Rookie Mistakes to Avoid as a Commercial Truck Driver
Starting a new career as a heavy truck driver can feel like trying to drink out of a firehose. There's so much information coming at you - often faster than you can absorb it! It's no wonder there are common "rookie mistakes" made by new drivers. Draco Truck & Equipment Inc. has put together a guide to assist. Read on to learn more.
Mistake #1: Not Taking Care of Yourself
A heavy truck driver's physical health affects their ability to safely and efficiently do the job.
For example:
- A drowsy driver is more likely to get into an accident.
- A hungry or dehydrated driver has a harder time staying alert, which can make it harder to spot upcoming obstacles and adjust in time.
- A driver that's gone too long without a break can succumb to highway hypnosis and lose focus.
It's important to prepare your body for the long drive ahead, which includes getting good sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthy meals, and taking breaks.
Mistake #2: Not Starting Off Organized
A new truck driver will start off with only a handful of work papers. But these will multiply before you know it! Truck drivers have piles of paperwork between filling out logs, collecting receipts, maintaining truck service records, and more.
If you don't start off organized as a new driver, you will end up with a jumbled mess in no time. It will take an excessive amount of time to track down the papers you need when you need them, so start off your career as a new driver with a solid organizational system.
Mistake #3: Not Sticking to Safety Practices
Safety practices exist for a reason. They help reduce the chances of an accident and protect yourself and those around you. Yes, they take time and can be tedious. But they are essential! Always follow the steps in a pre-drive truck inspection, follow the safety guidelines for the work site, and any other safety practices put into place.
Mistake #4: Not Asking for Help
New heavy truck drivers aren't expected to be experts right away. Give yourself slack and remember that it takes time to learn the ins and outs. It's okay to reach out for help, whether that be from your boss, a coworker, or your local truck dealer. Gain from their wisdom and use it to make yourself better!
Stop by our location in San Diego, CA, to view our current stock of new and used commercial trucks for sale. Draco Isuzu Truck Center proudly serves our California customers in San Diego County and Chula Vista, and we look forward to helping you with all of your commercial truck needs!