Being a new truck driver can be scary for rookies on the road. Especially, when drivers are unfamiliar with their surroundings and unsure of their basic training. Truck drivers have a lot of pressure on them to watch out for civilian drivers and make sure that they follow their route. But, that’s not all that goes on behind the scenes in a driver’s cab.
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard of driving safely and efficiently. Therefore, drivers have truck technology that is used to keep them on track. Between the technology, watching the road and keeping track of their location on the GPS, truck drivers have a lot of factors that could cause a rookie to make a mistake.
Mistakes that are often made by rookies
Mistakes are unavoidable. Chances are, especially when starting a new job, you will make some sort of error. That being said, many mistakes are avoidable and words of caution should be taken very seriously.
The most common mistake a new driver could make is to not take safety precautions to heart.It doesn’t matter who you are. If you are a new or professional driver, you have a responsibility to your company and your community to drive safely.
Once a rookie starts driving on their own, they need to establish a daily routine. The importance of having a daily routine is to get use to the truck driver lifestyle. Not only does a daily routine keep you organized, but it keeps you healthy. Without a proper routine, rookies are putting themselves at risk of living an unhealthy lifestyle like eating, too much fast food or not getting enough exercise.
Some other common mistakes made by rookies are:
- Grinding gears when you are downshifting
- Putting yourself over weight by over fueling
- Not upshifting when you are going downhill
- Not planning their route for the day
- Traveling in bad weather conditions
Rookie’s it’s not your fault you’re not a professional truck driver, yet. It’s just that you need more practice to perfect your truck driving approach. Don’t worry! TransWood has come up with some ideas that will help you drive smart and gain confidence while on the road.
Four tips for beginners
First, start your trip with a pre-trip inspection. It may seem tedious to check your truck every time you stop. But, you’ll be glad you did when you spot a gas leak or a loose chain under your rig. Your G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look) as a newbie driver should be to have no accidents in the first year.
Second, you’ll want to get used to your GPS and set the best route for your delivery. A wrong turn or inefficient route can lead to disaster when you consider your reputation. Being timely, is one of the first impressions a driver will get when hauling a client’s product.
Somethings that will help you get to know your route is by looking for:
- speed limits
- highway exits
- lane restrictions
- lane endings
- truck stop exits
Third, you’ll want to plan where you want to stop to eat, sleep and to check your truck. A great asset for truck drivers is to build in some wiggle room for any mistakes you might make along the way. It’s okay to make a few mistakes, as long as, it doesn’t cost you to be late on a delivery.
Lastly, please drive responsibly. The biggest mistake any truck driver can make is to ignore their road safety rules. TransWood wants all of their truck drivers to know that they have your back! Use these tips and you’re well on your way to trading in your rookie status for a status as a professional truck driver.
TransWood is committed to protecting the health, safety and security of our employees and independent contractors while minimizing the impact of our operations on the public and the environment where we operate. Our mission is to achieve excellence through superior systems, training, and dedication which ensures TransWood will provide a level of disciplined quality service to exceed our customers’ expectations. On our website you’ll find our store, training videos, DOT application form, mechanic application, ways to track your order, our locations and an easy way to contact us.
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