Holiday Driving Tips from Some Who Drive Large Trucks for a Living

Professional truck drivers explain their blind spots, and why it’s not a good idea to tailgate large rigs.

byKate Gibson|
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As millions of Americans get ready to travel to visit family and friends for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, some of the professionals they'll be sharing the road with have some safety tips.

1. Buckle up: A seat belt won't prevent a collision, but it will save a life.

2. Remove ice and snow from your vehicle to ensure maximum visibility.

3. Slow down, as chances of a crash nearly triple when driving faster than surrounding traffic.

4. Don't drive impaired.

5. Stay out of blind spots and pass on the left where a truck's blind spot is much smaller.

6. Keep your eyes on the road, as distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, with even two seconds of distraction time doubling the chance of an accident.

7. Do not cut in front of large trucks, which are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can take the length of a football field plus both end zones to make a full stop.

8. Prepare your vehicle by checking wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced.

9. Prepare for long-distance travel by getting plenty of rest and hydration. If you feel drowsy, pull over.

10. Leave early to reduce worry about arriving late.

11. Be aware of the vehicle in front of you, and leave extra room between you and it.

“As a family man and a professional truck driver, I am one of the last drivers on the road, delivering all the trimmings necessary for Thanksgiving. I hope my fellow motorists will consider safety as they travel to their Thanksgiving destinations.” truck driver Tim Taylor of FedEx Freight, said in a release Tuesday from the American Trucking Associations.

Hundreds of thousands of motorists have viewed an eight-minute recap of critical safe-driving habits, the ATA said.

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