And How to Avoid Them
According to the FMCSA, truck drivers' most common moving violations include speeding, following too closely (tailgating), improper lane changes, improper turns, failure to yield the right of way or obey traffic signals, and railroad crossing violations.
1. Speeding
Speeding accounts for 60 percent of all traffic violations and is one of the most common traffic violations from both truck drivers and standard passenger vehicle drivers. It also results in more accidents. Large trucks and 18-wheelers in particular take longer to stop and change direction and can be prone to tipping. This makes speeding in a tractor-trailer more dangerous than in the average vehicle. The best way to avoid speeding is to pay attention to and drive the posted speed limit or a few MPH below the limit.
2. Tailgating (Following too closely)
Tailgating leads to fender benders. When you’re the one driving too closely and you cause an accident, you’ll be the one at fault. Always keep a safe distance between you and vehicle in front of you and keep in mind that the bigger the vehicle, the longer it takes to come to a full stop.
3. Improper Lane Changes
Weaving in and out of traffic without looking out for other drivers is dangerous and costly. When drivers cut across from the left lane all the way to the right lane at the last minute, everyone is at risk. Avoid improper lane changes by paying close attention to your surroundings and anticipate, signal and safely move from one lane to another.
4. Improper Turns
Because of wide turning and off-tracking, large vehicles and tractor-trailers can hit other vehicles or objects while turning. To avoid accidents and violations, always turn slowly to give yourself and others more time to avoid problems.Turn wide when making a right turn and keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you. Give them room to go by or to stop. For left turns, make sure you have reached the center of the intersection before you start the turn. If you turn too soon, the left side of your vehicle may hit another vehicle because of off-tracking. If there are two turning lanes, always take the right turn lane. Drivers on your left can be more readily seen.
5. Failure to yield the right of way or obey traffic signals
Failure to yield the right of way is considered a dangerous driving offense, and also negatively affects your driver’s CSA score. This includes intersections, multi-way stops, pedestrians, and other traffic signage. Unnecessarily yielding right of way can be just as dangerous, because it is often the cause of confusion.
6. Railroad crossing violations
CMVs also have special rules when crossing railroad tracks. Failure to leave enough clearance to completely drive through the crossing without stopping or any other railroad violation can result in license revocation: 60-day, 120-day, and one-year license revocation for a first, second, and third violation in a three-year period.
The above vilolations are unsafe behaviors and they put you and everyone else that you share the road with at risk. To avoid accidents, stay alert, wear your seatbelt, drive defensively, follow all traffic laws, slow down, and pay attention to your surroundings.
Following the rules will eliminate the likelihood of receiving any violations at all.
At Carleton Transport, our goal is to create calm in the chaos of the trucking industry through offering drivers more flexibility and maintaining driver safety. If you’re interested in hearing more about our current driving opportunities, call 402-332-0260 to speak with our recruiter. Or, visit our driving jobs page at carletontransport.com/driving-jobs today.
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