Tips on How Truckers Can Stay Safe on the Road at Night

Many truckers prefer driving long distances at night because there aren't any other cars on the road to annoy them. In addition, the nighttime is serene and stress-free, but that doesn't mean that it isn't hiding any risks for truckers. 

In fact, nighttime driving has several cons that can pose dangers to a driver’s wellbeing. 

The biggest problem relates to the fact that humans are programmed to sleep at night, something that works against nighttime drivers. As a result, they may feel fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in road accidents. 

Also, other drivers may not see you or mistake the truck for a smaller car and may crash into you. 

Luckily, the experts at Professional Transport Driver Training School have put together a list of tips that will help prevent such incidents from occurring. For starters, making yourself visible, keeping a close eye on your surroundings, not stopping at rest areas for too long, and being as loud as you can if you must stop, are all great examples of keeping yourself and others safe at nighttime.

Let's explore these essential truck driver safety tips in further detail.

Be More Visible

A way to communicate with others while you are driving is through the use of your vehicle’s lights. So, before embarking on your journey, ensure that your headlights are clean as the light emitted by unclean lights is 50% less than those that are clean and in good condition.

Moreover, brake lights and turn signals are crucial for nighttime driving, so check on them periodically to ensure that they are clean and working properly. In addition to the lights mentioned above, it is essential to keep the following lights in perfect working condition too:

Also, wearing a reflective vest can be very helpful in avoiding accidents, especially when you are getting out of your vehicle. Reflective vests allow you to be seen from a distance. 

Avoid Driving Between Trailers

This is a truck driver safety tip that applies to all. Driving between two trailers can be extremely dangerous for several reasons. 

Firstly, when tractor-trailer drivers need to make a turn, they need space to do so. This requirement makes driving between trailers a great hazard as less space greatly increases the chances of collision.

Secondly, not maintaining a safe distance from other trucks increases the likelihood of a crash in the event that a driver applies brakes in an emergency. Going between trailers quickly so you can cut in front of them or exit the highway is an accident waiting to happen.

In short, keep clear of trailers entirely, especially when driving at night when visibility is poor. 

Be Vigilant

The first rule of truck driver safety is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. That's because even if you do everything by the book, you cannot control external threats like wildlife or inebriated drivers. 

Being vigilant will, however, allow you to control your reaction. Pay attention to your surroundings, so you know the conditions around you and have time to take appropriate action in case things go wrong.

Make Noise (and Plenty of it)

Visual cues are harder to decipher in the dark. That's when sounds can help you get noticed on the road. So, ensure your horn is working so you can warn other drivers who may be in your way. 

Moreover, adding a whistle to your truck safety kit may be a good idea. If you are outside your truck and someone has taken you by surprise, you can call for help by blowing on your whistle. 

Be Cautious of Rest Areas

It is super crucial for truckers to stop and rest if they are getting tired. However, choosing where to do that is an art of its own. 

It can be unsafe to sleep away at a rest stop where anyone can come to rob you. So, the first thing you should do is search online about which rest areas are the safest. You can quickly figure that out by reading reviews left by other truck drivers.

It is also wise to stop where they have security cameras installed and have well-lit parking areas.

Please do not park your truck near others because it isn't safe for you or your vehicle and poses a collision risk.

Make Your Truck Safer

No matter how safely you drive, if your vehicle isn't up to safety standards, you aren't really safe. Here are a few tips to make your truck safer:

Enroll in Truck Driving Classes

There is no better way to learn about truck driver safety and nighttime driving than from professionals. Well-experienced instructors can help you become a more confident driver so you can drive safely and skillfully at night. 

To learn the tricks of the trade from highly experienced and qualified truck driving instructors, book a class today with Professional Transport Driver Training School. Simply call us on 204-925-1580 or contact us through our website and one of our agents will get in touch with you shortly.