Every year, truck drivers are involved in hundreds of thousands of motor vehicle accidents. More often than not, these accidents could be prevented if defensive-driving techniques were used. This accident countermeasures program will identify various types of accidents and defensive-driving strategies to prevent these losses.
Start-up and Back-up
During a typical start-up and/or back-up situation, a vehicle may have been parked for a long enough time to allow pedestrians or vehicles to approach and rest within a few feet of the parked tractor-trailer. Starting up forward,backward, or steering left or right from a stopped position can create an unexpected hazard for the driver and bystanders.
In order to prevent this type of accident, here are some tips:
> Before start-up or back-up, walk around your tractor-trailer and look underneath to ensure you have safe clearance for start-up.
> During your pre-trip inspection, check your mirrors for proper adjustment.
> Check for broken mirrors and loose mountings.
> Check for proper tail-light, brake-light and turn-signal functions.
> Check for proper function of horn and back-up warning signal(if so equipped).
> Do not forget to check blind spots on your right and in front of your rig.
> After your walk-around check, do not delay in moving your rig. Do not allow time for another hazard to approach.
> Tap your horn in congested areas or recruit a signalman.
> Start up slowly at first to allow other vehicles and pedestrians, who may have unexpectedly approached, to safely move away
Parking
As all of us know, parking spots are prime real estate whether you are at a rest area or a truck stop. These areas are highly congested and typically see numerous accidents every day! To prevent accidents when parked, a professional driver must anticipate hazards and know how to safely avoid them.
Parking on(or partially on) a travel lane creates a hazard and is illegal in most locations. This is especially true at night. On congested metropolitan streets, professional drivers shoud expect to see parked vehicles in their lane and should be ready to react and avoid them. On rural and high-speed roads, you do not expect to see vehicles parked in your lane. Your attention level may be lower at this point causing you to not react quickly enough to avoid collision.
Driving Tips
Always try to park your vehicle completely off the road. Even leaving a small portion of your vehicle on the travel lane creates a serious hazard. If you have to pull off onto the shoulder, turn on your flashers(day or night). At night, drowsy drivers who see only tail-lights on your vehicle may follow you onto the shoulder thinking you are still moving.
If a sudden breakdown or other emergency forces you to park on a travel lane, turn on your flashers. Then immediately set up reflective triangles at the proper distances. If you have a cell phone, call for help. At night, this is an especially hazardous situation for you and other drivers.
Be extremely careful!!!!
Turning Left and Right
Making left or right turns with long vehicles creates problems that most four-wheelers are not used to. Blind spots make it difficult to see other vehicles and objects. Tractor-trailer length forces drivers to make wide turns, encroaching upon adjacent lanes of traffic. Improper tracking of trailers makes it difficult for the driver to judge position. Turning takes longer to complete, thus increasing exposure time to hazards. Drivers should recognize the hazards created while turning and follow proper procedures to minimize them.
Important tools for a driver include his or her mirrors and lights. If your mirrors are broken, have loose mountings, or are not adjustment properly, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Your lights help you announce your intentions to fellow motorists. It is imperative that you test your tail-lights, brake lights, and turn-signals function.If you notice a malfunction, make sure you get the light repaired immediately.
Right Turns
Move to the right lane well in advance of intersections and position yourself to make a safe turn. When turning, it is extremely important to keep the rear of the trailer to the right, blocking other vehicles from passing on the right.
If you are encroaching upon other lanes during your turn, wait for other vehicles to clear and then turn slowly. Be careful that improper tracking does not cause the tractor or trailer to ride up onto the curb or strike stationary objects.
Left Turns
As you approach the turn with your signal on, watch for drivers who may misinterpret this signal as an intention to turn somewhere before your intended turning point. Do not start turning until there is enough time for the rear of the vehicle to clear the intersection without forcing opposing drivers to slow down or swerve. It is very important not to assume that opposing drivers will see you, as they may be looking elsewhere. Be careful that improper tracking does not cause the tractor or trailer to interfere with pedestrians and other vehicles.
Accident Information
Date: September 30,2011
Location: Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania
Accident Description: This accident occurred at dusk with the insured driver heading northbound on a highway going to his home. As the driver got close to his driveway, he put his four-way flashers on and stopped in the northbound lanes. The driver checked his mirrors and the road and when it was clear, he began to back up across the southbound lanes into the driveway. At this time, a vehicle heading southbound struck the insured driver’s trailer.
Result of Claim: The driver of the pickup truck was fatally injured. Estimated litigation costs for this claim are in the millions of dollars.

Defensive Driving
Name: Employee Number: Date:
Question Page
1. What hazards are present during starting and backing?

2. Where is the safest place to park your tractor and trailer?

3. What two pieces of vehicle equipment will help you ensure safe turns?

4. What steps should be taken if you have an emergency breakdown?

© Copyright, Safety Management Services Company, 2012