5 Fall Trucking Safety Tips for Professional Semi Drivers

trucking-safety-in-the-fall-season

Trucking safety is a top priority at all times for professional truck drivers.

Here are 5 safety tips to keep you free of trouble while driving in the fall.

1) Watch out for wildlife

Animals such as deer, elks, and moose are most active in the pumpkin season.

Once you notice one, be cautious because these mammals often travel in groups. 

Look out for warning signs posted by authorities.

When encountered an animal, hit the brakes only if you can maintain control of your truck.

Do not swerve as you might flip over and put your own and other lives in danger.

2) Adjust for weather changes

Poor weather conditions like fog, rain, and wind pose challenges to trucking safety. 

Check the weather reports several times per day to be prepared for possible rapid changes.

Likewise, the wind scatters fallen leaves that may cover the bumps and potholes on the road.

Wet leaves and debris can also make your tires skid, therefore reduce the speed if you see a pile of them.

3) Slow down

Reminder: as temperatures drop down, you need to slow down.

You may be driving within the legal limit, but it may be too fast for cooler weather.

Exercise extra caution at bridges and overpasses as they are covered with early frost before roads do.

4) When the sun goes down

One major drawback of the fall for trucking safety is shorter days and longer nights.

Poor nighttime visibility contributes to increasing accident rates.

Therefore, check all of your lights are operational before heading to the road.

Also, increase your following distance and pass over slowly.

5) Be mindful

Always stay alert and focus on what is happening at the present moment on the road.

It is the key element for trucking safety.

Keep constantly checking what is in front, behind and beside you.

If in danger, get real and act accordingly.

To sum up

Plan ahead as much as possible and consider the above friendly reminders to help yourself smoothly transition into seasonal changes. Trucking safety always comes first.

Click here to contact our safety department for more information.

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