Safer Trucking Tips

In Salt Lake City, Utah and across the country, being safe on the road is never an easy task, but it can be particularly difficult when you are driving a tractor-trailer. Of course, to obtain your commercial driver’s license you had to go through training beyond what regular drivers have. Often the bad driver isn't you, but a quick refresher on safe driving could help prevent an accident and the need to deal with a wrongful death lawyer. 

Before the Road

Any good driver knows that safe driving starts long before you hit the road. There are several things you should check in order to make the journey safely. For example, make sure you regularly check your truck's fluids and inspecting your headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and marker lights. By doing this you not only help prevent accidents, but it will also help you avoid a lawyer that may come with an accident.

In Salt Lake City and across the nation, be sure to have a pre-road check for your brakes and tires. These are often taken for granted, but they are extremely important to ensuring your safety and preventing the wrongful death of others. Make sure your tire pressure is set to the proper level and that there isn't any abnormal wear or other damage. Make sure your brakes have enough material to stop you as quickly as possible. 

Finally, it doesn't matter what you are hauling, always secure your load properly. Whether in Salt Lake City or elsewhere, this is something that you need to ensure is done properly. Not only is it the law that things are tied down properly, but it can also prevent loads from shifting and causing an accident—which would certainly involve a wrongful death lawyer. 

On the Road Again

Once you are sure your truck and your load are ready, here are some things to be aware of as you are driving. First, stay alert, as many accidents occur when the driver is tired and either falls asleep or becomes distracted. Staying alert and logging enough hours of sleep is crucial to preventing an accident that could result in a wrongful death and complications with a lawyer.

From driving on I-15 in Salt Lake City to crossing the Great Plains on I-80, it is always a good idea to watch out for other drivers. Be sure to check your mirrors every few seconds so that you know where the other vehicles are. Also be sure to avoid other distractions, like spending too much time on the C/B or using your phone. 

Remember that your rig is bigger, longer and heavier than most vehicles on the road. Make sure you are signaling your intentions to change lanes long before you try to move your truck. Finally, make sure to give yourself enough room when stopping. By following these tips, hopefully there will be safer truckers in Salt Lake City and across the country and less need for a wrongful death lawyer. 

Ryan Muir is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.