Preventable Accident Tips For Truckers That Really Work

[@bradleygoode116]

I lost count of the number of times a dispatcher tried to tell me that the customer needs that freight as fast i can get it there, most of the time its a lie just to get you to the next pickup faster, I just go my same pace,i dont skip meals or bathroom breaks. Its never worth it, never worth making a bad mistake.

[@Thetruth1120]

One thing im surprised u havent mentioned is when at a truck stop or any stop for that matter, make sure no one tampered with your 5th wheel lock....ive seen n stopped many angry drivers from pulling the pin n the driver doesnt know n pulls away n drops a trailer in the yard...double check your 5th wheel

[@femaleprofessionaldriver7650]

Doing everything slowly is a pearl of wisdom. When I started doing that and being "mindful", my trucking life became less chaotic.

[@lyonsdavid]

"Never get in a hurry, that's when mistakes happen." Wise advice from my Driving Instructor that I try not to forget!

[@NWforager]

"Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast"

[@bluedevil0072]

I got into the habit of using a Dry Erase Marker to write my directions on my Windshield. Across the top for a Day Delivery or along the Bottom for Night, so I could read it from the Illuminated hood. When I used a Spotter, I carried a Hand Held CB Radio so the Spotter could talk to me instead of relying on their hand signals when they would be out of my view. More of the newer driver don't seem to know what an Atlas is. They rely on way to much Technology then the Tried and True Methods we have used for decades. I have to admit one thing though, I don't miss hunting down a Pay Phone any more......lol

[@KentuckyRanger]

I had a dry erase board attached to my dash, and I made a small Red LED light, to illuminate it at night.

[@georgekuersten5984]

Most everyone has a smart phone these days. Google the customer, and verify the address with the shipping documents. Look at the satellite view of the property. See the entrances in relation to the streets. Sometimes there are 2 driveways,but only 1 that allows good truck access. I sometimes even hand draw a map of the delivery area, and highlight the street names. Then cross check with my GPS, and see what driveway to pull in. I once second guessed the GPS, and discovered the short cut I chose was truck restricted. So, the truck GPS had it right,that time. Also, for parking most home improvement stores allow some truck parking. Just don't be disrespectful and be a pig there. It can save your butt when the truck stop is full.

[@rob1958bc]

Google isn't always accurate. Sometimes I do the street view as well. many times I found the place two blocks away from where google said it was.

[@scottkopala9546]

it's a good place to start

[@KentuckyRanger]

"GPS is awesome! GPS is cool! The driver who only trusts this gizmo, will find themselves a fool..." *ALWAYS* have a good paper *Truckers* atlas as a backup! Exit guides are also an awesome backup tool!

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

One area that a lot of drivers should also be aware, that even driving your car with a speeding ticket, goes onto your Class License. Accidents, drunk or drug driving, stunt driving, will ALL reflect on your license..

[@pepedrat2982]

Wise words. 'Just make good progress' is something an old boy said to me when I started driving trucks. Asking if a fire engine could get to the property is a good way of making sure you'll fit.

[@ricoz2016]

Go slow. Take your time. Be patient. If I go into trucking that will be my mantra. Thanks Dave!

[@jerrylittle2726]

Truck garmin helped me 90 percent of the time have to use Google maps also and look for signs before you turn onto the road

[@tobydulanski3000]

It's only the nature for a person that cares to want to do a good job. That's why its so important to keep your head, take your time, double check, don't let others rush you into doing something that isn't safe, or could potentially injure or kill someone else. Thank You Dave 👍👍👍

[@itoldyouso2137]

When I was OTR I worked for a mega carrier but I would always call ahead of time and see if I could pick up or drop off early. You'd be surprised that a lot of customers would take me early

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

Drive a vovlo. Never leaves the shop so accident avoided.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good one! Someone told me a lot of the guys that drive volvos get out on the passenger side when they stop so nobody sees them. Dave

[@BAMCIS13450703]

It also comes with a sweet foot rest on the dash

[@edspencer7121]

My youngest nephew at this time is working on his CDL. He has his permit and going on runs with another one of his uncles, going from Minnesota to San Francisco. I just posted this video to his Facebook page. Good job as always!

