The trucking industry plays a significant role in logistics and ensuring goods can be effectively distributed. Truck drivers are a key component in this industry, but they often take on major risks when driving trucks, especially at night. When driving at night, it’s important for truck drivers to take appropriate safety precautions to ensure they are able to reach their destination without having to worry about accidents and breakdowns. We are going to take a closer look at some of the most important things truck drivers should keep in mind when driving at night.
Keep Your Windshield Clean
The windscreen on the truck provides a line of vision on the road that lies ahead. When the windshield becomes dirty, it can endanger the life of the truck driver. Dirt continuously collects on the windscreen of trucks, especially in areas where dust and sand are common. As the dirt collects on the windscreen, it can eventually cause problems with the driver’s line of vision. Having a clear vision on the road is critical when it comes to driving safely, which is why truck drivers should always ensure they keep the windscreen clean. Keeping a liquid detergent made of glass is a great way to ensure the driver can quickly and easily remove any dirt from the windscreen.
Use Your Bright Lights
Another important factor to consider when it comes to nighttime driving is to use bright lights. While driving on the road and there is no oncoming traffic, the truck driver should turn on the brights. This can significantly enhance the vision that the driver has on the road ahead of them. It can also help other drivers and pedestrians identify the presence of a truck on the road. One thing to keep in mind is to turn off the brights and use normal lighting when there is oncoming traffic.
Watch Out For Wildlife
When on the road, especially at night, wildlife can sometimes be observed – these animals may move onto the road, which can also become a safety hazard for truck drivers. Hitting wildlife could cause a serious accident to occur. Truck drivers should strictly adhere to the speed limits on the road and keep an eye out for wildlife while they are driving. Some roads have signs that warn about common wildlife – drivers should be especially wary in these particular areas.
Dim Your Dashboard Lights
The lights on the dashboard of a truck can be blinding at night, especially when the driver needs to keep their attention on the road. As nightfall arrives, drivers should consider dimming the dashboard lights. The lights should still show all of the important information that is displayed on the dashboard, but without being too bright.
Avoid Looking Directly At Oncoming Lights
Oncoming traffic is something that truck drivers are always going to face, day and night. Some of the oncoming traffic may have their brights on at night, which can also be blinding to the truck driver. While driving at night, the truck driver should try to avoid looking directly at the lights of oncoming traffic. Instead, they should focus on keeping their eyes directly on the road in front of them.
Start Your Trucking Career with Beacon Transport
At Beacon Transport, we realize the importance of trucks in the transportation of goods while also emphasizing the safety of our drivers. If you are looking for a safe environment where every driver is appreciated, then get in touch with Beacon Transport to talk about open positions and learn how you can become part of the team. Beacon Transport works with major clients, including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Lennox Industries, and John Deere.
Contact us today to learn more.
