Accidents are common and of course accidental. To learn how to be a professional truck driver you become wise on eliminating the risk factors. 7 Steps to Planning Ahead For Meeting DOT CDL Requirements. 5 Steps To Thinking Ahead For Meeting DOT CDL Requirements. Many truckers get into accidents because of 2 things. So proper training and with these tips will keep your truck rolling and accident free by eliminating these risk factors. Happy trucking....
What Truck Driving Don't Teach You
Accidents are common and of course accidental. The number one CDL requirement is safety. The most common phrase is, "I didn't see that coming". So the name of the game is learning how to eliminate the risk factors. Accidents cost you time and money and possible a life or a limb, so play close attention.
7 Steps to Planning Ahead For Meeting DOT CDL Requirements
Planing ahead is 50 percent of not getting into an accident. Many truck drivers plan ahead their trips which by far eliminates a lot of risk factors. This gives you ease of mind to meet all the DOT CDL requirements so your not rushing and start forgetting stuff.
How Truckers Plan Ahead
1st. You look at how much time dispatch gives you to get there, and how much time it takes to get there.
2nd. Is this is your location? Verify the location to and from you are going. I have seen truckers go to the right city but in the wrong state.
3rd. Is this the best routing? This may depend on the weather, mountains and construction. Give yourself extra time to crossing mountains. What would take a car 1 1/2 hours make that 3 to 4 hours if your in a truck.
4th. Is there enough time for sleep? Plan for sleep you need it. Don't get caught up at a T.A. watching a moving or playing with your C.B. radio.
5th. Know when you get tired. Even though you may not feel like running because you just got loaded and it took all day. Run it to make up some time.
6th. Give yourself a cushion of time for break down and bad weather.
7th. Know where you will be getting fuel and plan for tolls.
5 Steps To Thinking Ahead For Meeting DOT CDL Requirements
Speed and distance, knowing your equipment and paying attention are all things you need to think ahead. These are major things that if ignored will cause a big accident and put in violation of DOT CDL requirements. With truck driving you always have to be on the ball.
How Truckers Think Ahead
1st. Speed and distance. This varies in traffic and conditions. Whatever they may be you need time to react, and respond to the situation professionally.
2nd. Knowing your equipment. This is important because if you're hauling a heavy load that is stacked to the ceiling of the trailer. You'll loose that load or the load may shift if you are going to fast.
3rd. Pay attention. Don't get distracted with all the pretty girls driving by. Especially when you are in heavy traffic. Seconds matter when you have a situation forming. If you are distracted such as texting on you cell phone of playing with your lap top, then the risk factor goes up.
4th. Don't drive with bad equipment like bald tires or no oil in the hubs. Do a good pre-trip.
5th. No road rage. You are a professional trucker, stay that way.
As a Truck Driver Learn From Your Mistakes
Many truckers get into accidents because of 2 things. First they are over-confident thinking they know everything. Second they may be under experienced and don't bother to take for-thought. Like going down the mountain at a %7 percent grade at 80 miles an hour. There a trucker saying it is, "Once you think you know everything you might as well hang it up before you get yourself killed".
So proper training and with these simple tips will keep your truck rolling and accident free by eliminating these risk factors. Happy trucking...
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