[@ProdByTrappacino]

Hey Dave I only have 2 years of experience but I have been following you since I started and I admire your professionalism. Thank u for teaching young driver. Be safe

[@SmartTrucking]

You too! Dave

[@russvoight1167]

Dave's advice is relevant no matter how long we have been driving

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Ha, ha, ha!!! Great advise! As you were talking, I'm setting here thinking, how many times, how many situations have I not paid attention to my surroundings and, yes sir, if I had only done my GOAL ( get out and look), I could have saved myself a lot of hassel and heartache. Thanks for the tips.....

[@andykeller6124]

Number one rule I was taught over 30 years ago, COVER YOUR ASS!

[@williamcarey8529]

Another great video with great advice!! I know about hooking up and dropping trailers!! I always do the tug test three times; then I get out to check the lock jaws; then the landing gear and the lines!! It is no fun when you have to crank up the landing gear of a loaded trailer when it is to late to realize that the locking jaws did not close and the trailer falls down!! That sucks BIG TIME!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, done that and you're right, it did suck! Dave

[@mikegallegos7]

You reminded of once when I was backing slowly into dock door, another trucker started backing on my driver's side. I pulled forward to be clear and he docked first. Then I re-positioned and finished backing. I said nothing nor acknowledged that, he had to pull back out and open his trailer doors. It was a fun moment.

[@SmartTrucking]

Some peoples kids! Dave

[@deanlabbe9952]

As a thirty year driver I have to sway that the advice you gave in this video will keep anybody safe.

[@chichi41]

G-O-A-L Get Out And Look!

[@ursachevasile2393]

Just had an incident the on monday,i forgot to lock the 5th wheel and trailer fell of the truck,now i know it was my fault but this would never had happen if i wasn't rushed by dispatch and missinformed about wich trailer to pick up,one major lesson learned,never let them rush you.hope it helps someone 🙂

[@BillySwarthout]

Should do a video on winter driving. Like ALL your video's.

[@kellypenrod2979]

Hi Dave, how about having the pups acquaint themselves with the old tried an true 6 P system? PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE It works for me! Stay safe out there driver's!

[@andykeller6124]

Two other very handy tools when you're going into a new place are Google satellite view, and street view. Get a preview of what the place is going to look like before you ever get there and a satellite view will show you if you can drive all the way around the building or not and if they've got truck parking ahead of time.

[@jerrylittle2726]

Look for the yellow signs on bridges if its says 13--6 and higher its good

[@Bendigo1]

Not if the trailer is 13-10 or 14...

[@dennislang2591]

Love the videos by the way. You seem to be very professional at what you do. Thanks for your service and keep em comin. Big strapper out

[@SmartTrucking]

Roger beep big strapper, appreciate it. Dave

[@andrewdonohue1853]

I drive dump truck mostly. I always use both the pneumatic dump locks and the manual threaded bolt style locks. I use them both. I can never be too safe hauling stone. If I forget the pneumatic lock or a stone gets stuck in the pneumatic lock I got out of the truck and looked. I'm double locking it and double checking it. So what the process takes a few seconds. It also gives me the chance to look the truck over. Make a serious enough mistake you can't take it back.

[@tonyandreoli8180]

Amen, to taking your time Dave nothing good comes from being in a rush. And, don't let anybody bully you into something you don't feel capable of doing safely

[@tonyfurneaux7670]

Good day. I am an older English,and Canadian truck driver with over 30 years experience, I agree with all your safety tips. Here is new one for you if I may be so bold, I have often found when I am faced with a herd of wild animals at night that dipping the brights is a good way to miss a collision. I know it sounds crazy, but the animals seem to dive for the darkest spot, and if you have your brights on, the darkest spot is the animals shadow, which of course is right in front of your truck, or car. Try it, I promise it works. Kind regards Tony

[@silverfox673]

Call especially when heading to the North East coast States.

[@user87345]

Google maps satellite view is an extremely helpful tool these days. The drawback is they don't have a truck option. In other words, it will route you down restricted routes.

