Any job that involves a lot of driving can be challenging. Driving long distances can be tiring and can get dull, even if you love driving. It’s important to stay safe on the road and to take responsibility for the safety of other road users around you, especially when you’re driving a large vehicle like a truck.

A sobering reality, however, is that as cities continue to grow and more and more people are sharing the roads, accidents are prone to happen. It’s important to stay alert, observe all the safety precautions and in the case of an accident, get the appropriate legal help, such as a truck accident lawyer in Colorado or a lawyer from the state in which you are driving.

Here are some easy ways to stay safe on the road.

1. Always wear your seatbelt. More truckers than you’d think don’t wear a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is a legal requirement, and is the best way to prevent injury and death in an accident. Many crash-related deaths could be prevented by simply wearing your seatbelt. If you are injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, truck accident lawyers will have a harder time getting you the compensation you deserve.
2. Never use your cell phone while driving. In most states, it is illegal to use your phone while driving. Even in areas where it is legal, don’t do it, as it is a real distraction from the road. Instead, fit a hands-free set, or connect to the vehicle’s Bluetooth if you need to make a phone call. Any other phone use will have to wait until your break.
3. Be aware of the speed limit. Speed limits are put in place for a reason, so make sure you obey them. This keeps you much safer, as well as anyone else using the road around you.
4. Avoid drugs and alcohol. This sounds obvious, but can be easy to get wrong. Alcohol can stay in your system for a while. This means that if you drink heavily the night before a job, you may still be over the legal limit to drive when it’s time for work. Be careful drinking the night before. Remember that drugs also cover medications, as some can cause drowsiness. Always check the packaging for possible side effects that could impact your driving. Driving under the influence is dangerous and could cost you your job.
5. Plan your trip. If you’re driving a long way, do some planning first. If you’re aware of potential problems like poor road conditions, bad weather or diversions, you can better prepare for them, and make safer, more informed decisions.
6. Be aware of your truck’s space cushion. A truck is a large, heavy vehicle. Always make sure you have a safe cushion of space around you on all sides to avoid accidental collisions due to limited vision or maneuverability.
7. Slow down for turns and curves. Making turns on a curvy road or an off-ramp needs you to concentrate. Slow down in plenty of time for turns and moves like changing lanes.
8. Keep a proper stopping distance. Trucks take longer to stop than cars, because of their extra weight. Make sure you have plenty of room to come to a complete halt if you have to brake suddenly for whatever reason. You don’t want to brake and then hit the back of the car in front.