Research has shown that experienced drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents. Experienced drivers are simply better able to anticipate certain driving situations and better know how to react to avoid collisions. As a result, experienced drivers and their passengers are less likely to be trucking accidents and are less likely to sustain serious injuries, such as burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and other injuries.
One of the best things you can do as a truck driver is to get additional training in order to become more familiar with your truck and the roads. There are many ways to get additional training. Many dealerships and car manufacturers offer training and driving courses. Local driving schools and truck driving institutes offer partial or refresher courses for drivers who are already licensed. Some licensed driving instructors also offer private lessons. For a small hourly fee, these instructors will drive with you in your truck and offer you additional tips and help.
Getting additional training can make you safer on the road and may also qualify you for lower insurance rates in your area. Call your insurance company to find out whether you can save money by getting additional truck training. You may find that the cost of your additional training is covered or nearly covered by your savings on insurance.
There are specific situations in which you should seek out additional training. If you have just moved to a new area with a different climate, for example, you will want to get additional driver training if you drive a truck. If you are new to winter driving, for example, you will want to take additional training. Driving even a pickup truck on snowy roads is dangerous if you are not familiar with those conditions. Even a new, hilly area can be a challenge until you learn how to respond appropriately.
If you have been in a serious accident you might also want to consider additional training to bolster your confidence and skill level. Timidity behind the wheel can be dangerous, so if you find yourself nervous in your truck after a trucking accident, consider some additional training. Additional training can also help you address some of the issues and habits that may have led to your accident in the first place.
If you have a new truck or have a truck for the first time. If you are just starting to drive a truck or have purchased a new truck that is significantly different from you last model, training will help you get comfortable behind the wheel and will teach you how to react appropriately in your new vehicle. You don’t want to wait until you are in a challenging situation on the road to learn how to handle your truck.