[@BAMCIS13450703]

Yes but you can use it to view proper entrance and the layout of the lot

[@humorme5367]

Dave you are 100% correct. When i started out in tbe industry the old timer who showed me the ropes taught me " driving a truck requires patience and finesse" For you rookie drivers not all of us veteran drivers are a holes Ill help a rookie out if theyre willing to learn

[@glenvant]

I did a short stint delivering to Walmart stores. I always made it a habit when doing my trip planning to pull up Google earth on my lap top and look down at the loading dock layout before I left the distribution center. This saved me a lot of angst as I could pretty much figure out pivot points, obstacles and traffic related hazards before I started the trip.

[@rob1958bc]

I will say that try not to get too flustered when backing in and having to do some pull-ups. The number one way truckers get injured is on the stairs getting in and out of the cab. Stay frosty and you'll have a nicer day.

[@erikcaldwell2913]

You sure have a mighty fine looking semi sir!

[@wisemanwalkingdowntheroad4275]

In old cites like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia watch out for low clearance especially with elevated subways. Many of them are around 12.0 foot clearance and you hit them with that 13.5 trailer you are going to make a nice wreck and lose your job.

[@adrienblitz-weiner6546]

Thanks for the valuable info guy ,us new guys need as much as we can. Stay safe out there & hammer down !!

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Adrian! Stay safe! Dave

[@jackobrein1750]

best video yet!! I am gonna show this to my students!!

[@riossioulas4788]

Bravo Dave !!!!!

[@poetaalbers4586]

Great tips, so far Dave. I can't figger out why you din't mention strapping/chaining/tarping. I don't throw chains anymore. I have a secret trick which I'll share in an email with you. At MY age? straps are getting more & more difficult to throw. But there ARE tools to help. Again, in an email. Tarping? especially lumber loads? I refuse to do it any more, unless the customer provides some help. As we get older? Our muscle strength diminishes. Our weight MAY decline, and it's just a matter of time till you realize we can't do this sh** any more. Say hi to C for me. Poet

[@jorgesantos7136]

This guy is Awesome man!!

[@FurthermoreJack]

Good deal, late loads don't add points to a CDL. Be safe!

[@kellypenrod2979]

Hi again Dave, as far as that hurry, hurry hustle dispatch likes to pull, My standard response is , I WILL BE THERE WHEN I GET THERE, THE ONLY WAY THE FREIGHT GETS THERE BEFORE I DO IS IF I BACK IT THROUGH THE GATE.

[@ladiesman860]

EXCELLENT ADVICE.........take your time out there, expect the unexpected.

[@andrewkirwin6629]

Wise words of wisdom here THANKYOU

[@o.j.b6091]

Thank you for your videos I greatly appreciated it really helps a lot and I've learn a lot from a knowledgeable person like you by watching your videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Oliver! Dave

[@randygharrison2384]

I been watching your videos i really enjoy what u have to say n all your tips on driving, now i'm not a truck driver but wanted to be. My. Brother is an i would like to here what you have to say about the dispatchers an getting loads ready to go in a timely fashion from what i hear there is some conflict in that area so please do a video on that anvyour experience. Thank you

[@blthetube1]

G.O.A.L. "Get out and look". Trust your instincts. I had a spotter miss that I was just about to jack knife the front part of my trailer into the back of an SUV while backing into a really tight spot in a busy parking lot. I thought this doesn't feel right and got out and looked and was 2 inches from impact. Don't be in a hurry. There's no such thing as a small preventable.

[@TaylorMadejdm1975]

Thank you sir for that very wise advice. You're like the father I never had. 👍

[@23tracy91]

I always do the parking on the road thing. Better to scope it out on foot cause I don't want to get in a stupid place with my truck

[@RayT70]

Thumbs up, but you're talking about adding at least an hour to getting started on every trip.

[@TheCanadagreg]

Good advice even for car drivers

[@Dead-Dog-Rising]

Thanks for the advice sir!

[@hammockdave4410]

great video. great tips!

[@mikea1929]

The legend talk thank you for the help

[@SmartTrucking]

Always a pleasure, happy to help!

