Top Safety Tips for Truck Drivers: Preventing Accidents on North Dakota Roads

Our Minot truck accident lawyers understand how devastating truck accidents can be for drivers, passengers, and their families. North Dakota’s road conditions and extreme weather can add extra challenges for truck drivers working their way through our highways and rural roads. By following some essential safety practices, truck drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for everyone. Let’s take a look at some necessary safety practices for truckers.

Conduct regular vehicle maintenance

Keeping your vehicle in top shape on the road is essential. Regular vehicle maintenance doesn’t just prevent breakdowns – it can save lives. Here’s what you should focus on:

• North Dakota roads can be hard on your tires, especially during the winter months. Check for proper inflation and tread depth so your wheels can maintain their grip on icy or wet roads.
• A heavy truck with faulty brakes is a recipe for disaster. Make sure your brake system is functioning correctly, and replace any worn-out parts immediately.
• Visibility can also be poor during North Dakota winters, so make sure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all working properly.
• Keep an eye on your oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels to prevent any unexpected issues.

Make these checks part of your routine to prevent mechanical failures that can lead to truck accidents.

Stick to hours-of-service regulations

Fatigue is a major cause of trucking accidents, and our state’s long and open stretches of road can make it tempting to push through exhaustion. However, we have federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for a reason. These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest.

• Take breaks. HOS regulations require at least a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
• Plan your route by building in time for breaks, meals, and unexpected delays.
• Even if you’re within the legal time limits, listen to your body. If you feel drowsy, pull over and take a rest.

Well-rested drivers are safer drivers.

Ongoing training

Knowing how to drive a commercial truck requires more skill than driving a traditional vehicle. Proper training ensures drivers can handle different road conditions and emergencies. Whether you’re a seasoned truck driver or just starting out, it’s important to have ongoing training.

• North Dakota winters can be brutal. Learn the proper techniques for driving on snow and ice, like gentle braking and accelerating.
• Understand load management, which is distributing and securing cargo properly to avoid any load shifts that could cause rollovers or a loss of control.
• Practice proactive driving techniques by anticipating other drivers’ actions and keeping a safe distance.

If you’re new to the trucking industry, make sure you attend a reputable trucking school. If you’re an experienced driver, refresher courses can help you stay sharp.

Understand North Dakota’s unique road conditions

Although our state offers beautiful landscapes, the terrain and weather can pose significant challenges for truck drivers. Navigate them safely by:

• Staying alert for wildlife. Deer, elk, and other animals often cross rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and scan the sides of the road for wildlife.
• Being prepared for rough roads. Many of North Dakota’s rural routes are unpaved or poorly maintained. Drive cautiously.
• Adjusting for weather. Snow, ice, and wind are common here in Minot. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use tire chains when necessary.

Being prepared for extreme road conditions can make all the difference in avoiding truck accidents.

Use technology – wisely

Today’s technology can be your best friend or worst enemy. When used correctly, modern technology can enhance safety:

• Use trucking-specific GPS devices to plan safe routes that take into account your vehicle’s size and weight.
• Install a dashcam to record your trips. This footage can be extremely valuable if an accident happens.
• Many trucks are equipped with telematic systems that monitor speed, braking, and other driving behaviors. You can use this data to improve your skills.

Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while driving. Even a momentary attention lapse can lead to a disastrous accident.

Communicate effectively

Good communication on the road can prevent misunderstandings that can lead to accidents:

• Use your CB radio to keep in touch with other truckers about road hazards, weather conditions, and traffic.
• Use your turn signals well in advance of any lane changes or turns to give other drivers plenty of warning,
• In rural areas with low visibility, a quick honk can alert other vehicles to your presence.

Maintain a safe following distance

It’s a fact that heavy trucks require more time to stop than passenger vehicles. This is why tailgating is dangerous, especially on icy or wet roads.

• Keep a six-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Make sure you increase this distance in inclement weather,
• Remember that other drivers may not realize they’re in your blind spots. Adjust your mirrors and stay aware of your surroundings.

Creating space around your truck gives you more time to react to unexpected traffic situations.

Understand the trucking company’s role in safe driving

While individual drivers bear much of the responsibility for safety, trucking companies can also play an important role in avoiding accidents. Here’s how:

• Trucking companies should invest in well-maintained, modern fleets with advanced safety features like collision avoidance systems.
• By monitoring drivers’ logs and schedules, companies can make sure they’re sticking to HOS regulations and preventing fatigue.
• Regular training programs can help drivers stay updated and refreshed on the latest safety practices and regulations.

Companies that prioritize safety over speed and profits set the tone for responsible driving – if you’re a trucker, don’t hesitate to advocate for these types of measures at your workplace.

Know what to do after a Minot truck accident

Even when you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in these situations can help protect your rights and safety.

• Make sure you are safe, and call 911 if anyone is injured.
• Turn on your hazards and set up reflective triangles to warn other drivers,
• Take photos, collect witness information, and jot down exactly what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.
• Notify your trucking company about the accident as soon as possible.

If you’re injured in an accident, the truck accident attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can help guide you through the process.

Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to face them on your own. If you’ve been injured in a Minot trucking accident, the attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to help. We work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation to which you’re entitled. Call our Minot truck accident attorneys now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.