SAFE DRIVING TIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

With so much competing for our attention, it can be easy to lose focus on the road ahead. Chirping phones, flashing billboards, and the fries at the bottom of the bag can all be a distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who text while driving are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a safety-critical event than those who do not.

Staying alert and focused is critical and safety features in trucks can help. The DriverFirst™ philosophy at International® Truck helps reinforce safety with several design elements and features:

• The Lane Departure Warning system available in International Truck vehicles helps warn drivers to take corrective action when they may be drifting. The system uses a camera to identify paint stripes on the road and activates an audible warning when it detects drifting across lane markers without an active turn signal.
• The premium cluster layout places driver-critical data in a single, easy-to-read location. This lets drivers quickly view information and return their attention to the road. Pop-up notifications alert the driver to conditions requiring immediate attention.
• More often than not, distracted driving is being done by other drivers on the road. In many situations, the air horn is the most direct way to capture a distracted driver’s attention so they can return their focus to the road. Drivers have told us having an air horn in an easy-to-access spot is essential and that’s why all International Truck models include an air horn lanyard for fast and convenient activation.

Driving trucks on crowded roads requires constant vigilance. Making sure that drivers are looking to see what’s around them—and knowing that there’s also much that they can’t see—can mean the difference between a successful run and an incident.

It’s important to keep in mind that drivers are often dealing with motorists who don’t understand how commercial vehicles operate. Drivers must make it a routine to scan the road ahead for issues like traffic backups, construction zones and other potential dangers. To be aware of vehicles entering or exiting blind spots, drivers should check their mirrors every 8-10 seconds.

To help optimize driver visibility and situational awareness, International Truck includes several truck safety features:

• The available Blind Spot Detection feature on the International LT® Series and RH™ Series trucks uses side-facing radar to provide direction-sensitive visual and audible alerts to notify the driver of vehicles in their blind spot.
• Thanks to the large one-piece side window and lowered belt line on doors on the International LT Series, RH Series, HX® Series, HV™ Series and MV™ Series trucks, drivers can see up to 20-inches closer to the side of the truck as compared with some other window designs.
• Rain deflectors on doors help ensure optimal side window visibility in rainy conditions on the International LT Series, RH Series, HV Series, and MV Series trucks.

Whether you’re driving a big rig or a tiny hatchback, there is no doubt that seat belts help save lives. In the unfortunate event of an accident, seat belts not only reduce injuries but allow drivers to stay inside and in control of their vehicles, which can play a critical role in surviving an accident.

International Truck helps fleets increase rollover accident protection with optional RollTek seats on the International LT Series and RH Series trucks. When the RollTek system detects an impending rollover, it lowers, tightens the seat belt, and a side airbag deploys to protect the driver’s upper torso, neck and head from impact.

There’s no question that rest is a crucial element of performing well, no matter the job. For truck drivers, it’s also the law. Regulations dictate how long truck drivers can drive before a rest is required. Truck driver rest breaks are essential for truck driver health and wellness.

When at a rest stop, it’s important for drivers to make time for simple stretching exercises. Stretches for truck drivers are a great way to quickly improve blood flow, boost alertness and increase the driver’s sense of well-being. For long hauls, a semi-truck sleeper cab provides the driver with a comfortable, clean spot to rest along with a sense of home while on the road.

Even at slow speeds, it can be hard to bring a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds to a quick stop. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that a fully loaded commercial truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs about 600 feet to stop. That’s why it’s essential for drivers to always maintain a safe distance between their truck and other vehicles.