Truckers And Self Defense – How To Protect Yourself On The Road

Truckers are one of the most dangerous professions in the world. They haul high-value loads in areas that are often unsafe. But that doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself on the road just incase something happens to you. Here are 5 tips for how you can do just that.

1. Scan The Road Ahead

Drivers can help to prevent traffic accidents by scanning the road ahead and staying alert. They should look at least 12 seconds ahead to avoid potential trouble spots and identify possible road hazards, such as parked cars, debris or pedestrians on the road. Scanning the road ahead is a proactive driving approach that can be very effective in all types of conditions. Experienced drivers often develop a routine to scan and stay alert.

2. Keep Your Eyes Open

The best way to keep your eyes on the road is to pay attention to what’s going on around you. A brief glance at your dashboard and a glance around the passenger compartment are all you need to get your bearings and stay on track. Keeping your eye on the road can save you from an accident or worse, a ticket. If you do need to pull over, be sure to have a full tank of gas and plenty of water. This can also help prevent a minor accident from turning into a major one. Lastly, take advantage of the many highway rest areas to stretch your legs and refresh your brain.

3. Stay Alert

While driving, staying alert is a crucial part of safe driving. Drowsy or sleepy drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as running a red light or hitting a pedestrian. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving causes over 100,000 collisions each year. This can be especially difficult to stay alert on long drives, but there are steps you can take to ensure that you’re not becoming drowsy behind the wheel and staying safe on the road. A good way to do this is to keep an eye out for possible traffic halts, road conditions or other potential threats a quarter of a mile ahead. This will allow you to slow down or pull over if necessary so that you can avoid any risks.

4. Don’t Get Involved

Even the most experienced of truck drivers can get in an accident or worse, be a victim of one. Although you may not be able to control the road or the weather, you can take measures to avoid the pitfalls of modern day roadways. A little common sense and a sprinkling of etiquette will go a long way in preventing a collision from causing more harm than good. You can also make your commute a safer and more pleasant experience by keeping an eye out for suspicious motorists and avoiding the most dangerous places to be on the road. Using the best trucking route possible will keep you out of harm’s way and ensure your safety in a pinch. While you are at it, why not make the most of your time on the road and save some money by using a trucker friendly destination for your next visit?

5. Call The Police

If you feel that you are being stalked or attacked, call the police immediately. They will help you find a safe location to go and avoid the risk of an attack.   It is also important to get any evidence that you might need to prove your case. Truck drivers should also be aware of the truck driver laws in their state. These laws allow the police to pull over a truck driver for any violation that they think is a safety hazard.