[@nickcarpenter118]

Thanx sir! I appreciate these tips!

[@lifedragon666]

Alright the scenario that I was most likely talking about was what to do after a company has released you because of an accident say like a rear end

[@SmartTrucking]

Find someone who will give you a second chance. Dave

[@jasonhenn7345]

good also explain to spotter exactly what you need from them what different hand signals mean- also what the spike is for and how to use it

[@cybersoil100]

Another great video! Thank you very much as I will become a new driver soon.

[@battleborn8139]

Thanks I like your videos

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@georgewhiplemyerjr.9165]

Great video. Thank-you.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks George! Dave

[@BAMCIS13450703]

You know as well as i do many one bay wonder consignees the only way in is to blindside around the corner of the building lol

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, those guys with a receiving door meant only for UPS. Dave

[@BAMCIS13450703]

But its tall enough and wide enough you can get in just be careful not to hit anything or roll the tire off your spread axle

[@alissiaara8421]

Thank you !!

[@paulbickley658]

good wise advice...

[@sidiebnou4958]

Love this man

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@jerrylittle2726]

I always stay back from a truck or get in the other lane i half to see a mile ahead of me

[@rigrocker2957]

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast

[@Bbcbaptistchurch]

Awesome advice. Thanks!

[@williamspence1294]

Great advice

[@grejsancoprative]

What good is your paycheek if you aren't alive to recive it? Or don't work in such a way that you would be unable to recive the next one?

[@allwinds3786]

Never be in a hurry, better to get there than the hospital

[@MrLynch-jh1yo]

Great vid!👍

[@danjohnson2289]

thanks for the informative vids, where are you from?

[@SmartTrucking]

Northern Ontario . Dave

[@aren8443]

thank you sir

[@SmartTrucking]

Most welcome!

[@denoboothe4197]

Questions what do u think about young drivers with long nose trucks any ting u would say to them are make a video about it

[@Trainfan1055Janathan]

I wish I had watched this video when I was a truck driver. I might 've still had my job...

[@ilikeboost4764]

Trainfan1055 why did you lose it?

[@nikkimadison6892]

Thank you for valuable adice

[@alexpowers3697]

Why do trucks go so fast (in my area--not universally) with no following distances if the CDL is at risk? I don't get it.

[@SmartTrucking]

No, me either. Where do you live? Dave

[@MeetJoeBlack55]

Dave..... you forgot the number one rule..... make sure your Thermos is full ( of coffee ) before you start out...... LOL.

[@SmartTrucking]

It's supposed to be coffee? Dave

[@jerrylittle2726]

2 weeks in driving school does not make you a professional

[@1rnaple]

Forgive me if I've missed it. I'd like to see a video from you about driving on ice.

[@jefferyjustus7225]

1rnaple I'll give you some ice driving advice. Don't do it. You cannot drive on Ice. It's more like, skating, with no control. NO LOAD IS WORTH IT.

[@damexican1671]

Bingo my frd 👊

[@ruthbruner2468]

Hi Dave I just recently was involved in an accident in Jacksonville Florida. The 4 wheel driver was at fault. Is that still gonna effect my CSA score?

[@emilh9005]

G.O.A.L. Get out and look. Google map has streetview alongbwith comments from other drivers on tips about the place

[@wittelarry1]

Nice truck

[@br5136]

Love this tips. But after awhile this becomes second nature.

[@jerrylittle2726]

Omg i looked through a telescope in to the stars im ready to work for nasa lol

[@manowar2816]

Move slowly. not at FedEx

[@howiefeltersnatch6316]

Check out your trailer while you're shutting the doors. Hard to win a claim if some stoner on a forklift put a hole in it after you leave.

[@Trail-of-dead]

Keep her outta the cabbage boys.

[@JUSTL00KING]

Who really disliked?

[@rickmcdaniel9685]

Way to prevent most truck accidents today is to remove 70 percent of the drivers

[@SpragginsDesigns]

Who down voted this? People against safety.....?

[@Lengsel7]

Some dispatcher.

[@dennislang2591]

First