Safe Summer Driving Tips From Top Truck Drivers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21, 2004 -- From driveway to highway, America's motorists are preparing for the 2004 Memorial Day holiday weekend and a summer of vacation travel. To get them safely on the way, the American Trucking Associations polled top professional truck drivers for their common sense advice on how to safely navigate through highway traffic and congestion this summer and, at the same time, to save costly fuel.

All of the drivers agree that the first step toward a safe trip begins in the driveway.

  * Do a "walk around" before leaving.  Check your vehicle's tires, wipers
    and fluids.  Have your radiator and cooling system serviced.  You can
    prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the
    road.

  * Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late, and to
    accommodate delays.  Know your limitations; don't drive when tired,
    upset, or physically ill.

  * When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots.
    If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck
    driver can't see you.

  * Expect the unexpected; look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path.  Leave
    yourself an out.

  * Pull off to a designated parking area to use your cell phone.

  * To change lanes, signal ahead of time so others can respond.  If a truck
    is signaling to change lanes, allow it space to do so.  Often, it is
    trying to avoid another vehicle.

  * Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to a complete stop, so
    avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

  * On entrance ramps, remember highway traffic has the right of way;
    maintain proper speed, use smooth merging techniques, don't slow in
    front of a truck.

  * Understand that big trucks cannot always stop to assist you, but most
    will use their radios to contact the police or highway patrol if they
    see you are in trouble.

  * To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips, and keep a steady
    speed.  Further, a well-tuned engine and properly inflated tires will
    result in noticeable fuel savings.