Dangerous behaviours when driving on the highway

Following too closely

As we all know, driving on highways involves high speeds. If the distance between vehicles is too close, in the event of an emergency, trucks with heavier loads may have difficulty braking in time. This can easily lead to rear-end collisions. It is reported that rear-end collisions account for more than 70% of highway accidents, especially with the recent increase in car accidents due to frequent heavy rain. Therefore, driving too closely can easily lead to traffic accidents.

Forceful lane changes

Normally, when changing lanes while driving on the highway, a certain distance should be maintained with the vehicle behind before changing lanes. However, in reality, there are often cases where sedans forcefully change lanes without signaling. Trucks have larger blind spots, and when sedans change lanes too closely, it can easily lead to accidents such as scraping or rear-end collisions in the event of an emergency situation ahead.

Forceful lane changes are usually initiated by sedans. As a truck driver, you should pay close attention to your rearview mirror and be alert if you notice a sedan approaching from behind. If you see a sedans preparing to forcefully change lanes, you can honk your horn to warn them. At night, you can use your high and low beam headlights to signal the other driver. If you notice a vehicle ahead of you attempting to forcefully change lanes, you should slow down and give them space to avoid a collision."

Playing with mobile phones

Many drivers tend to look at their phones or make phone calls while driving on highways. If an emergency situation arises, the driver may not be able to react in time, which can easily lead to accidents. As a truck driver, it is important to avoid using your phone while driving. You can purchase a Bluetooth headset, which makes it more convenient to answer phone calls. When answering calls, you should keep them short and focus more on driving to reduce the safety risks associated with distractions.

Parking at will

Unrestricted parking on highways is a common occurrence. When parking on the emergency lane, drivers should turn on their hazard lights and place a warning triangle 100 meters behind their vehicle. In the picture, the driver clearly did not follow this procedure and parked their car randomly on the emergency lane. Fortunately, the driver of the light truck behind noticed the car in time, moved to the left lane and avoided a collision. If a wider vehicle had come from behind, the driver may not have noticed the parked car and could have easily caused a collision, resulting in severe consequences.

Truck drivers should maintain a high level of alertness while driving. In case they notice a vehicle parked randomly on the road, they should avoid it in time and sound the horn to alert the other driver. At night, they can use high and low beam headlights to signal the parked vehicle. If there are no vehicles on the overtaking lane, they can drive their truck onto the overtaking lane to avoid a collision and ensure safety.

Some drivers may look away to find water when they feel thirsty, or search for a cigarette while smoking. Engaging in conversation with passengers can also distract drivers and reduce their focus on driving. In case of an emergency situation, it is easy to have a traffic accident.

The above mentioned situations are quite common in everyday driving. However, they are particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds. Through this article, we hope to raise awareness among drivers and prevent unsafe driving behaviors, thereby ensuring road safety.