Safety Advice for Truck Drivers While Driving at Night

Due to driver fatigue, poor visibility, drunk drivers, and wildlife, night driving can be challenging. In the evening, accidents are four times more likely to occur, and driver exhaustion is typically the primary culprit.

But during these periods, a lot of truck drivers are charged with making deliveries and performing other tasks. Even though they’re already in a very dangerous profession, it becomes even more perilous when they’re driving late at night when there’s a higher risk of an accident.

Fortunately, you can reduce these risks and make your nighttime excursions safer by following a few simple guidelines.

The Dangers of Night Driving

The difficulties of nighttime driving are unique, and most truck drivers frequently encounter various issues for two major reasons:

• Poor visibility
• Driver fatigue

Since it can take many days to transport goods or services across state lines, the bulk of truck drivers operate at night to meet delivery deadlines.

Night Driving Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Being cautious will help to prevent truck crashes at night. You can easily avoid those accidents if you take the appropriate precautions.

These five night driving safety recommendations are excellent for truck drivers.

Increase Your Following Distance

Due to decreased visibility at night, you must maintain a safe following distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. You might not have enough time to stop your truck completely if you’re traveling too closely to other cars.

According to the FMCSA, if you’re traveling under 40 mph, you should allow one second for every 10 feet your truck is in length. You should give an additional second when traveling at speeds greater than 40 mph.

Don’t Speed

Driving too fast could place you in a risky scenario, despite the fact that you might be ready to deliver your load and move on to your next assignment. You might not see that animal spring out at you or that drunk driver approaching from the side if you’re speeding.

Use Your High Beams

A great technique to improve visibility and ultimately avoid accidents is by using your high beams. However, because these lights have a bad reputation for blinding oncoming traffic, you must exercise caution when employing them. Therefore, you should lower your high beams when you see another automobile coming.

Get Proper Rest

Driver fatigue is the primary factor in accidents that happen at night. If you don’t get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, it will be tough for you to stay alert while driving. The significance of getting enough sleep cannot be overlooked. We recognize that you have busy schedules and a variety of responsibilities as a truck driver, but you also need to take care of yourself.

Driving while fatigued might slow down your typical response time and increase the likelihood of an accident. Find the safest spot to stop, pull over, and take a nap if you feel yourself starting to nod off. Truck stops are frequently found near highways or off of exits.

Check Your Mirrors and Watch Your Surroundings

Truck drivers must understand the importance of visibility. You won’t be alone on the road late at night. For similar reasons, many drivers work at night, and failing to pay attention to your surroundings could be a risky endeavor.

So, before making any turns, speeding up, or taking any drastic actions, check your mirrors and look around. This is in your best interests since it shields you from costly lawsuits, improves fleet safety, and keeps your truck insurance costs low.

 

Source

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-fatigue