If you’re a professional truck driver, you already know how demanding the job can be. Driving a truck can be surprisingly challenging, both mentally and physically, and the job can certainly take its toll. It can be dangerous work, too.

In fact, there were 333,000 traffic crashes involving large trucks throughout the U.S. in 2012. If you make your living out on the road, you’ll want to do everything in your power to ensure you never have reason to hire an accident lawyer. In order to reduce your chances of being involved in a crash, here are six important safety tips for truck drivers to follow. If you remember each of these before getting behind the wheel, everyone will be much safer (and you’re less likely to require the services of a truck or car accident lawyer).

• Take care of yourself
  Truck drivers are especially prone to a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and bad sleep habits. It’s vital for you to get enough sleep in order for you to stay alert while on the road. If you’re feeling too drowsy to drive safely, pull over for a short nap. Drowsy driving can have dire consequences. If you aren’t careful, you might be looking for an accident attorney in Los Angeles soon. In addition, make an effort to stay physically active while not on the job and make healthy choices on the clock. Take stretch breaks and drink plenty of water, too!
• Maintain your vehicle
  Because trucks are generally more complicated than other automobiles, you need to check them more regularly to ensure they’re working correctly. Check your fluid levels, your horn, your brakes, your tires, and your mirrors as often as possible.
• Trust your gut
  Even if the posted speed limit is relatively high, you shouldn’t follow it if your gut tells you road conditions are poor. Above all, you need to drive in a way that ensures your safety and the safety of drivers around you. Keep your load in mind, too. A heavier load will require more time to come to a full stop. So if you’re driving on an icy road or heavy traffic, adjust your technique and trust yourself.
• Avoid new distractions
  Distracted driving can be just as catastrophic as drunk driving. Texting while driving for truckers is already forbidden and can carry heavy fines. But even using a GPS system, hands-free communication, or eating and drinking can be a big distraction, too. Ultimately, it’s important that you don’t take the risk of requiring an auto accident attorney. Driving a rig is a big responsibility. You need to have your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.
• Maintain proper speed
  It’s especially important to use caution and the proper speed when traveling through work zones or around curves. You should also avoid tailgating. If you speed or tailgate, you could easily get into a crash or even flip your truck over. Although you want to make good time, it’s not worth the cost of speeding.
• Assume everyone else is a bad driver
  Your vehicle features far more blind spots than smaller vehicles. Because other drivers may not be aware of where these trouble spots are located, you need to be responsible for maintaining the safety of both yourself and everyone else on the road nearby. These trouble spots are located behind the side mirrors, directly behind your truck, and off to the side and front of your cab. It’s imperative that you thoroughly check these spots before making turns or changing lanes. Make sure that other drivers around you are able to see your signaling and make changes with caution.

Even if you take all safety precautions, accidents are bound to happen. If you are in need of a qualified truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles, please contact us right away.