Top Truck Drivers Share Tips for Safe Summer Driving
7 May 1999
Top Truck Drivers Share Tips for Safe Summer Driving ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 6 -- With 21 million (and counting)
miles of accident-free driving between them, the 12 professional truck drivers
on the 1999 America's Road Team surely know something about safely navigating
through ever-increasing amounts of highway traffic and congestion. So much
so, in fact, that their sponsor -- the American Trucking Associations (ATA) --
polled the team for their personal traffic safety tips. Now, as schools
across the country are about to "let out" for the summer -- and with family
vacation travel at hand -- the Road Team Captains offer their common sense
advice so other motorists and truck drivers can safely share the road.
* Do a "walk around" before leaving your driveway. Inspect your vehicle:
check the tires, wipers and fluids. It's a good idea to have your radiator
and cooling system serviced. You can prevent many of the problems that strand
motorists on the side of the road.
* Leave a little earlier so you won't be anxious about arriving late, and
so you can accommodate delays. They'll happen -- especially in construction
zones.
* Know your limitations. Don't drive when tired, upset, or physically
ill.
* Obey the posted speed limit.
* Drive with your headlights on in rain, fog, snow, at dusk and at dawn.
Slow down at night and when weather conditions are bad.
* While driving, keep your peripheral vision active by constantly moving
your eyes.
* Leave a safety cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you.
* Anticipate the unexpected -- look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path, and
leave yourself an out.
* Always try to see the big picture and anticipate the needs of all
drivers on the road.
* Practice patience and courtesy towards all drivers, and avoid erratic
drivers.
* Pull off to a designated parking area to use your cell phone.
* Signal your intentions to change lanes ahead of time so others can
respond appropriately.
* If a truck is signaling its intention 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 safely respond and
come to a complete stop.
* At intersections, stay behind the white lines so trucks can safely
complete their turns. Don't get between the truck and the curb when the truck
is making a right turn.
* On highway entrance ramps, remember highway traffic has the right of
way; maintain proper speed and use smooth merging techniques. Avoid slowing
down in front of a truck at a ramp.
* Be aware of a truck's blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in
his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
* Understand that big trucks cannot always stop to assist you, but most
will use their radios to contact the police or highway patrol with your exact
location if they see you are in trouble.
America's Road Team, representing nearly three million professional truck
drivers, was created by ATA in 1986. Top drivers from ATA member carriers,
chosen for their superior driving skills and remarkable safety records,
compete annually for a coveted spot on the team. They spend their year on the
team representing their peers and delivering safety messages to the trucking
industry and the motoring public.
"The highway is the workplace for America's Road Team and our motor
carriers," said Walter B. McCormick, Jr., ATA President and CEO. "It is our
first priority to share it safely with others. If we all follow these Road
Team tips, we'll have a great, safe Summer."
NOTE: More highway safety information from America's Road Team, including
tips for tired drivers and safe construction zone driving, is available on the
ATA Web site (http://www.trucking.org)
