Are you truckers aware of which auto parts on their trucks are most important to keep maintained? Some may say the engine is the heart of the vehicle, or the tires, or the trailer. However, what about the mirrors? Making sure your fleet understands why positioning their mirrors is so important can help them avoid accidents and injuries on the road.
Just like in a typical car, mirrors can help truckers see behind and to the side of them as they navigate the road. However, since fleet vehicles are much larger than regular ones, more caution should be taken. The following are some tips to correctly position mirrors to help eliminate blind spots and avoid potential collisions:
- Adjust all your mirrors before moving. Pull or turn the right mirror in toward you and stop as soon as you can see the truck in the right side of the mirror.
- Keep your head straight and do the same to your left mirror until you can see the road.
- Move your head to a normal position and pull the rear view mirror down until you can see the ground next to the trailer in the bottom of the mirror.
- Have a firm understanding of where your blind spots are so you can be extra careful when you need to merge on the highway.
- When changing lanes, always indicate to other drivers your intention using your directional signals. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before moving over.
- If you are unsure whether to pass or merge into another lane, look out for headlights in your rearview mirror to be certain you are cleared to switch.
- Make sure the truck has special convex mirrors to enhance their vision and reduce accidents.
At Jeffers Insurance, we hope these tips help you and your fleet remains safe on the road. During a transport, everything should be accounted for, from the positioning of the mirrors to the cargo and more. By taking safety precautions seriously, you can avoid damages to your vehicles and cargo. However, if you are concerned about the security of the goods you are carrying, having cargo insurance may give you peace of mind. This policy covers loss or damage to freight in transit. Let us help you find the best motor truck cargo coverage forms and protection available today.
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