Attachment Between The Tractor And Trailer
To err is human, but when a commercial truck driver makes a mistake, it can cause an accident, damage a rig, or cost the trucker his job. On the other hand, some mistakes don't result in such heavy consequences. However, it's best to avoid mistakes altogether through constant diligence and professionalism. Here are four common beginner mistakes in commercial truck driving:
Failing to Check the Attachment between the Tractor and Trailer
It doesn't matter how many times you have successfully connected to and disconnected from a trailer, it only takes one mistake to cause serious damage. Before driving off, always check to make sure the fifth wheel is fully engaged with the kingpin. When disconnecting from the trailer, always check that air and electrical lines are unhooked …show more content…
Your safety and that of the driving public depends on it. Skipping parts of it because you never find anything wrong means that these items go unchecked even when they eventually get damaged or wear out. It's better to take the time to check and recheck than to have a highway incident such as losing a wheel or your brakes.
Failing to Get out of the Cab to Check before Backing the Trailer
The blind spots of your mirrors are too large to exclusively rely on when backing your trailer to a dock. Get out of your commercial truck and check the ground between your trailer and the dock. Don't forget to look up for drooping power lines, large tree branches, or awnings. Don't worry about what others think, get out and check as many times as you must.
Having Blind Faith in a GPS
Use a map for commercial truck drivers to back-check your GPS route suggestions. Make sure the bridges can take the weight of your rig, and the overpasses have enough clearance for your trailer. Avoid all routes that take your commercial truck through narrow roads meant for residential traffic
Failing to Check the Attachment between the Tractor and Trailer
It doesn't matter how many times you have successfully connected to and disconnected from a trailer, it only takes one mistake to cause serious damage. Before driving off, always check to make sure the fifth wheel is fully engaged with the kingpin. When disconnecting from the trailer, always check that air and electrical lines are unhooked …show more content…
Your safety and that of the driving public depends on it. Skipping parts of it because you never find anything wrong means that these items go unchecked even when they eventually get damaged or wear out. It's better to take the time to check and recheck than to have a highway incident such as losing a wheel or your brakes.
Failing to Get out of the Cab to Check before Backing the Trailer
The blind spots of your mirrors are too large to exclusively rely on when backing your trailer to a dock. Get out of your commercial truck and check the ground between your trailer and the dock. Don't forget to look up for drooping power lines, large tree branches, or awnings. Don't worry about what others think, get out and check as many times as you must.
Having Blind Faith in a GPS
Use a map for commercial truck drivers to back-check your GPS route suggestions. Make sure the bridges can take the weight of your rig, and the overpasses have enough clearance for your trailer. Avoid all routes that take your commercial truck through narrow roads meant for residential traffic