New class A CDL Local Driver, need safe driving tips

Make sure to leave 6-8 seconds following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. That way you have time to come to a safe and controlled stop, without getting rear ended, if something happens up ahead.

Drive 5 mph slower than the flow of traffic. That helps to always maintain your safe distance.

Use all the room you can, even if you don't think you need it.

Slow down and take your time in whatever you're doing. Don't panic.

 

Sounds like you are doing everything right, and good for you for learning everything the old fashioned way and using common sense. It's sad how many people need to be taught to drive safely and defensively (and many times they still don't get it).

You mentioned you always drive the speed limit, which is good, but remember In some cases, the posted speed limit is intended for cars, not heavy trucks, so always be alert for those curves and hills and such where you need to go slower than the speed limit.

Good luck, I think you'll be fine.

P.s. The subject of double clutching is one of the most debated subjects on here. Some guys swear by it, others swear against it. No matter what we will never agree on it. I won't even bother saying how I feel about it.

 

please don't race through the truck stop, 5-10 mph is all you need

 

Not even 10 mph in the truckstop. Be slow plenty of time to think over everything you see and watch moving and not moving. When you get good, you will see people exhibit behavior that they intend to pull out before they actually do so.

You said low bed.

Crowns in the roadway will be your enemy more than anything. SO many times low boys get stuck trying a U turn or a turn across the pavement and then hang there blocking all sorts of everything and everyone for a day until wreckers come and pry em off.

Trucking is about mentally being ready NOT to HIT ANYTHING. TO HIT ANYTHING is PREVENTABLE. you might RUB it. But don't leave a mark on your rig or load. Don't jack the #### thing too tight, wait until you have your first tank for a museum or a dozer. Then you find out how tippy it is on that low bed.

Securement. Don't ever disappoint me and all others by being lazy and toss one strap on the load. Chain and strap and chain some more until God can pick up your rig and that load will stay on it upside down. Someday someone's or several someones with childrens lives will depend on it. mark my words.

Do not drive tired. Ever.

Do not give in to a plea to run a thousand miles logs be ######. The logs are there for your protection, bought and paid for in blood, tears and sometimes freedom and death.

 

There are. Ton of threads on how to float gears, before you try, just make sure your comfortable with shifting in general first.

 

Always remain alert and vigilant. Expect the unexpected, always, because it will happen over and over and over again, all day long, every day. Drive like the 4 wheelers are out to ruin your day at every opportunity they get.

 

I like that you included that. Many drivers don't use this.