Bad habits truck drivers should avoid

Bad driving habits not only lead to costly consequences, but they also put road safety at risk.

A truck driver has a great responsibility when in charge of a heavy and large vehicle. To ensure their safety and that of others on the road, it is crucial to avoid certain bad habits.

Bad driving habits not only lead to costly consequences, such as higher fuel consumption, transmission wear, or increased insurance premiums, but they also put road safety at risk. Therefore, both truck drivers and fleet managers must address these bad habits. Some of them are:

Bad habits truck drivers should avoid

1. Distracted driving

The Travelers Risk Index 2024 shows that distracted driving behaviors have increased in recent years. From texting, adjusting the GPS, talking on the phone, to driving with loud music or eating while driving, these habits lead to distracted driving, resulting in a high accident rate.

Using a hands-free device is a safer option, but ideally, any form of distraction should be avoided. However, strict mobile phone usage policies should be implemented to ensure safety on the roads.

2. Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving is another behavior that has increased in recent years. It includes exceeding speed limits, failing to adjust speed to road conditions, overtaking recklessly, not yielding the right of way, or not maintaining a proper following distance, all of which put everyone on the road at risk. Additionally, sudden braking and rapid acceleration increase fuel consumption, vehicle wear, and the risk of accidents. Telematic systems can monitor and correct these behaviors, promoting safer and more efficient driving.

3. Neglecting vehicle inspection

Failing to inspect the truck before starting the journey, such as checking the brakes, lights, tires, and oil levels, can be dangerous. Regular maintenance is crucial for the performance and longevity of the fleet, so it is important to be vigilant for any issues before and after trips. Drivers who ignore warning lights, skip scheduled maintenance, or fail to report problems put their safety and that of other drivers at risk. Encouraging a culture of proactive inspections ensures that issues are documented and addressed promptly.

4. Neglecting health

A driver’s health should be just as important as the care of the vehicle. Adhering to rest hours to avoid driving fatigued is crucial, as tired driving reduces focus and increases the risk of accidents. Furthermore, not carrying enough water or food during long trips can affect the driver’s physical and mental state, causing dehydration or energy loss.

On the other hand, avoiding driving in a poor emotional state is key, as emotions can affect decision-making and reactions. It is essential to remain calm and focused while driving.

5. Ignoring safety measures

Safety measures are among the most critical steps when driving professionally. However, some drivers forget to wear their seatbelt or respect speed limits. Additionally, although it seems obvious, driving under the influence of psychoactive substances is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Furthermore, failing to adjust speed or behavior when driving in adverse conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, increases the likelihood of an accident.

6. Not planning the route properly

Failing to check the route or traffic conditions, or not considering rest stops, can put the driver in difficult situations without being prepared. Moreover, an inefficient itinerary can cause unnecessary delays, excessive mileage, and fuel waste. That is why using route optimization tools and real-time traffic updates allows drivers to plan more efficient routes, avoid traffic jams, and ensure timely deliveries.