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6 mistakes to avoid as a new truck driver

6 mistakes to avoid as a new truck driver

Starting a new career as a truck driver can be exhilarating. You get the opportunity to be on the road and explore the country as you work, making it an attractive profession. With extensive road regulations and laws, it is important to stay informed and drive safely for a successful start and long-term career. New truck drivers often make some mistakes on the road, and avoiding them can help you stay out of trouble.

Going too fast
According to driving laws, trucks can carry up to 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. This is an immense amount of poundage to lug around, and driving fast could cause you to lose control of the vehicle. This can endanger you and other drivers around you. So, remember to drive cautiously. An accident is bound to slow you down more than driving at lower speeds.

Ignoring road signs
Pay attention to the road signs instead of solely relying on navigation systems. Although these systems are helpful for on-road guidance, they may sometimes offer inaccurate information about speed changes, height clearance markers, or one-way streets. Keep an eye out for road signs and follow them to avoid troubles on the road.

Forgetting about the trailer
It is easy to forget about the length of your trailer and make misjudgments when maneuvering your truck, especially as a new driver. Although it may take some practice, try to be as mindful as possible about the length of the truck when changing lanes or turning the vehicle. Make it a habit to check all blind spots and wait for some room before turning.

Not asking for help
Just like any other job, there is a lot to learn before you set off on your journey. Ask as many questions as possible to find the right direction and begin your trucking experience with a clear understanding of the job. Speak to senior drivers, dispatch managers, and others you can trust at your company. This is a key mistake new truck drivers must avoid, as it is better to ask than to mess up on the job and end up stranded.

Not taking care of yourself
One of the most unglamorous parts of being on the road is having to rely on fast food and having an extremely busy schedule. This can leave one feeling extremely tired or stressed. It is important to know how to manage your time well and avoid circumstances like this, as driving in these conditions may endanger your life and the lives of those around you. Understand your professional limitations, so you can have a safer, healthier career.

Being unorganized
Staying organized can help you be more efficient at your job—whether that means maintaining your delivery logs or repair and maintenance records or keeping track of receipts and paperwork to file your taxes. Maintain all your legal paperwork for a stress-free driving experience.

Follow safe truck driving practices, along with observing all the safety and protection norms during loading and unloading. Before setting out on every journey, inspect the truck thoroughly and check whether the load has been properly tied down. Your safety and mindfulness on the road will automatically translate to the safety of other drivers around you.

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5 great benefits of buying an extended vehicle warranty

Modern cars come with all the luxuries and advancements one can expect. They also offer longevity, which is a blessing, as you surely want to drive your car for as many years as possible. However, the one thing that you must keep in mind is that the tenure of your car warranty is generally three years. You will need to buy an extended vehicle warranty after that, which can offer many benefits as listed below. They can be personalizedIn general, the car warranty covers the repairing of your car for a certain amount of time and mileage. However, when you are purchasing an extended warranty, it can be tailor-made as per your needs. This way, you can include coverages that your car previously did not have, such as roadside assistance or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. Buying a comprehensive warranty will ensure that you do not have to worry about your car in any scenario. Another great thing about the extended warranty is that you can actually decide its tenure. Hence, you can drive your car stress-free for a long time. Costly repairs are coveredThe extended vehicle warranty will help you save money in the long run, as it covers expensive repairs too. Modern cars are technologically advanced. While they make your life easier on the road, these cars are more prone to malfunctioning. What can be more worrying is the fact that some of the car technologies can be rather expensive to repair. That is where the extended warranty will be your savior. It will cover the expenses whenever your car needs fixing. Greater value for your carWhen you drive your car on the road for many years, it will surely suffer some damages. Apart from natural aging of its machinery, it will also have scratches, bumps, and breakdowns. After the factory warranty for your car is over, it becomes very expensive to maintain the condition of your car. However, if you buy an extended warranty for the car, then it will remain protected for a longer time. As the maintenance of your car will become more affordable with the warranty, you will be able to maintain the condition of your car for a long period of time. This will effectively improve the resale value of your car. Hence, if you ever decide to sell it, you will get a good price. You will save moreWith an extended vehicle warranty, regular maintenance of your car will not cost you anything. This will effectively lower the chances of any major breakdown of the vehicle. Even if the car is seriously damaged due to any accident, you can repair it for no cost. This will allow you to save more in the long run. The cost depends on youThe cost of the extended warranty depends on the coverages you choose. The base price is decided as per the car you have and its overall condition, but you can add only the covers you require to control the cost. Before buying extended vehicle warranty, take some time to research and compare different providers to find the best one you can afford.

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4 mistakes rookie truck drivers should avoid

Truck driving is a demanding profession that requires skill, focus, and dedication. The job may be challenging, but it can be rewarding if done correctly. The challenges and pitfalls can create slip-ups for rookie truck drivers. This can lead to sabotaging the safety of pedestrians and drivers on the road as well as themselves. So let's discuss four common mistakes rookie truck drivers should avoid to have a successful career in this field. Neglecting pre-trip inspections A truck driver's most important task is conducting a pre-trip inspection of their vehicle. The inspection involves checking the tires, brakes, lights, and other essential components of the truck. Neglecting this task can lead to accidents and breakdowns on the road. It is crucial to take the time to do a thorough inspection before hitting the road. Not planning routes ahead of time Another mistake that rookie truck drivers often make is not planning their routes ahead of time. It can lead to getting lost, missing delivery deadlines, and wasting fuel. Planning routes ahead of time helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and road closures, which can cause significant delays. Using GPS and other navigation tools can be helpful, but it is essential to have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. Not taking breaks Truck driving can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Rookie truck drivers must take breaks regularly and get enough rest to stay alert on the road. Not taking enough breaks can lead to fatigue, impair driving ability and increase the risk of accidents. Federal regulations require drivers to take regular breaks, and violating these rules can result in penalties and fines. Failing to secure loads properly Rookie truck drivers may underestimate the importance of securing their loads properly. Failing to do so can lead to accidents, cargo damage, and even fatalities. Drivers must know how to secure loads and use the appropriate equipment to do so. It is also essential to check the load periodically during the trip to ensure that it remains secure. 2022 deals on Ram 1500 pickup truck Check out the official Ram Trucks website for exciting offers and incentives on existing 2022 deals on RAM 1500 pickup trucks. On your new purchase, you can additionally avail of leasing options starting at $349/month for 42 months. With the lease, you'll pay a fixed down payment of $4,849 to secure the deal. Alternatively, check out the 1.9% APR finance deals for 72 months with no mandatory down payment. Many popular trims of the dodge RAM are also eligible for a cash allowance of $4,000 with existing 2022 deals on RAM 1500 pickup truck. So, compare and check out these offers today. Note that these offers and incentives will change depending on the location and available trims for sale. Rookie truck drivers can make the most of their careers and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done by remaining vigilant and cautious. They can consult trusted sources such as reputable dealerships or online marketplaces with a proven track record to find genuine deals on new vehicles.

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What you should know about depression

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