New Truck Drivers: Common Mistakes You Can Avoid
New truck drivers aren’t any different than anyone starting a new job, regardless of the industry.
New truck drivers aren’t any different than anyone starting a new job, regardless of the industry. Minor mistakes are inevitable as you’re learning proper procedure and protocol. However, when you’re in the trucking industry, you don’t want to make mistakes that could cause an accident or worse. Truck driving has mistakenly been labeled “easy money” because it’s an occupation that will always be in high demand. However, truck driving has a lot of technicalities and isn’t for the faint of heart. Congratulations! You have your CDL! Now, let’s examine some common mistakes that new truck drivers make that are avoidable.
Overestimating Your Experience
When you’re on the road, you always want to be highly aware. You’ve earned your CDL, but that doesn’t mean that you have any experience in your field. Take a moment and think back to your younger days when you first got your driver’s license. You may have thought that you were the best driver around, but fast forward to today, and you probably sigh in frustration at the younger adults rolling past stop signs, not using their blinkers, and driving too fast. Understand that driving a large vehicle such as a semi-truck will take time for you to adjust to, so being comfortable in the concept that you rule the road isn’t ideal. A person knowing the rules of the road differs from them mastering the mechanics of operating a vehicle.
Having So Much Pride That You Never Ask for Help
Clarity makes such a significant difference on multiple levels in life. You always want to ensure that you’re performing your job and meeting or exceeding your employer’s expectations. It’s more professional to ask for help when you’re unclear about something versus asking your coworkers or employers to help clean up a mess later. If you need clarity on a destination’s location, this is something you should ask questions about immediately.
Ignoring Safety Protocols
In the trucking industry, there is a lot of pressure to deliver goods on time. With that in mind, you never want to jeopardize your safety to do so. If you’re a long-haul driver, never pull an all-nighter to deliver your products. It would help if you had enough sleep because too much fatigue could cause you to lose control of the wheel. When it’s rainy, icy, or snowy outside, never speed. Safety practices include following protocol, but it also includes taking care of yourself so that you’re well enough to operate such a large motor vehicle without jeopardizing your safety or others.
If you’d like to read more truck driving tips that benefit new truck drivers and veteran drivers alike, keep up with our blogs for the latest news.
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