Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) developed Our Roads, Our Safety, a national safety campaign to raise awareness about sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses. Check out these safety tips for truck and bus drivers:
- Defense! Defense! Be ready to detect unexpected road conditions, distracted drivers, and motorists who don’t understand the operations of commercial vehicles. Scan ahead 15 seconds (1/4 mile on interstates and 1 or 2 blocks in cities) and check mirrors every 8-10 seconds.
- Signal for Safety. Signal and brake to give other motorists plenty of time to know your intent. If you need to pull over, always use flashers, reflective triangles, and flares.
- Know When to Slow. Driving too fast for weather conditions, road conditions, or curves/ramps can create spills, rollovers, and crashes.
- Maintain Your Vehicle. Complete pre-trip safety inspections, particularly for tires and brakes. Make sure your load is properly secured.
- Buckle Up. Use your safety belt every time. Safety belts save lives, reduce injuries, and allow drivers to stay inside and in control of their vehicles in case of a crash.
- Stay Sharp. Rest up! Do not drive fatigued, ill, or while on medications that cause you to be drowsy or dizzy.
- Get the Right Trip Planning Info. Stay up to date on weather conditions, road conditions, detours, and mountainous routes. Be aware of height and weight limitations on routes.
- Practice Work Zone Safety. Slow down, maintain extra following space, and be prepared to stop. Obey all work zone signs and signals. Keep an eye out for road workers and flag crews.
- Never Drive Distracted. It is illegal for a commercial driver to text while driving. Follow restrictions on using mobile phones. Avoid other distractions including eating, drinking, and interacting with a navigational device.
For additional Our Roads, Our Safety resources, visit fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-truck-and-bus-drivers.
