Oct 30, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Semi-truck drivers have a big responsibility when they are on the road. They are driving a very large, heavy vehicle. A truck accident could be very dangerous. Truck drivers need to remember these safe driving tips.
Semi-Truck Drivers: Ways to Stay Safe
Wear a Seat Belt
Airbags are not enough to help you in an accident, even in a vehicle the size of a semi-truck. Semi-truck drivers need to make sure to wear their seat belt so it will keep them safe while driving. This could prevent them from flying out of the vehicle if an accident were to happen. It could also reduce the risk of a more serious injury.
Don’t Drive Distracted
There is a lot of new technology in truck cabs nowadays. This could lead to distracted driving. GPS, while very helpful, can take the driver’s eye off the road and cause accidents. Cell phones can lead to drivers trying to do more while they are driving, which is also causing more accidents.
Other activities that could cause semi-truck drivers to be distracted while driving are eating, looking for items in the cab, talking to passengers if you have any, and the list goes on. It is important to keep the distractions away while driving. Only take a look at them while at a rest stop, travel center, or at the destination.
Remember the Size of the Semi
Sometimes, it may be hard for semi-truck drivers to remember that they are pulling a lot of weight behind the truck cab. It takes a lot of force to get the semi-truck going, and a lot of force to get it to stop. Therefore, in the case of braking, it is necessary to keep a good amount of distance between a truck and the car ahead. A truck traveling at 55 mph will take 390 feet to come to a complete stop.
Turning can also be a challenge while driving a semi-truck. Drivers should keep in mind that they need to take wide turns. This will help prevent them from getting stuck trying to take tight corners.
Avoid Fatigue
Semi-truck drivers have long days and long weeks. In order to practice safe driving, it is necessary to make sure to take plenty of breaks and get rest. This is especially important when a driver is feeling tired. Driving while tired can be very dangerous. Other tips to reduce fatigue include eating healthy, doing exercises during breaks, and getting a good nights sleep.
Sep 11, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
It’s important to make sure that your truck is prepared before you head out on the road. While some specifics might vary from driver to driver, there are some essential truck features that you should make sure are taken care of. These are the kind of things that you wouldn’t want to leave without…
Essential Truck Features: Top Priorities
Good tires
A good set of tires are some of the most essential truck features to have in good shape. The old saying “you get what you pay for” is certainly true for truck tires. You shouldn’t settle for cheaper tires to save only a few bucks.
Instead, investing in good quality tires will keep you safe and avoid frequent replacements. Stick to the well-trusted brands and follow their recommendations for proper use. Check them frequently to make sure they are still in good shape. Furthermore, consider all-weather or snow tires if you’re driving in icy or snowy places.
The right lights
Proper lighting is one of those essential truck features that is useful at night and during the day. Break lights, headlights, running lights. and turn signals all should be in working order before you set out. Make sure to check that they are as bright as they should be so other drivers can see them.
Your lights have multiple purposes when on the road. Lights allow you to see the road and they let other drivers see you as well. They also indicate your intentions to other drivers. This is why it’s important to make sure they are working properly at all times.
Clear mirrors
Mirrors are considered to be essential truck features, but they often get overlooked. Good mirrors let you see around your truck and avoid accidents. They can also help you with parking and other maneuvers.
However, mirrors may require a bit more maintenance than other features. You’ll have to make sure to clean them off if they get too much dirt and grime buildup. You’ll also have to make sure they’re in the right position before driving. The benefits that good mirrors give you makes this maintenance well worth it.
Taking care of the truck essentials will make your trips much more safer. Give these components a check the next time you’re getting ready to head out to make your driving experience all the more enjoyable.
Jul 23, 2023 | Truck Driving, Work Injuries
Driving a truck means long periods of sitting and remaining cooped up in the truck’s cabin. Over time, all of that driving could lead to injury and stress buildup. That’s why it’s helpful to know some trucker exercise techniques. These techniques can help you remain limber and healthy despite all that long driving…
Trucker Exercise: Stretches And More
Back stretches
The first kind of trucker exercise to consider are back stretches. A good stretch is very useful for decompressing your spine and loosening your muscles. Plus, they’ll also help reduce back pains and make those long drives a lot more tolerable.
For example, a good stretch to try is the backbend. All you have to do is place your hands behind your back, and lean as far back as you can. Repeat this 5-10 times, and then do the same in the front. Also, when doing these front bends, try to put your hands on your hips, as this will help stretch your legs too.
Walking/running
The next trucker exercise technique to try is walking or running. Much like stretches, walking or running can be done anywhere with practically no equipment. For instance, you could do some walking around a rest stop before you get back in your truck. In fact, truckers can actually use their trucks to their advantage.
It’s not a bad idea to walk or run around your truck when you have the chance. 32 laps around a truck with a trailer is equal to about one mile. Plus, 30 minutes of walking or running tends to burn about 200-300 calories. Therefore, this is a great way to get some exercise while also stretching those muscles.
Bodyweight exercises
Another good form of trucker exercise to consider are bodyweight exercises. These exercises include things like push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc. These exercises are great because much like the previous examples, you need little to no extra equipment for them. Although, it might be a good idea to bring a workout mat so you don’t have to directly touch the ground!
It’s a good idea to first start with a handful of exercises and then do a few repeating reps of each whenever you have the chance. Then, switch it up and add some new ones in the mix. Not only will that keep some variety, it’ll also let you add in other exercises into the mix as well!
Mar 5, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Growing up, nearly every single on of us has a memory of passing a tractor trailer on the roadway and motioning for them to honk their horn. It was a game for long car rides, or a challenge on the school bus. No matter where you experienced this, it is a visceral image we can almost all recall. However, while we can all recall the ‘honking’ game bit of trailer talk, you might not realize that there are plenty of other phrases that truckers themselves might use to communicate a number of different things. From police on the roadway, to emergencies, and different destinations— there seems to be a common phrase for everything.
