America’s Top Truck Drivers Offer

Summer Driving Tips

As motorists take to the road for summer vacations, a team of million mile accident-free drivers are helping to make our roads safer. America’s Road Team Captains are elite professional truck drivers chosen by the American Trucking Associations.  They have compiled advice on how to safely navigate through highway traffic and congestion this summer and, at the same time, save costly fuel.

·    Do a "walk around" before leaving:  Check your vehicle's tires, wipers and fluids.  Have your radiator and cooling system serviced.  You can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.

·    Plan ahead:  Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs for the exit as you near it.  Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.

·    Get a map or program your GPS:  Surprisingly, few motorists use maps, even when driving through unfamiliar areas.  Knowing the road is essential for safe driving - it allows you to anticipate the road ahead and avoid a panicky search for directions.

·    Leave early and avoid risks:  Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to anticipate delays.  Know your limitations: don't drive when tired, upset, or physically ill.  Never try to gain a few seconds by attempting a risky maneuver and think twice about changing lanes just to get around a vehicle that is traveling at a speed close to yours.

·    Be aware of trucks blindspots:  When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots.  If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.

·    Expect the unexpected:  Look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path. Leave yourself an out.

·    Use your cell phone with caution:  Pull off to a designated parking area to use your cell phone.

·    Signal your intentions:  To change lanes, signal ahead of time so other drivers can respond.  If a truck is signaling to change lanes, allow it space to do so.  Often, it is trying to avoid another vehicle.

·    Do not cut in front of large trucks:  Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

·    Yield:  On entrance ramps, remember highway traffic has the right of way; maintain proper speed, use smooth merging techniques, and don't slow down in front of a truck.

·    Never stop on the highway:  The most dangerous speed on a highway is zero.  Stopped vehicles, even on the shoulder, create a severe hazard for themselves and others.  If you are stopped for emergency purposes, understand that big trucks cannot always stop to assist you, but most will use their radios to contact the police or highway patrol if they see you are in trouble.

·    Watch your gas gauge:  To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips, and keep a steady speed.  Further, a well-tuned engine, properly inflated tires and reduced speed will result in noticeable fuel savings.  Have at least a quarter of a tank of gas before you get on a highway.  Traffic tie-ups can use a lot of fuel – and may leave you stranded.

·    Construction zone:  Stay alert in work zones.  Traffic may move more slowly, and lanes may be temporarily closed.  Obey informational signs located within the work zone.