Top 5 Truck Driver Behaviours That Can Help Decrease Crashes
Canada’s road network is filled with over 750,000 trucks of both medium and heavy sizes. Almost 2,000 Canadians are killed every year as a result of accidents involving heavy trucks alone. That number does not include how many are injured or suffer wrecked vehicles as a result.
While you need a license to operate certain heavy trucks in Red Deer, not every truck is used for business purposes. As a result, you’ll often have ordinary drivers navigating these dangerous vehicles down busy roads.
Here are five of the most common behaviours that can reduce truck accidents.
1. Avoid Reckless Driving
One of the most common types of truck accidents is due to reckless driving. Reckless driving is any kind of careless behaviour on the road, such as making a turn through multiple lanes or speeding through yellow lights.
People may perform reckless driving due to things such as exhaustion or mental burnout. This happens when they spend long hours on the road without a break.
2. Do not Ignore Traffic Signs
Another of the many causes of heavy truck accidents is when a driver ignores a traffic sign. These signs aren’t just about telling you when to stop and what direction you can turn. In many cases, they can inform truck drivers whether they can actually fit their vehicle underneath a bridge or overpass.
3. Always Signal
A vehicle’s turn signal is an important factor in safely navigating the road. Without a turn signal, it’s difficult for a driver behind you to know which way you’re turning or when you’re going to change lanes.
This is especially dangerous for truck drivers, as trucks take up more space on the road and can cause much more damage to smaller vehicles.
4. Take a Refresher after an Accident
Someone with a prior history of crashing may be prone to accidents. Unless they were forced to take driving classes after an accident, they are much more likely to have another one in the future.
Legally, all prospective truck drivers in Canada must have at least 103.5 hours of instruction. They must also pass a vision and knowledge test every five years.
5. Avoid Equipment Failure
It’s not uncommon for trucks to develop a defect or two after long hours on the road. Something like defective brakes could easily lead to a major incident.
New semi truck drivers should get to know their trucks and take all the necessary precautions. That includes inspecting the truck on a regular basis and maintaining a safe distance on the road.
Invest in Reliable Heavy Trucks in Red Deer and Surrounding Areas
The first step to driving safely on the road is to use the right equipment. RJames Management Group is here for all your commercial truck and trailer needs. We have dealerships in Calgary, Red Deer, Kamloops, and Kelowna. Contact us to learn more or visit one of our many locations to see our inventory firsthand.