When you drive a truck for a living, knowing when to stop is crucial. Your brakes can keep you from hurting yourself and others in a crash.
Road conditions, brakes, tires, load, other vehicles and your driving patterns can all affect your ability to stop. For simplicity’s sake, it helps to understand the two main factors you should look out for: Braking distance and thinking distance.
Braking distance
When you hit the brakes, your truck will still move for a given interval. Even if there is no ice on the road, your truck can skid if you brake too hard. You may need to steer the wheel in whatever direction your truck’s rear is going if your brakes are conventional. If your brake system is anti-lock, you should steer like normal as you keep steady pressure on the brakes.
Thinking distance
Regardless of how efficient your brakes are, attentiveness is key. The Indiana Driver’s Manual states that you should pass a stationary object no less than two seconds after the preceding vehicle passes it. You should also be extra careful when you change lanes or turn. Avoiding distractions and ensuring that you are well-rested can help you maintain a safe distance from the driver ahead of you.
Being on the road all the time can elevate the risk of an accident. At the same time, regular driving can get you to know your truck better and learn the right precautions. Your main focus should be doing your job safely and making it home in one piece.