Quite a few drivers who drive trucks believe that there is less risk of getting into an accident when driving on country roads. This is argued by the smaller number of cars than on the streets of the metropolis. Unfortunately, in spite of this fact, according to statistics, a greater number of accidents occur exactly on federal and regional roads.
It is worth noting that the drivers of trucks, traveling on the roads outside the city, feel more at ease. They think that they can exceed the speed limit and get away with it, because there are not cameras on all highways. Everyone is in a hurry to make a delivery as fast as possible. Also, it is worth noting that when driving on country highways, the monotony of the process has a detrimental effect on the state of drivers while driving.
Often as a result of such impact people fall asleep at the wheel, lose vigilance and reaction speed. All this leads to irreparable consequences. Professional transport companies use special programs for these purposes, allowing them to monitor how fast they are driving and how long the driver has been at the wheel. Thanks to such software, it is possible to adjust the employee.
Individuals should emphasize self-monitoring. The highway is not a safe place. In order to ensure that driving on a country road does not become a real ordeal and disaster for drivers, it is worth getting to know the elementary rules of safe driving outside the metropolitan area.
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How can I drive safely on country highways?
Safe driving involves strict compliance with the rules of the traffic rules, as well as expedient measures. As for the latter, we are talking about the inspection of the truck for faults, the presence of all technical fluids, the correctness of the brakes and headlights, and the elimination of all unnecessary items that prevent a safe and comfortable ride.
Đ• If it is raining, fog or snowfall, then the most correct decision is to stick to the right side, because the bad weather will not allow you to correctly determine the size of vehicles that are moving in the oncoming direction. It will be extremely difficult to navigate when visibility is reduced.
When driving in such conditions you should also be ready to stop at any time, turn on the windshield wipers, check the speed of the car on the speedometer, use the sound signals and turn on the fog lights together with a dipped beam (in a fog).
Trucks have a fairly long braking distance. In this regard, in the conditions of bad weather drivers need to be extremely careful and attentive. There are conditions under which the transport company can stop for a while. Self-employed truck drivers should follow the same actions. It is better to wait out bad weather than risk your life.
While driving, you should never be distracted by a phone conversation. In the event that the dialogue cannot be put off (for example, a dispatcher calls), the only true solution is to make a stop. It is possible to talk without parking, using a speakerphone, and placing the device on a special stand.
It is worth being extremely careful on roads with gravel surfaces. On such roads, a stone can break your windshield, and leave behind scratches and chips on the body, but it’s less trouble than the first option.
Do not forget that it is forbidden to obstruct the overtaking traffic rules. The faster car should be allowed to pass ahead. Trucks have their own speed limits, of which drivers must be aware!
Overtaking must be done quickly, but carefully. The time of driving in the oncoming lane should be minimal, about 12-14 seconds. It is required to overtake for 100 meters and more. The minimum time – overtaking is the key to safety. In no case it is impossible to overtake if there is a column of cars or moreover trucks ahead.
If the driver is engaged in transportation as a self-employed citizen or just decided to do the transportation himself, he should watch the proper securing of the cargo. Carelessly secured items can simply fly off and fall into the vehicle behind, which can lead to very unfortunate consequences.
When driving a truck on the highway, the driver must be fully confident in the safety of his maneuver. You should avoid sudden increases in speed. It is most important in wet weather and ice, when the traction with the road is much worse. It’s better to avoid an accident on the road and subsequent recourse to a lawyer, better to spend more time maneuvering the truck.
In the case of the forthcoming long road you should rest and gain strength as much as possible. Distraction during the trip can lead to irreversible consequences.
If there is a need to stop while driving, you should first turn right, reduce speed, and only then can you pull over to the side of the road. If you have to stop for a truck, you should only park in a designated parking space.
Safe driving will help to avoid accidents and guarantee the delivery of your goods and valuables in one piece, no matter how long the route is.
