| If you drive a big rig for a living, you know that | | | | your rig is in relation to other vehicles out there. |
| your truck is your home away from home, your | | | | Leave plenty of room for maneuvering, keep |
| office, and your livelihood. Staying safe on the | | | | your speed within reasonable limits, and mind |
| road is of paramount importance, and involves a | | | | those blind spots. Even though you're surrounded |
| combination of good health practices, prudent | | | | by steel, you're never invulnerable in an accident: |
| behavior, and consist vehicle maintenance. Here | | | | wearing your seat belt is the wise thing to do. |
| are three essential safety tips every new trucker | | | | 3. Practice regular vehicle maintenance: check |
| should follow. | | | | fluids, check hoses, change the oil, and look for |
| 1. Practice good health habits: If your performance | | | | any leaks or problems on a consistent basis. Tires |
| on the road is impaired for any reason, you are | | | | need to be in good condition so they don't blow |
| endangering yourself, your load, and everyone | | | | out, and you should also replace faulty parts |
| else around you. Although it is tempting to grab a | | | | immediately. The last thing you want to have |
| quick bite while on the road and pushing yourself | | | | happen is to get stranded on the road due to |
| to the limits each and every day, these habits will | | | | vehicle neglect. When you need replacement |
| backfire over the long term. Make sure you eat | | | | parts, look for gently used ones and you'll save a |
| plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, | | | | lot of money. |
| and get lots of rest during your haul. | | | | There's nothing like the lure of the open road: a |
| 2. Practice prudent behavior: If you are new to | | | | trucking career is a rewarding and lucrative one, |
| the road and don't have years of experience | | | | as long as you remember to put safety first. |
| under your belt, it's easy to forget just how big | | | | |