How to Avoid Distractions While Driving Your Heavy Truck

If you’re a professional truck driver, it’s important to do everything you can to be responsible on the road. Distracted driving is deadly, no matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, but it’s especially dangerous in a heavy truck. Here are some tips to help you limit distractions on the road so that you can avoid a serious accident behind the wheel.

Outside the Truck

The world around you can be filled with distractions. “Rubbernecking” accidents on the side of the road can lead you to slamming into the cars in front of you, so try to just move on and not worry about things out of your control.

If you’re lost or struggling to find your way, you should probably pull over to consult your GPS, rather than squinting at signs and not focusing on the road ahead.

In the Cab

One of the biggest distractions for any driver is their smartphone. While phones can be very handy for navigation, communication, and entertainment, you have to be careful to not use them to the point that they take your eyes off the road. Setting up your phone as a GPS that you can quickly refer to is a fairly safe usage, but texting or scrolling through a playlist is not. 

Pull over to the side of the road if you absolutely must use your phone, or wait until you’re stopped for the day. If you find that dings and vibrations are distracting you, then put your phone on airplane or silent mode.

Additional interior distractions include poorly adjusted mirrors, the radio, food, and conversation with a passenger. Do what you can to minimize these distractions by setting your radio dial and mirrors before you start the truck and eating only when you’ve stopped. Try to avoid emotionally wrought conversations or arguments while driving.

Visit our Sanford, FL, dealership today to check out our great selection of new and used heavy trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales is proud to serve our Florida customers in Jacksonville and Miami and our Georgia customers in Atlanta.