FACTS

1. IMPROPER LOADING. Loading guidelines exist for a reason: they’re in place to ensure your truck can handle the cargo properly without adversely affecting handling or braking.
2. DRIVER ERROR. Stay vigilant and aware and anticipate driver error. Always avoid tailgating, even if a car moves in front of you.
3. BLINDSPOT. Part of truck driver training involves being aware of blind spots and always staying mindful of what’s around you. Old-fashioned diligence is still the best way to monitor your blind spots.
4. SPEEDING. Always follow posted speed limits to ensure you arrive at your destination safely. You will also consume less fuel, which can add up over the year.
5. FATIGUE. At the first sign of fatigue, pull off and take a rest. Everything from inadequate sleep to diet and medications can affect your alertness.
6. FAILURE TO SIGNAL. Although failure to signal may not seem like a big deal, it’s always important to let other drivers know what you’re planning to do.
7. PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. Always do a walk-around when you are parked to ensure no vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles are in your way, especially if you’re going to back up.
8. ROAD CONDITIONS. Sharp curves, steep downgrades, heavy rain, and snowy or icy conditions significantly affect your truck. Knowing when to reduce your speed is an important part of responding to these conditions.
9. DRIVER DISTRACTION. Transport trucks are loaded up with more and more telematics, guidance, and entertainment options for these days. Don’t let onboard technologies or handheld devices distract you from your job of driving.

STATS

Must-Know Truck Driver Accident Statistics

• In 2019, there were 7,000 more large truck crashes than the previous year
• In 2020, there were 110 fewer large truck deaths than in 2019
• Tire defects are responsible for almost a third of all truck-related crashes
• Every year, sleep deprivation causes 100,000 truck crashes
• Over 55% of fatal truck-related accidents took place in rural areas in 2019
• In the US, Texas had the highest number of truck accidents fatalities (658) in 2019
• Based on some preliminary estimates for 2020, there were 4,895 large truck fatalities
• In 2019, large trucks accounted for 9.8% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents