Image of a semi truck driving heading toward a sunset.

Differences in Trucking at Night vs Daytime

Things to Remember While Driving at Night

The open road at sunset is a beautiful thing, but it’s also a signal visual conditions will soon be less ideal. Here are easy tips to help you stay safe and smart when darkness hits.

Keep Your Eyes Ahead

Because visibility will be reduced looking at the road ahead becomes even more essential. Watching for brake lights, flashers or construction signs as far out as you can see them will help prevent hard brakes or late brakes that can damage the truck or cargo.

Don’t Swerve for Animals

If an animal or obstruction jumps into your path last minute the initial reaction may be to swerve. Be sure to keep on a straight path. It would be a much more harmful and costly situation to put yourself, the truck and the cargo in a ditch than it would to replace the bumper. It’s hard to process through this in the moment, so it’s best to remind yourself before you take off that if you don’t have time to slow down it is always best to keep going straight.

Plan Your Trip

It is never more important to trip plan than at night. Knowing where you are turning and exiting, when to stop for fuel and where “trouble areas” or construction areas are will help you feel a little less lost in the dark.

Be Prepared to Slow Down

Many construction crews will be working at night, reducing interstates or highways to one lane traffic. Always be prepared to slow down and make sure you give yourself enough time to reach your destination even if you encounter traffic. Just because there are fewer cars on the road doesn’t mean it will always be a quicker trip. Ensuring you have enough time will allow you to be less stressed and more focused on the task at hand.

Don’t Push Yourself

While hitting those extra miles can mean a little more money in the bank it is never wise to go to the point you can’t keep your eyes open. You can’t make any more money if you can’t drive because you’ve had a life altering or life ending accident. The Z strip isn’t made to be used. Pull off and get some rest or do a couple laps around the truck to get the blood pumping. A little exercise will sometimes do just as well as a power nap.

 

Are you interested in becoming a truck driver? Contact United Truck Driving School today! Our Admissions Reps are ready to answer any questions you have about enrolling, financial aid, or job placement services. Let us help you begin your new career in the trucking industry.

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