10 Safety Tips for Commercial Truck Drivers
The U.S. trucking industry totaled $987 billion in revenue and moved over 12,000 tons of freight in 2023. Trucking is vital to the economy and the survival of most businesses. Incredibly, the trucking and warehousing industry accounted for 10.3% of the U.S. labor force in 2024.
Less impressive, however, are the statistics for deaths in the trucking industry. In 2023, 5,472 people died in large-truck crashes in the United States, with 18% of deaths being truck occupants. It’s no wonder the National Safety Council labeled the trucking industry among the most dangerous in the United States in 2023. Besides the dangers of death and injury, truckers face other hazards both on and off the road.
With that in mind, it’s essential that all commercial truck drivers do their utmost to remain safe on the roads. Here’s a list of 10 tips for safety for commercial truck drivers.
Commercial Truck Driver Safety Tips
1. Plan for Potential Hazards
Prior planning allows you to take note of possible dangers and take measures to prevent them.
First, keep a close eye on local weather reports. You never know when conditions will turn nasty. Always be prepared for adverse conditions and carry any equipment you might need to navigate them. If the weather looks too bad, stop driving until conditions improve.
Second, check your route for congested traffic. High-traffic areas can increase the potential for crashes. By looking at the route before you leave, you can plan alternate routes or be prepared for sudden stops.
Besides checking for traffic, ensure you can navigate the roads. Large trucks are not the most agile vehicles. Getting one stuck in a narrow or otherwise unsuitable area can spell disaster. If you’re en route to new or unfamiliar premises, it’s wise to park up on the road and check out the premises on foot. That way, you can see if there’s enough space for you to maneuver safely and take note of any obstacles or potential hazards.
Finally, consider crime in the areas where you plan to drive. Stopping in a high-crime area could increase the chances of cargo theft or harm to you as a driver. By planning, you can time your breaks so they occur in safer areas.
2. Maintain and Inspect
Commercial truck drivers should carry out a routine maintenance inspection before they set off. This inspection includes checking the tires for wear, checking the oil and fluid levels, and testing the brakes. If anything isn’t working as it should, fix or replace it before heading out on the journey.
3. Secure Your Cargo
Improperly secured loads may cause dangers to truck drivers and other motorists on the road. A flatbed load could shift or fall into the roadway, causing harm to drivers behind the truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 730 people in the U.S. die each year due to objects on the road. Even in enclosed trailers, unsecured loads can create dangers if they shift during transport. Sudden shifts could lead to events like a jackknife or rollover.
The Department of Transportation has set cargo securement regulations to prevent shifting and falling cargo. Following these rules for how to drive with cargo ensures effective tie downs and strong anchor points.
4. Buckle Up
An estimated 14% of commercial motor vehicle drivers do not wear a seat belt. This situation spells disaster should the truck be involved in a collision. Putting on a seat belt takes seconds and can save a life just as quickly. Without it, you’re completely vulnerable to injury.
5. Take Adequate Breaks
Lack of sleep is a leading cause of accidents on the highways. The NHTSA estimates that 633 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. involved drowsy drivers in 2023. The bottom line is, don’t drive if you’re tired. Stop, have a nap or a break, and only continue if you feel adequately rested.
6. Put Your Phone Away
When you use your phone while driving, your eyes leave the road. Data from 2022 indicates that 11% of all reported motor vehicle crashes were affected by distracted driving in the U.S. In 368 fatal crashes, at least one driver was using a cell phone at the time of the crash. Only look at your phone if you are having a break and not driving. If you need to make a call, use a hands-free or voice-activated system that doesn’t require you to look away from the road.
7. Drive Safely and Defensively
Your truck is not a racing car, so don’t treat it as one. Enhance commercial trucking safety by maintaining a safe, steady pace. In 2023, 29% of traffic fatalities resulted from speeding.
Go easy around corners and tight turns. When driving on a freeway, choose a lane and stick to it. Only change lanes if it’s essential. Carelessly operating a vehicle was a factor in 8.9% of fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2022, and operating in an erratic, reckless, or negligent manner was a factor in 3.7%.
8. Use a Trucker’s GPS
Using a GPS system specially designed for truckers will let you know essential information to keep you safe, especially if you’re driving to an unfamiliar area. They’re worth the investment.
9. Add a Dash Cam
While a dash cam won’t prevent accidents, it can help determine who is at fault after a crash. The video proof can help protect against legal penalties, increased insurance costs, and other potential concerns.
10. Protect From Liability
Most commercial truck drivers are surprised to learn that their employer, business, or homeowners insurance policies don’t give them the liability coverage they need. Opting for a fully customized coverage solution for liability may protect you from the cost of liability claims up to policy limits in the event of a covered claim. XINSURANCE works with commercial truckers to find solutions offering more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
Get a Quote on Insurance for Commercial Truck Drivers
XINSURANCE can work with you to discover comprehensive coverage solutions for an industry that many insurers are backing out of. Through our unique approach, we can offer coverage solutions even if you have a claims history or have been refused coverage by another insurance company.
The best way to avoid liability claims is to follow our safety tips for commercial truck drivers. If you’re doing everything you can to minimize the risk of an accident, you significantly reduce the likelihood of it happening. For the unexpected, there’s XINSURANCE. Request a quote online.
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.