The Essential Truck Driver Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents

Truck Accident - June 4, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

As a professional truck driver, you know that the consequences of causing an accident are severe: You may seriously injure someone else, you could be held liable in a lawsuit for damages, and your CDL will likely be suspended. The best way to prevent a truck driving accident is defensive driving and other proactive safety measures. Our Aurora truck accident attorneys have seen plenty of accidents that could have been avoided had the semi-trucker followed these essential tips for truck drivers.

Conduct proper pre-trip inspections

Pre- and post-trip inspections of your rig are mandatory for all drivers, per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your employer may also require a completed inspection log for each trip, which may include ensuring all headlights and brake lights work, the trailer is properly secured to the cab, and the truck is in good working order. Setting consistent maintenance schedules, with a professional semi-truck mechanic regularly checking the vehicle, helps you remain compliant with FMCSA regulations. And a mechanic can spot potential trouble early enough to avoid extensive, expensive repairs.

Plan your trip in advance

Whether the trucking carrier sets your load pick-up and delivery agenda or you set your own as an independent driver, thoughtfully planning your route from Point A to Point B can help you avoid potential danger. Work zones, for example, are particularly hazardous for truck drivers. The shifting traffic patterns, narrow lanes, and abruptly changing speed limits are dangerous enough for oversized vehicles; when you throw in road workers walking around and other drivers cutting you off to quickly merge into the one open lane, the risk of a wreck only increases.

When you plan your route in advance, you can avoid construction zones and road closures, plus incorporate stops to make your journey more comfortable.

Maintain a safe following distance and be aware of your blind spots

You probably know that large trucks need extra space to stop safely, but be careful in heavy traffic. Maintaining an adequate distance from the vehicles in front of you can help you avoid a deadly rear-end accident.

Your blind spots are larger than a passenger car or SUV; on your right side, the blind spot is large enough to fit at least one car. Be sure to check your blind spots carefully when you merge or change lanes and consider investing in additional mirrors for your cab.

Stay focused and avoid distractions

Distracted driving is the primary cause of traffic collisions, no matter what type of vehicle is involved. Distractions can be:

• Physical: Removing your hands from the wheel, like you would to eat or use your phone, lessens your control over your vehicle; you may not be able to avoid an accident.
• Cognitive: You’re thinking about something other than driving, which may cause you to miss sudden dangerous actions by other drivers.
• Visual: You’re looking at something else besides the road, whether it’s your GPS, your phone, or even a billboard.

Pre-program your GPS and playlist before you start out and pull over if you need to use your phone or change your music.

Make sure your load is secure

The cargo loaders at your pick-up spot are initially responsible for making sure that the load is evenly balanced and properly secured. However, once you take off, you’re responsible for ensuring it doesn’t dangerously shift. With their high center of gravity, semi-trucks are more likely to tip over in high winds and inclement weather; if the cargo shifts and the truck is unbalanced, there’s an even higher chance of a rollover crash.

Check your cargo regularly, making it a habit to check each time you stop for gas, and learn the indications of an unbalanced truck.

Take your breaks and rest time

Taking time to stop, get out of the truck, and walk around helps you stay alert. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA), driving after being awake for 17 consecutive hours is the equivalent of driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05%; after 24 hours, it’s the equivalent of driving with a BAC of 0.10%. Considering that the legal limit for private drivers (those not holding a CDL) is 0.08%, staying awake longer than you need to can be quite dangerous for yourself and others.

Don’t speed

Follow the speed limit; it’s set for safety. Be even more cautious when driving at a safe speed in the dark, rain, snow, or high winds. Inclement weather means you should be driving under the speed limit.

Get the compensation you deserve after a truck accident

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may qualify for substantial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Don’t face the aftermath alone—contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates at (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will fight to protect your rights and help you secure the settlement you deserve.