Driving in traffic poses many dangers. With so much going on around your truck, it can be difficult to concentrate on driving protectively. When you lose your concentration a crash can occur. A single crash can cost many thousands of dollars, not to mention the emotional distress involved. These crashes can result in serious bodily injuries and extensive property damage. In many cases, these crashes could have been prevented by maintaining a safe following distance.

It is a known fast that driving at higher speeds increases the chance of injuring or killing someone. A greater following distance can mean the difference between life and death. You must do everything in your power to maintain a safe following distance at all times. The following tips will help you achieve a safe and manageable following distance.

1. Maintain at least a six-second following distance. Under normal highway-driving conditions it is important that drivers keep at least a six-second cushion between them and the other vehicles around them. Sometimes six seconds is not enough. In adverse weather/road conditions, additional seconds will need to be added.

1. Drive within or under the speed limit. In heavy traffic try this: reduce speed to 3-5 mph below the speed of traffic. Cars will cut in front; however, as this happens, they will continue to move away, i.e., the cars will increase the truck driver’s following distance.

1. Check brake systems and adjust as necessary. Test the brakes for proper stopping before starting a trip to assure yourself that your brakes are adjustd properly. Learn how to determine if the air system is operating satisfactorily and check to make sure that low air warning devices are functioning correctly.

Exercising Protective Driving Technique

• Maintain at least a six second following distance
• Be prepared to stop
• Increase following distance in adverse conditions
• Avoid tailgating
• Scan the road ahead for upcoming hazards
• Slow down in construction zones
• Avoid distractions from inside the cab
• Stay focused and attentive at all times