According to TruckDrivingJobs.com, there will be over 330,000 new trucking jobs by the year 2020! This is exciting for those looking to pursue a career in trucking, but what about the risks? There are popular TV shows about extreme trucking and truck drivers who face crazy hazards every day, and Time ranked truck driving number 8 on its 2014 list of the “10 Most Dangerous Jobs.” But is the normal life of the average truck driver really that dangerous?

When we think of trucking, we might think of a scene from Ice Road Truckers, but weather and climate aren’t the main risks for most truck drivers – especially in Jackson, Mississippi. More common dangers include lack of awareness from motorists and a lack of proper warning for hazardous features on highways. Long hours, demanding schedules, and the lack of safe or adequate rest areas lead to the additional danger of road fatigue for many truckers.

What Can Truckers Do to Increase Safety?

There are a lot of proposed solutions that truck companies, educators, highway engineers, and local governments could take to increase safety for truck drivers. But if you are a truck driver in Jackson, Mississippi, you can take small steps to make your job safer for you and those in your immediate surroundings.

• Be aware of your blind spots and assume other drivers aren’t.

Many motorists don’t know about a truck’s “no zones” where most crashes occur. Pay special attention to areas off to the side just in front of the cab, just behind the side mirrors, and directly behind the truck. Educate motorists on a trucker’s blind spots whenever you can!

• Reduce speed in work zones

Did you know? Roughly one-third of all fatal work-zone accidents involve large trucks! That delivery can be a few minutes late, take time to slow down when driving through a construction zone.

• Maintenance!

Many accidents could have been prevented with proper and regular maintenance. Give your vehicle a thorough check each morning (fluid levels, horn, mirrors, etc.). The brakes are particularly vital, given that 80,000 lbs or more might be riding on them! If you spot anything unusual, report it before attempting to drive.

• Pay attention to how you load cargo

The higher you stack cargo, the more drag on the truck. By stacking lower and spreading cargo through the full space of the truck, you can stay more nimble and improve your fuel economy. It’s also safer this way!

• Reduce speed on curves

For truckers, sometimes even following posted speed limits means driving too fast. Trucks have a tendency to tip over if they take the curves too fast!

• Take care of yourself

A big part of truck driver safety has less to do with your vehicle, and more to do with you. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and taking quality personal time so that you can decrease your chances of accidents caused by fatigue.

What Protections Do You Have as a Trucker?

If you’re involved in an accident as a truck driver in Jackson, MS, you have the right to an experienced truck accident attorney and the compensation for any injuries you sustained! Don’t wait to pursue justice. Get started on your case today by calling us at 601-914-1025 or by contacting us online to learn more.

Heilman Law Group, PA

Jackson Office

4266 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Phone: 601-914-1025

Fax: 601-960-4200