What can truckers do to stay safe on the road?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides tips for Louisiana truck drivers who navigate busy highways. Whether you only pass through doing long hauls on Interstate 20 or you make short runs throughout the state every week, you can help keep yourself and other motorists safe by making precautionary measures a part of your daily routine.

First, remember you own the highway. When you are in a semitruck, you are in one of the biggest vehicles on the road. Your size not only intimidates those in smaller cars; it also provides you with an extraordinary amount of power, a burden that carries with it the weight of responsibility. As a truck operater, you may own the road, but you also operate under a mantle of leadership that assumes concern for the compact vehicles next to you. Demonstrate your concern by being mindful of your own size and strength, and then remember to slow down so motorists in smaller cars can move freely without feeling threatened.

In addition to paying attention to other commuters, stay aware of your environment. Is it possible to avoid the morning rush, for example, or miss lunch hour congestion as you make your run through downtown? What other traffic patterns have you noticed that might help you plan your route more efficiently? Take note of work zones and areas with reduced speed, and prepare for those in advance. Check the weather forecast before you head out each morning. Simply being aware of the highway’s changing environment can set you up for safety.

Finally, be patient on the road. Give yourself and others plenty of time to get to your destinations. Doing so will give semitruck drivers and nontruckers alike a better chance of getting home to their families in the evening.

This information solely intends to provide information on trucking safety and should not be interpreted as legal advice.