Car Blog

Whether you’re driving a cab tractor or a semi-tractor with multiple trailers, you have a lot of safety concerns, such as fatigue during long hauls and driving in congested areas. In addition, New Jersey personal injury lawyer Adam Rosengard says, most of the accidents on the road are due to one driver’s negligence. Taking safety precautions is a priority because accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. If something is wrong with your motor vehicle or you are getting distracted while driving, stop and take safety measures to avoid road accidents. Do not ignore traffic laws and don’t drink and drive. If you have trouble along your route, you may need to complete vehicle maintenance on the roadside or wait for assistance. While you’re pulled over, there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe and protect your truck and its contents.

One: Choose a Visible Pullout Spot

One of the best ways to avoid being hit by passing traffic is to choose a pullout location that has plenty of visibility. This is important for your own safety and for the other drivers on the road. If you’re barely pulled off to the side, other drivers may have a hard time seeing around your truck. Be careful not to block the flow of traffic and give yourself plenty of space to move around your truck without getting hit.

Two: Attend to Emergencies

If there’s a fire or a risk of fire, move to a safe distance from your truck. If the truck is safe, turn off lights and devices, leaving the four-way lights on. Check trouble spots for possible leaks or other signs of trouble. If you’re hauling anything that could lead to hazards, check for areas of vulnerability in this area. Keep track of vital information to share with the dispatcher when you call for roadside assistance.

Three: Contact Towing Professionals

When driving your own car or truck, you’re probably particular about who handles your automobile for repairs and towing. The same is true for semi-tractors and trailers. You may be required to work with a specific company, or you may be responsible to find your own tow company.

Make sure that whoever shows up to help you on the roadside has the appropriate paperwork, such as a 125,000-pound GVW permit and proper insurance. Some professionals who provide road assistance for trucks can handle repairs, so you can get back on the road. Ask about related qualifications before turning your truck over for repairs.

There are specific tasks to complete before towing, such as removing the driveshaft and starting the leveling system. The tow technician should take the time to handle these steps if you haven’t done so. Otherwise, you may face expensive repairs. Finally, contact the dispatcher and let them know what’s happened. It may be possible to adjust your deadline.

Four: Take Your Time

It’s natural to feel hurried and anxious to get back on the road, but you’ll get better results and avoid serious mishaps by slowing down enough to cover all the important steps. Don’t rush through important steps; your safety and the well-being of your truck and load depend on completing vital tasks.