Driving a commercial truck is not the same as operating a car or another lightweight vehicle. As such, specialized training is necessary to prepare you for safely handling vehicles that can weigh over 26,000 pounds. One of the key aspects of transportation safety training is to ensure you are fully prepared to properly operate and drive a truck according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Knowing how to prepare your truck is just as important as knowing how to safely drive it. A transportation safety training class will teach you which tasks need to be completed each time before setting out on a trip. Skipping any of them could result in accidents. You should learn how to thoroughly look over the fluid levels, mirrors, and other necessary instruments to determine they are in proper working order. You’ll also master how to load the cargo correctly to prevent drag. Finally, the program will teach you how to plan out each destination ahead of time to minimize your reliance on GPS, which can be a distraction once you get on the road.

Road Safety

Learning how to operate a semi-truck on the road is one of the most important lessons you’ll have during your commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. In addition to learning traffic laws, you’ll have to master driving at a safe distance from surrounding cars, so the truck will have enough time to slow down or stop. The transportation safety training should also teach you how to maneuver through tight spaces and towns, back up the truck and trailer without succumbing to a jackknife position, and adjust your driving during bad weather.

To obtain a CDL in Ohio, you’ll have to pass a knowledge and skills test for the class of vehicle you plan on driving. At Great Lakes Truck Driving School in Columbia Station, they provide CDL and transportation safety training classes to help you perfect your skills. Visit their website today to learn more about their available programs, or call (440) 236-3436 to speak with a representative.