Truck rollover accidents may not occur nearly as frequently as some other types of road accidents, but when they do happen, they have the potential to be more devastating than the average accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes account for roughly 30% of all passenger vehicle fatalities each year.
Whether you’re a licensed truck driver, a truck driver in training, or someone who is responsible for training drivers, here are seven ways in which you can help prevent a truck rollover accident from occurring on your watch.
1. Make sure your ESC technology is installed and serviced
Most rollover accidents are caused when the driver loses control over his or her vehicle.
Electronic stability control (ESC) technology detects when a vehicle is losing traction and engages the braking system to help the driver regain control over the vehicle.
This technology has been required in new passenger vehicles since 2012 but it wasn’t required for larger vehicles until 2019. If you’re driving an older truck that hasn’t been used or serviced in a while, there’s a slim chance that it is not equipped with ESC technology.
If this is the case, make sure you arrange for it to be installed as soon as possible. If your truck is already equipped with ESC technology, ensure that it is functional so that it is able to serve its purpose in a dangerous situation.
2. Remove all distractions when driving
To say that truck driving isn’t the most engaging line of work is an understatement. As truck drivers can work up to 11 hours per day and up to 8 hours without taking a break, it may be tempting to find other activities to occupy your time—whether it’s talking on the phone, eating food, or looking at your surroundings.
These kinds of activities can cause you to take your eye off the road or your attention from driving safely—creating even a short lapse in judgment that might be the catalyst for an unfortunate rollover accident.
While the work may seem mundane, it’s important that you remove all distractions and instead focus all of your attention on the road. Another person’s life might depend on it!
3. Monitor your speed at all times
To most drivers, larger vehicles feel slower than smaller vehicles. This is due to a couple of different factors. First, because drivers are seated higher, the ground beneath appears as if it’s passing more slowly. The suspension on larger vehicles also allows them to better absorb the impact of bumps and blemishes on the road.
When driving a vehicle as large as a commercial truck, it can feel as if you’re only dragging along—so much so that, if you’re not careful, it’s very easy to creep over the speed limit. Navigating turns and curves at higher speeds increases your chances of a rollover accident.
Make a habit out of checking your speedometer regularly to make sure you’re not exceeding the posted speed limit. As long as conditions are clear and there is minimal traffic, employ cruise control to help manage your speed.
4. Stay away from the alcohol
It should go without saying that no amount of alcohol is acceptable to consume when you’re about to get behind the wheel, yet there are many truck drivers who insist on driving while intoxicated.
According to the NHTSA, over 50% of fatal rollover accidents involve a driver with a positive blood alcohol level.
When faced with the decision to have a drink or go without, know that even the smallest amount of alcohol can impact your judgment and vision. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid a rollover accident, poor coordination may cause you to be pulled over and receive a DUI charge that sees your truck driving license suspended.
5. Get rid of aggressive driving habits
As a truck driver, you should be aware of the size and weight of your vehicle and the potential repercussions of being involved in an accident with a smaller vehicle. Given the severe consequences that could result from a rollover accident, avoid darting in and out of traffic, making quick turns, and other aggressive actions.
Commercial trucks are not nearly as graceful as passenger cars, so even maneuvers that smaller vehicles can complete with relative ease are much riskier when performed by a large truck.
Work to eliminate all aggressive driving habits. The second or two that a certain maneuver might save you is not worth risking the lives of others.
