Truck drivers are constantly at risk during their day job as the road can be a dangerous place. At Pan Pac, the safety of all our customers and their team is of the uttermost importance. We have put together 5 safe driving tips to keep you safe during the day and minimise the risks of accidents.
1. Drive within the speed limit
First and foremost, always ensure that you are driving within the designated speed limit. Not only will it land you in trouble with the law but driving above the speed limit could also cause fatal accidents. As a rule, the speed limit of most roads in Singapore is 50km/h while in School and Silver Zones, the speed limit is 40km/h. On expressways the speed limit is usually 80km/h or 90km/h.
2. Always use your turn indicators
According to data.gov.sg, one of the top 5 reasons for accidents in Singapore is drivers changing lanes without due diligence which includes not using their indicators. By using the indicator, you are able to communicate with other road users of your intention to change lanes. This will warn other users that you intend to enter their lane and they should make space. It is still advisable to use your indicators even if there are no other vehicles around you.
3. Maintain distance between you and the vehicle in front
Make sure you leave adequate space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, in case the vehicle breaks suddenly, you should have adequate time and space to react. If you’re driving during bad weather such as heavy rain and strong wind, take extra precaution and leave even more space between your vehicle and the one in front.
4. Pay full attention to the road
In the age of instant messaging, a lot of drivers are easily distracted by their mobile phones. Never use your phone while driving and pay attention the road. If you need to get something from your bag or any other area in the car, pull aside. Never take your eyes off the road. You must always look out for sudden pedestrians and vehicles coming on next to you. Pay extra attention when turning from a slip road, turning at an intersection and when passing a pedestrian crossing.
5. Look out for blind spots
Driving a truck is not only challenging due to the size but also because of the blind spots. Even thought, all vehicles have blind spots, it is more apparent when driving a truck as it has a taller and bulkier build. Hence, there are plenty of blind spots and you will need to look out for all these blind spots while driving the truck. It’s not enough to just check the rear-view and side mirrors, you should also pay close attention to and be aware of your surroundings, especially small vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles as they often go unnoticed due to size
disparity.
Pan Pac’s commercial trucks in Singapore are also fitted with state-of-the-art technology and are regularly maintained to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable driving experience, so you can focus on growing your business. Fill out the form below for a free quote on our commercial truck leasing options.
