How can I be a better truck driver?

If you believe in God, pray every single time when you get into the truck that you will be safe.

Avoid backing whenever possible. Backing is one of the most dangerous things you will ever do. If somehow you have a choice of backing a long-distance or around a corner or whatever the case is and the other choice is going around the block, go around the block if it will reduce your backing. And always always always never be afraid to get out and look. I don't care who's watching you I don't care what anyone has to say about it get out and look because if you hit something you hit something or someone.

Learn to drive defensively. When it is safe you can roll, but you have to keep your speed where you know that you are safe. You have to be in control of your truck at all times.

Look far ahead for what traffic is doing. Look in your mirrors and see what's happening behind you and on every side. If you see a drunk driver in front of you slow down, let him stay up there if you can. Change lanes do whatever it is that you need to do but if he's drunk somewhere up ahead of you there very well could be an accident. Slow down.

If you see a drunk or erratic driver behind you be defensive. Slow the truck down, let the size of the truck be your safety because if you're going slow enough he's going to go around you. Or if he is that erratic and he's moving slowly step on it and get out of there. And if it all possible try to stay off of the road Friday and Saturday night and be very careful around 1 or 2 a.m. when the bars let out. Look far ahead for brake lights and for changing traffic patterns and road hazards.

If you have to swing extra super wide for a right turn hog half the lane. Don't leave the lane open on the right because someone will sneak up next to you. Use your positioning to be safe.

Get in the habit of stopping early. Don't wait until you're coming up on the light to brake. In fact, if you slow down early enough you won't have to stop at all and you can roll right through when it turns green.

Slow down when it is raining. If it has been dry, a light rain will make the road very slick because of the oils. Leave extra room and time to stop.

Always, every single time, signal your intentions. Even if no one is on the road do it anyway. Be extra careful to check your blind spots. Avoid changing lanes like you are on a Race Course. If you change lanes gradually and someone happens to be in your blind spot it gives you more time just on that crazy off-chance they are exactly in that spot that you just can't see. Yes you should be constantly monitoring your mirrors but again cultivate habits that will bring you safety just in case.

Cultivate a calm zen-like attitude when you drive. Let It Be peaceful and enjoy it. Learn how to be as easy on the truck that you are driving as you can be. Being easy on the truck is actually relaxing. Think about it. When people are in a bad mood or angry what do they do? They beat on the truck and drive aggressively.

If you find yourself driving faster and faster and following people closer and closer and being more and more aggressive it's time for you to hang the keys up.

For some people that might be for a few days or a few weeks or a few months and some people maybe they just completely need to stop.

And always make sure you do a thorough pre-trip to make sure that the truck is safe.

 

YET.

 

Keep it cool, boy…

 

So what's the message, again? Watching videos' while driving is just as natural as factoring?
LOL or not LOL. I am not too sure...

 

Google smith driving system.. if a car or truck ever surprises you when it goes by or ahead of you it means that your not paying enough attention to your surroundings.. as you probably already know courtesy goes a long ways with people. Maybe not the first time you meet but over time they often remember.. I’ve had some nasty customers who over time came around to being pretty nice to me. One particular mean ole cuss sees me in the receiving office he comes over to say hi and gives me a door ahead of others now lol.