Every year, truck accidents can result in significant property damage, personal injury lawsuits, and the loss of CDL qualifications. That’s why all drivers must prioritize safety when they’re behind-the-wheel—especially at night when low visibility and drowsiness can heighten the risk of an accident. If you operate a commercial truck, here some essential ways you can drive safely at night.

5 Night Driving Safety Tips for Professional Truckers

1. Get Enough Rest

Driving a big rig may involve keeping an unusual schedule, but getting a full cycle of sleep—about seven to eight hours—is still critical. Driving drowsy can severely impair your reaction time and awareness, putting you more at risk of an accident.

To prevent fatigue, follow FMCSA “Hours of Service” regulations to ensure you’re getting enough downtime between shifts. And if you get tired behind-the-wheel, take a break.

2. Address Visibility Issues

The open road can get very dark at night—especially when you’re not near cities or well-lit highways. To make sure you can spot every potential obstacle, always review your visibility before hitting the road. Specifically, you should clean the windshield, check the headlights, and wear eyewear prescribed for night vision problems.  

3. Follow Speed Limit Rules

At night, traffic eases up considerably. However, that doesn’t mean you should speed to get ahead on your route. Instead, you must follow all posted speed limits for commercial trucks to ensure you have enough time to respond if you encounter a hazard. Decrease your speed accordingly if you’re driving through bad weather conditions—such as fog, snow, or rain.

4. Limit Distractions

Always keep your eyes on the road and resist the temptation to check your phone, adjust the radio, or eat a snack when there’s little traffic. Doing so will take your eyes off the road. Even if it’s just for a split second, these distractions can cause you to miss other cars or motorists that you weren’t expecting.

5. Look Away From Oncoming Traffic

While you should keep your eyes on the road ahead of you, you should avoid staring at oncoming traffic at night. The headlights from other vehicles can disrupt your vision, as well as cause permanent damage to your retinas, making it harder for you to recognize potential truck accident risks.

When you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, turn to Bernard M. Tully, Attorney at Law. They have offered personal injury services in Pittsburgh, PA, for more than three decades.Tully is well-versed in evaluating commercial truck accidents, establishing liability, and negotiating damages. If you have an employer, this attorney can also assist with work injury matters. For more details on these capabilities, visit this automobile accident attorney online. To schedule a free and convenient consultation, call (412) 281-8700.