Trailer Talk: Commonly Used Phrases
Popular Terms
First of all, when it comes to trailer talk, these are the most common terms:
- 10-4: Usually used to signify acknowledgment, but can also be used in agreement
- 10-6: Basically saying, “I’m busy, please hold”
- 10-7: The trailer talk equivalent of an AIM away message. “I’m done for the night, signing off!”
- 10-8: En-route. Usually used when saying you’re on the way to a location.
- 10-9: Repeat your last message, I did not receive it.
- 10-20: 20 denotes a location. In fact, it can be used to inform others of your location or ask others for their “20”.
- 10-33: This term is used to clear the channel for emergency traffic.
- 10-100: This means you’re taking a potty break!
- Runnin’you across: The weigh station is open and moving quickly
Law Enforcement
Second, in order to let other trucks know about nearby law enforcement, there is certain trailer talk to talk about just that. Then, they don’t need to guess what is ahead of them on the road!
- Evel Knievel: a police officer on a motorcycle
- Mama Bear: A female police officer
- Papa Bear: A police officer with a CB radio
- Baby Bear: A rookie police officer
- Bear Trap: A speed trap
- Bear bite: A speeding ticket
- Fox in the hen house: An unmarked police vehicle
- Full-grown bear: State trooper
- Flying doughnut: A police helicopter
Destinations
Finally, when it comes to trailer talk, some of it focuses merely on places you might be going. In fact, some slang is for locations of truck drivers or their destinations only, so they can communicate with other drivers.
- Gateway: St. Louis, Missouri
- Lost Wages: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Mardi Gras: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Bingotown: Binghamton, New York
- Beantown: Boston, Massachusetts
- Motor City: Detroit, Michigan
- Stack of Bricks: a house or home
- Spud Town: Boise, Idaho
- Windy City: Chicago, Illinois
Mar 3, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
As a tractor trailer driver, it’s important to know about how to properly take care of your truck. Knowing how to manage truck oil changes, along with other basic maintenance, is a large part of that. While you will likely learn the basics from other truckers, instructors, or guide books. However, we’re going to provide you with one more avenue of understanding…
Truck Oil Changes: Taking Proper Steps
Engine design
The engine of your truck plays a large role in your truck oil changes. The design, age, and conditions all play a part on your oil’s life. Additionally, things like engine contaminants can also play a role in reducing your oil capabilities. You engine’s fuel efficiency helps determine the overall life of your oil. A more modern, fuel efficient engine tends to have better oil life than older, less efficient ones. However, contaminants like water, dirt, and soot can reduce this efficiency.
How the truck is used
It’s also important to consider how the truck is driven. Much like with normal cars, how hard a driver pushes their truck can shorten their oil life. You also have to consider what conditions you drive your truck in as well. Harsh weather or climates can have a negative impact on your oil lifespan. For example, say you usually drive your truck in hot and dusty area. The higher temperatures can cause your engine to work harder and reduce your oil’s efficiency. Also, there’s an increased risk of contaminants like dirt getting into your engine as well. All of this can lead to the need for truck oil changes.
Oil properties
You also have to consider the type of oil you use in your truck. Trucks will generally use heavy-duty oil, unlike normal passenger cars. Different oil types will have also different properties which can impact their lifespan. Generally, the most common oil types used for truck oil changes are synthetic versus “standard” blends. Synthetic oils tend to last longer and perform better compared to their “standard” counterparts. However, this comes with a higher cost. These oils are also not impervious to contaminants. A higher-quality oil can degrade faster than “standard” oil if it is heavily contaminated.
Truck oil changes are a key part of keeping in properly running. That’s why it’s important to know the factors that can impact your oil’s overall effectiveness. After all, it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to truck maintenance.
Nov 10, 2019 | Accident prevention, Truck Driving
On their own, tractor trailers can be difficult to handle. This becomes especially apparent if they go over their normal load limits. An overloaded truck can make tractor trailer driving even more dangerous. It’s important to be aware of the risks that come with overloading and improperly loading your truck…
Overloaded Truck: Understanding the Issue
Load limits
Federal law caps the weight limit for commercial vehicles at 80,000 pounds. However, that doesn’t mean that all trucks can carry that weight. That’s why it’s important to know how much your truck can handle to avoid having an overloaded truck.
Your truck’s total capacity is determined by a number of things. These include it’s braking system, drive train, axles, and wheels just to name a few. However, each truck should have a sticker letting you know what its capacity is. Exceeding this capacity could cause your truck components to wear down and break.
Harder handling
Damaged components are not the only risk that comes with an overloaded truck. These vehicles also are much harder to handle than usual. The added weight makes your truck less responsive and more likely to have the heavier trailer swing out of control.
Rollovers and Jackknifing
Rollovers and jackknifing are also more common on overloaded trucks. So is losing control over your truck, especially when going downhill. These all can increase the risk of accidents to both you and other drivers. That’s why it’s much safer to drive with a properly loaded truck.
Improperly loaded
Your truck doesn’t have to be over its weight limit to be overloaded. In fact, sometimes you can have an overloaded truck due to improper loading. Improper loading can cause one side of your truck to be heavier than another, causing issues for you when driving.
For example, a truck with too much weight on the left side will struggle to turn right. This unbalanced load will also increase the chance of rollovers during left turns. That’s why it’s important to make sure your cargo is loaded safely and balanced.
Overloaded trucks might seem like a way to move a bit more cargo each trip. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Everyone on the road is much safer when trucks carry loads within their weight limits.
