3 distractions that could be fatal for a truck driver

At Trebor Manufacturing, we build semi-truck accessories like custom headache racks to improve your safety and efficiency, but there are many distractions on the road that you are responsible for, as a driver. Here are 3 of the most common distractions that could be dangerous – even fatal – to all truck drivers, even the most experienced ones.

Your Cell Phone

Texting while driving is a huge problem. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that sending or reading a text can take the driver’s eyes off the road for an average of almost five seconds, which at 100 kmh, means driving the length of a football field without looking. Now, talking on the phone might not be as dangerous as texting, but it’s still more risky than talking to an adult sitting next to you. All phone conversations consume additional cognitive resources, including creating a mental picture of the person on the other end of the conversation.

We understand that sometimes it’s necessary to talk to someone on the phone, try to avoid it as much as possible.

Your Mind

Truck drivers are usually loners who are pretty good at introspection (they have a lot of time to think things through). However, if you keep thinking about the argument you had with your wife or if you keep fantasizing about your dream truck filled with shiny accessories and great custom back racks, it might be time to put all that aside and concentrate on the road ahead of you. You certainly don’t want to get to a point where you are wondering what just happened in those last two minutes because you were “elsewhere”.

Stress

Stress can be a deadly distraction. So try to reduce it as much as possible by controlling what you can control. If you’re stressed because you’re carrying a load and you don’t have a custom cab guard to protect you, there is a solution for you. If you’re stressed because you haven’t slept enough, then take the time to stop and sleep.

If you’re stressed because you know you’ll have to drive a 25 feet long monster in tight spaces today, just breathe and visualize. You’re not the first one to do this and you’re not responsible for other people’s reactions once you slow them down or create traffic with your truck.

Stress will only lead you to make poor decisions and mistakes. We know it’s easier said than done, but try to reduce it as much as possible.

Trebor Manufacturing is proud to serve dealers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors in the trucking business, including truck part dealers across North America. Please feel free to call us, contact us or request a quote regarding all our semi-truck accessories including aluminum tool boxes, such as underbody tool box(es), semi headache racks, custom headache racks and other products such as dump bodies and flatbeds.

Sources:

https://www.ibtimes.com/texting-drivers-take-eyes-road-5-seconds-average-study-699189

https://www.fleetowner.com/safety/preventing-distracted-driving-connected-world

https://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-3885/distractions-can-kill-your-career