Top 5 Safe Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

How to get your truckers to the top of their GPS Insight Driveri scorecard

Are your truckers driving safely? Can other motorists share the road with your drivers without worry? GPS Insight’s Driveri dash cams have the answer – with our Driveri Drive Star scores. After years of study, we have the top five safe driving tips for getting the highest scores and being the safest drivers. 

Driveri Drive Star events are part of a system designed to recognize and reward safe driving behaviors. For the trucking industry, defensive driving techniques and driving safety tips are imperative for drivers to avoid truck accidents and even fatalities. But it’s not just about truck driving safety – motorists in any type of vehicle will need to rely on safe driving practices in order to increase their Drive Star scores. 

Driveri uses advanced AI and machine vision technology to monitor and analyze driving patterns in real-time. Drive Star events specifically highlight instances of excellent driving, such as following speed limits, maintaining safe distances, smooth braking, and other defensive driving practices. 

By identifying and acknowledging these behaviors, companies can motivate their drivers to keep high safety and efficiency standards. This not only reduces the likelihood of accidents and associated costs but also enhances overall fleet performance and reputation. 

Here are the top five truck driver safety tips for your drivers to improve their Driveri scores by addressing the most common issues: distracted driving, unsafe behavior, potential accidents, hard braking, and hard turning.

1. Limit Distractions

Limiting distractions while driving is crucial for fleet drivers. Fleet drivers often navigate various routes under tight schedules, making their focus and attention paramount. 

Distractions like cell phone use, eating, or adjusting devices in the vehicle can significantly impair the driver’s reaction times, leading to potential accidents and endangerment – only for your driver – but for other drivers sharing the road. But, when your drivers are off their phones, keeping their eyes forward, and paying attention to the road, they’re protecting themselves and others. If your driver can stay alert and stay aware, they’ll certainly bring those scores up. 

Additionally, minimizing distractions can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle wear and tear by promoting smoother driving practices. For fleet operations, prioritizing driver focus supports compliance with safety regulations, reduces liability, and upholds the company’s reputation for reliability and professionalism – that’s why Driveri promotes distracted-free driving!

2. Always Know the Speed Limit

The less distracted your drivers are, the better they can pay attention to things that matter, like speed limits.  

Everyone knows when your fleet drivers adhere to these limits it reduces the risk of accidents, costly fines, and potential legal issues. When you introduce the Driveri Scorecard, it also enhances fuel efficiency and minimizes vehicle wear and tear, contributing to lower maintenance costs and extended vehicle life. Knowing the speed limit will limit the “potential accident” event while your driver is on the road. 

Additionally, consistent compliance with speed regulations helps your company look better by demonstrating a commitment to safety and responsible driving. By vigilantly monitoring and obeying speed limit signs, fleet drivers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of their vehicles, ultimately supporting the overall success and reliability of the fleet.

3. Don’t Slam, Do Slow Down

Did you know there’s a “right way” to use your breaks? Gradual braking or easing off the gas instead of hard braking ensures safety, vehicle longevity, and fuel efficiency. 

Hard, abrupt braking can cause violent stops that increase the risk of rear-end collisions and sudden lane changes by other drivers, creating hazardous situations on the road. For large trucks, like a semi truck, slamming on the brakes while pulling heavy cargo could spell disaster for everyone on the road and lead to potentially fatal crashes. In contrast, smooth, gradual braking allows the driver to have better control of their vehicle and gives them ample time for other drivers to react to their actions, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Anticipating your route, paying attention to the drivers around you, and preparing to slow down ahead of time will greatly reduce the chances of an accident and prevent the “hard braking,” event on the Driveri system.

4. Anticipate Turning

Braking isn’t the only thing that should be predicted ahead of time: gradually making a safe turn by using turn signals to warn other drivers will reduce the chances of triggering the “hard turning,” event. 

Hard turns can lead to loss of control, increased risk of rollovers, and higher chances of skidding, especially in adverse weather conditions. This can be especially dangerous for fleet drivers who often handle larger and heavier vehicles, the consequences of sudden, sharp turns can be even more severe. The consequences increase dramatically when there are weather conditions involved. 

When you introduce the Driveri Scorecard, you can give your fleet the opportunity to anticipate turns.  This involves slowing down well in advance, using turn signals appropriately, and smoothly navigating the curve. This practice not only enhances road safety but also reduces strain on the vehicle’s suspension and tires, leading to a better maintenance schedule and longer vehicle lifespan.

5. Drive Defensively

Driving defensively goes beyond checking blind spots and ensuring there’s plenty of room between you and the car ahead of you. 

Defensive driving can look like anticipation of potential hazards, preparing for the unexpected actions of others on the road, and keeping a safe following distance for the entire trip. 

Taking the defensive approach leads to less collision-related downtime, lower repair and insurance costs, and better health and well-being for your driver. On top of that, defensive driving promotes a culture of safety within your fleet, enhancing the company’s reputation and customer trust. Drivers who practice defensive driving reflect positively on the company, showcasing a commitment to safety and responsibility. 

At GPS Insight, we make it easier than ever for a company to maintain its stellar reputation, with happy customers and productive drivers – thanks to our  Driveri Drive Star scores.