• December 13th, 2018

This section will attempt to stay away from the typical traditional safety recommendations in order to concentrate on those discovered from the research that is summarized in the next section. This does not mean
that the safety practices typically taught as standard large truck training are not important. They are important and should be given priority, both in training and in practice. The following is a partial list given for
review:

  • Observe speed limits and avoid all aggressive driving practices;
  • Absolutely no mind-altering drugs or alcohol – check with your doctor on prescription drugs;
  • Always fasten restraints;
  • Avoid all electronic communication devices;
  • Anticipate and avoid bad weather if at all possible;
  • Obtain equipment and provide training to assure that loads are adequately fastened to prevent cargo
    falls or load shifts;
  • Drive defensively, which includes: (1) constantly surveying the horizon well ahead looking for potential hazards (such as brake lights), (2) special efforts to put distance between you and other vehicles if
    at all possible, and (3) let aggressive drivers pass by tapering off your speed until they do.
  • Perform all required safety checks to assure equipment is more than adequate for the trip, recognizing
    that tires are the number one cause of vehicle-defect crashes;
  • Use standard practices for mitigating the effects of a tire blow-outs.