Driving a big commercial truck isn’t easy, we know. Being in charge of tons of metals on the road and laden with the responsibility of not only a commercial truck and its maneuvering but also being vary and careful of people driving regular vehicles around you can be daunting. This is why one receives specialized training when taking over such a job and an even bigger responsibility. Yes, it is true that driving safely and attentively is one of the most integral parts of road safety for all types of drivers. However, with a bigger vehicle, the stakes are increased. With increased stakes come increased responsibilities – ones which cannot and should not be taken lightly.
If a truck driver is distracted whilst driving, a lot can go wrong.
Distracted driving result in accidents with effects ranging from minor vehicle damage to a totaled car and devastating injuries. Increasingly, distracted driving results in fatalities. It can also affect your insurance premiums and even result in fines or jail time if caught. Moreover, accidents involving heavy duty vehicles such as commercial trucks can cause even bigger damages, costing more lives, increased fatalities, and increased damages to property and livelihood alike. You don’t want that.
Instances or tasks which can distract you while driving are:
- Adjusting the radio
- Monitoring loud activity in the vehicle or outside it
- Eating or drinking
- Talking or texting on cellphones
- Driving under the influence
- Inputting information into a GPS
Anything which takes your attention off the road and the task at hand – driving – accounts for distracted driving.
At Paradiso insurance, we care about you. Your health and safety are our top priority and that is why we have gathered a few tips that that will help you avoid distracted driving.
Keep your phone on silent!
Texts, calls, notifications from your social, and game beeps, all divert your attention while driving. Before starting on your route/ journey, be sure to keep your phone on silent and always check your phone in park or at a stop.
If you can’t afford to put your phone on silent, always make sure that you sue them only for emergency purposes. Even then, it’s best to pull over safely to the right shoulder to make a call. Even hands-free devices can still cause you to miss important visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.
Fight off the drowsiness
Did you know that drowsiness increases the risk of a crash by nearly four times? Moreover, a government study showed that 37 percent of U.S. drivers have nodded off or actually fallen asleep at least once during their driving careers. If you feel tired, we get it. It’s only human. We advise that that you pull on the side.
No eating
Avoid eating while driving. Being busy is no excuse for distracted driving. Finishing your breakfast on the way to work not in the truck. Food spills are a major cause of distraction and ultimately, accidents.
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.
