Safety should be the number one priority for all drivers. One of the biggest keys for trucking safety is controlling speed. Tractor trailers are heavy pieces of equipment, and once they get going, they’re not quick to stop.
Speed is often a contributing factor in trucking accidents. Even if you are fully aware and following the other rules of the road, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Maintaining proper speeds will provide you with more time to react. A single second could be the difference between life and death.
Remember That Speeding is Never Worth It
Speed limits are set for a reason. The faster you’re going, the more damage you are capable of doing and the longer it will take for you to stop. High speeds are also harder on your truck, reducing both your MPG and your engine’s overall longevity.
And of course, speeding can quickly result in a ticket being added to your record.
Whatever small amount of time you may save from speeding is simply not worth the added risks and dangers. It doesn’t matter how fast other drivers around you are going. Keep under the speed limit, and you will be much better off.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to stay under the speed limit…
Cruise Control is Your Friend
It should go without saying, but cruise control is one of your best tools available when you’re out on the open road. Trucks have powerful engines, and it can be very easy to accidently accelerate when you’re keeping your foot on the gas. Cruise control removes the need to constantly be checking your speed, allowing you to put more focus to other areas of driving. It will also do wonders for your fuel economy.
Always Be Mindful of Road and Weather Conditions
Just because speed limits allow you to travel at certain speeds doesn’t mean you should always be maxing out the limit. This is especially true when weather and road conditions are bad. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggests you should reduce your speed by one-third in rain and one-half in snow.
In the winter, you also need to be very mindful of ice, especially black ice. Pay attention the temperature, recent weather, and road condition reports.
Know Your Routes
Like any other drivers on the road, truckers are most likely to speed when they’re running late. GPS technology has helped a lot in determining routes and arrival times, but it’s not perfect. You should always be checking routes beforehand and preparing as best you can.
Of course, driving consistent routes can make this a lot simpler.
While most trucking jobs have drivers constantly changing routes, we do things a little differently at Woodruff Enterprises. Most of our drivers work within a 500-mile radius, with largely consistent schedules week after week. Not only does this mean you’ll know your schedule ahead of time, but it allows for you to become much more familiar with your drives.
You’ll know exactly how long it takes to get to a location, and what the best way is to get there, eliminating your need to speed.
If you enjoy truck driving, but you’re tired of inconsistent schedules, impossible demands, and a lack of proper compensation, consider applying at Woodruff. We’re currently offering truck driving jobs in Springfield, Ohio.