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Speeding while driving is tempting, especially on the open highway. And many of us are guilty of having a lead foot at one point or another. We all have things to do and want to get to our destinations as quickly as possible. This desire is compounded when you’re a trucker shipping-high priority materials. After all, the faster you get it there, the better job you did, right? Not necessarily. Here are some of the consequences of high speeds and the benefits of going slower.
Accidents
Speeding is a leading cause of all accidents occurring each year. Any accident can be devastating, but it’s much more likely when a tractor trailer is involved because of its weight (nearly 20 times many civilian vehicles) and long braking distance. The last thing you want to do on the job is cause property destruction, injury, or even death, and sticking to the speed limit can go a long way toward avoiding bad outcomes. They were put there for a reason, after all.
In any event, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered by a truck accident lawyer. This is to not only protect yourself, but also your employer or others who could be involved. The trucker isn’t always liable. The trucker’s employer, the truck manufacturer, or the truck loaders are just a few examples of other parties who could be liable for accidents. Faulty parts, improper loading, or poor maintenance might be to blame.
Rushing things could also lead to other mistakes such as wrong turns or parking at a wrong angle. It’s best to slow down to avoid mistakes of all kinds.
Tangible Benefits of Going Slower
Outside of the safety benefit, driving slower has benefits. The most obvious of these is likely getting more miles to the gallon. While something drastic such as always driving 55 mph is unlikely to make much difference in the long run, traveling your vehicle’s optimal speed (this will vary by truck) can help you get one or two miles more per gallon. This adds up fast.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for companies to offer bonuses to drivers who burn less fuel. This saves money for the company and earns you more for a job well done. You’ll also be much less likely to cause any kind of damage to your truck/products when driving at reasonable speeds. So, your company will see you as a safer, and therefore more valuable, driver.
Check Your Surroundings
In addition to these tangible benefits, driving at slower speeds will let you pay much closer attention to your environment. Other vehicles aren’t the only hazard on the road. You need to always look for pedestrians, debris, and animals as well. Hopefully you won’t be barreling down on something as big as a moose, but even deer can cause significant damage to your truck. While driving slower might not guarantee you won’t hit them, it will help reduce the damage.
Outside of all these safety points, remembering this is a traveling job is important. It will take you to different parts all through the country, and you should appreciate that at times. It can be an opportunity to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast, stop in exciting cities, or anything in between. Of course you need to worry about delivering your next load. But concoct a way to work in some sights. As with anything in life, it’s sometimes beneficial to just slow down and appreciate what you have.
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