Safety Tips for Semi-Truck Driving at Night
Jul 26th 2023
Driving a semi is very different and much more difficult than most other vehicles on the road. Driving only gets harder after the sun goes down, as the lower visibility makes it harder to see and react properly when on the road. However, proper driving practices can help improve safety when driving a semi-truck at night.
Follow Speed Limits
When driving for a long time, it can be tempting to exceed the speed limit to get to your destination faster. However, doing so doesn’t save that much time and is illegal. Additionally, it makes the drive more dangerous for everyone on the road, putting people at greater risk. Make sure you keep to local speed limits to improve your safety.
Use Vehicle Lighting When Appropriate
Every truck comes with a set of fog lights and high beams. These lights are risky, as they can blind other drivers and increase dangers as a result. However, they’re perfect for seeing more in the dark and can help you avoid any dangers on the road. Don’t use these lights if you see another vehicle within 500 feet. This lead us to the next point.
Don’t Look at Lights
Nighttime driving isn’t dangerous just because it’s dark out and hard to see. One of the biggest dangers on the road is the light from other drivers. The headlights and high beams of other vehicles can make it very difficult to see anything else if you stare at them when they shine at you. When driving, do your best to avoid looking directly into any headlights, as doing so can make it very difficult to see anything.
Make Endurance Driving Better
Driving a semi-truck takes a physical toll as you travel mile after mile. You want to do everything you can to make it easier for you so that you can endure long trips. For instance you can invest in a good chair like SteadyRide to make the trip a lot easier on your body. This can make any drives that last into the night easier, as you have more energy and less pain distracting you.
While you want to avoid driving at night if possible, sometimes, you need to take your semi-truck out for the night. These safety tips can help you stay safe while on the road in the dark. By following the speed limit and knowing how to use lights appropriately, you can increase your safety on the road while driving one of these large vehicles.