From animals crossing the road to slippery and wet surfaces, truck drivers face constant hazards on the road. This is especially true of new semi truck drivers who lack driving experience. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, which is when heavy duty towing and semi truck towing come in handy. In the event that you can’t stop problems before they happen, you can at least hire a rotator tow truck near Hanover Virginia, like L.L. Carter & Son, Inc. We are familiar with the special requirements associated with truck towing, and we’ll get you out of any tough situation. Of course, since it’s always best to stop problems before they start, here are some suggestions for staying safe when driving.
Stay Alert
Trucking was ranked the #8 most dangerous job in the US by Time in 2014, and for good reason. Each year, hundreds of thousands of accidents are caused by or involve trucks, reports the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). One of the top causes of accidents is truck drivers failing to remain alert on the road. As a driver, you should always be aware of your surroundings, including knowing what’s in front, beside, and behind you. This can prevent deadly collisions.
Watch the Weather
Bad weather can strike in all seasons, and sometimes without warning. This is especially true in the winter, when the temperature change of a few degrees can be the difference between rain and freezing rain or sleet. If you encounter ice, there is very little time to react before going off the road. But if you do, we can dispatch a rotator tow truck near Hanover Virginia to get you out. To avoid that situation, however, check the weather forecast for your planned route so you can take precautions.
Check Out a Delivery Site in Person
As many truck drivers know, you can arrive at a delivery location that’s too treacherous to safely drop off or pick up a load. Semi trucks can easily become trapped in a spot and be unable to turn around, which forces them to call a rotator truck near Hanover Virginia for a rescue. When you arrive at a location, take five minutes to park and inspect the site on foot to make sure it’s fit for your truck.
Keep a Full Tank in Winter
Winter driving comes with many challenges, but one of the best things you can do to ensure your truck stays safe is to keep the gas tank full, or as close to full as possible. If you don’t, water condensation can form on the fuel lines, which can cause the truck to break down. And chances are good you don’t want to be looking for a rotator tow truck near Hanover Virginia or semi truck towing at 3 A.M.!
Minimize Lane Changes
While you might be able to shift nimbly from one lane to the next in a passenger car, changing lanes is much harder to do in a truck. It’s also more dangerous. Trucks have many blind spots, which means it’s much easier to lose a car in the mirror. Furthermore, cars on the road often try to zip around trucks, and their driving behaviors can be unpredictable. If you do need to change lanes, be sure to put your blinker on well before you turn, and move over with caution. The risk of an accident increases substantially each time a vehicle changes lanes, which means you’re much better off making as few lane changes as possible.
As a heavy duty towing company, we respond to a number of calls involving truck accidents and mishaps. We want you to stay safe and follow precautions on the road, but we hope that you call us for a rotator tow truck near Hanover Virginia when you need it! With years worth of towing experience, we’re the area’s trusted towing company for trucks of all sizes.