All CVTA members share one important mission: to prepare truck drivers to be successful on the road. No matter what segment of the trucking industry students end up working in, safety is an important part of that success. Being a safe, conscientious driver is one of the most vital aspects of being a professional truck driver.
Here are a few of the most important safety principles that we try to instill in our trainees:
- Slow down. Driving at a high speed shortens your reaction time and increases your risk of accidents—especially if roads are snowy, wet, or icy. Reduce your speed and use your brakes gently to stay safe on the roads. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than to never arrive at all.
- Keep a good distance from other vehicles. Trucks take much longer to stop than the average vehicle. If you’re driving too close to other vehicles on the road, you risk not leaving yourself enough space to react safely if they stop suddenly or change lanes. To avoid accidents, keep enough distance between your truck and anyone else on the road.
- Know your blind spots. Large trucks have blind spots around the front, back, and sides of the truck. While other motorists should exercise caution and avoid spending too much time in these blind spots, truck drivers need to make a habit of checking their blind spots on a regular basis, especially before changing lanes.
- Pay attention to the road. Distracted drivers can be incredibly dangerous on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that distracted driving led to 3522 deaths in 2021 alone. When you’re driving—especially driving a commercial vehicle—put your phone down, avoid scrolling through radio stations, and keep your focus on the road.
- Buckle up. In the event of an accident, wearing your seatbelt is the most important thing you can do to save your life. It’s also required by law (and most trucking companies’ policies).
These safety principles are the foundation of what we at CVTA teach new commercial drivers. Our number one goal is to make sure that our students—and all drivers on the road—can get home safely. Drive safe, stay vigilant, and let’s make our highways a safer place for everyone.