With Tennessee to the north and Alabama to the east, Mississippi is a state that ‘s known for many things, with their rich hickory and oak wood, soy beans, and sweet potatoes being some of the most sought-after in the US. This naturally means that there is a lot of truck movement in the state.
You or a loved one can be a victim of a truck accident. If that’s the case, consider getting in touch with Tupelo truck accident lawyers. These legal professionals have the expertise and skill to get fair compensation for all the losses a truck accident victim sustains.
What is the number one priority of every truck driver?
It is to reach their destination safely. Whether doing cross-country long hauls or making last-mile deliveries, truck drivers’ safety is of great importance.
Yes, you want your cargo to get to its location quickly. However, if your shipment doesn’t arrive intact and safe, everyone loses money.
What’s important is that truck drivers practice safe driving habits to protect everyone on the road.
In this article, you’ll find handy tips for truck drivers in Mississippi to reach their destination safely and in excellent condition. Let’s dive right in.
Tips For Mississippi Truck Drivers To Reach Their Destination Safely
Here are a few handy tips you should consider as a truck driver.
Always Carry Out Pre-Trip And Post-Trip Inspections
Before you hit the road, make sure you perform a comprehensive pre-trip safety inspection of your truck. Ensure you
- Inspect your tires
- Test your truck’s brakes and change if they’re faulty
- Check your mirrors
- Check all the lights
Also, check your windshield wiper, fluid levels, and any other aspect of your truck that could negatively impact its performance and safety.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
Skipping meals or engaging in irregular eating can lead to loss of sleep and fatigue. If you refuse to rest well, you may face induced fatigue, which can
- Cause attention issues
- Impact judgment ability
- Slow reaction time
- Affect awareness
- Cause mood changes
So, always eat a healthy and balanced diet before hitting the road.
Drive Defensively
Driving defensively encourages truck drivers to look for changes in road conditions and potential hazards, like vehicles in their blind spots.
Since the side and rear-view mirrors are ineffective for checking blind spots, drivers should regularly look out the truck’s window and over their shoulders when trying to change lanes.
Other forms of defensive driving include
- Staying calm
- Being prepared for emergencies
- Practicing the 3-second rule
- Slowing down
- Always signaling
Make Sure To Use Your Seat Belt At All Times
Remember to put on your seat belt every time you enter your truck. Recent studies show that 30% of truck drivers involved in deadly accidents were completely or partially thrown out of their trucks.
Seat belts have numerous benefits, such as reducing the risk of injuries, saving lives, and helping truck drivers stay intact and in control of their trucks during an accident.
Ensure You Check the Weather And Road Conditions
Be sure to check the road condition and weather reports of the route you have planned to take. Knowing what to expect will help you take necessary precautions and prepare you for driving in any weather condition.
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