Many truck drivers like driving at night because of fewer vehicles on the road. Also, the nighttime is serene and stress-free which soothes the mind and lets drivers focus on their driving.
Like everything has its pros and cons, nighttime driving also brings a lot of challenges for truck drivers. It is observed that major accidents take place during the dark. It means driving at night can be dangerous.
The biggest factor which plays a vital role in leading such mishaps is sleep. Humans are habitual to sleeping at night. And, if the truck drivers are sleep deprived then there is a high chance of feeling drowsy, tired and inattentive on the road. As a result, there can be mishandling of the truck, huge cargo loss, accidents and threats to the driver’s wellbeing or to the people on the way.
Luckily, we have put together a list of safety tips that truck drivers can practice to securely deliver the goods in one piece at night.
How to safely drive a truck at night?
Be more visible
One of the best ways to communicate with others about your presence on the road is to have enough vehicle lights. Hence, before embarking on the journey, make sure to check every light and its intensity. Also, cleaning the headlights as dirty ones reduces the brightness by 50% which cannot be accepted in the dark.
Furthermore, brake lights and turn signals are also important while driving. Check on them periodically to maintain their effectiveness. Some truck drivers also consider reflective vests as they help them to be visible at night when they are out of their vehicles.
Avoid impaired vision
Impaired vision is not uncommon during the nighttime. No matter how clear you think your vision is, there are times when you may not be able to see properly due to various factors. Dashboard lights, oncoming traffic, a dirty windshield, and driving at a fast pace are some factors that can get in the way of knowing what lies ahead. There are some steps truck drivers can take to overcome this hurdle.
- Cleaning the windshield after every trip.
- Dimming the dashboard lights.
- Staying away from distractions like phones.
- Avoid looking at oncoming traffic.
- Driving as per the speed limit, etc.
Be vigilant
The main rule for truck drivers to implement while driving is to be aware of their surroundings. It is because even if you do everything by the book, there are always chances of external threats and sudden happenings. Being vigilant is the best way to control your reaction. So, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night to avert harmful repercussions and deliver the goods on time.
Do not drive between trailers
It is an important truck driver safety tip that applies to all truckers. Driving between the two trailers can be very dangerous. Firstly, it will create difficulty at turning points as a truck requires enough space to make a turn. And, less space can lead to collisions.
Secondly, driving parallelly and not maintaining a safe distance increases the risk of crashing due to emergency brakes. Also, going between the trailers quickly is like welcoming accidents to happen. So, keep the trailer away from such situations and maintain enough space for other vehicles to drive peacefully.
Hope these points will be of great help to understand the importance of safe driving at nightfall. Following these will help to be healthy, happy and make deliveries on time. Rushing things or overlooking the safety tips can cost several lives and cargo damage. And, this scenario will be sadly disappointing for any truck driver to undergo.
