving

Although commercial drivers are generally more defensive than the regular ones as their job demands it, it is always a good thing to take more precautions than general. For this, always be aware of what other drivers are doing around you and always be prepared if motorists around you try to do something out of the ordinary.

Plus, it is advisable that you keep a 3-4 second cushion between you and the other cars.

Winter driving tips

Driving heavy commercial vehicles is hard enough as it is but it becomes increasingly difficult in the winter during harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. So, when driving in winters,

• Always wear a seatbelt
• Drive with extra caution on intersections, shaded areas, bridges and overpasses
• Always check the weather conditions at every stop
• Keep your fuel tank and phone battery full.
• Always keep an emergency kit in your car

Commercial auto insurance

Yes, be careful when driving however, the fact that accidents can occur whenever and wherever cannot be denied and it is highly recommended that you get insurance for your commercial truck/ vehicle. Insurance not only covers the damages caused during accidents, but also gives you a peace of mind whole you’re out there working.