Most people know about the dangers of texting and driving distracted. However, truckers also have to be aware of some unique trucking distractions they can face. Knowing how to identify and handle these distractions can help you stay safe on the road…

TRUCKING DISTRACTIONS: WHAT TO WATCH FOR

EXTERNAL DISTRACTIONS

The first set of trucking distractions to watch for is external. External distractions are things around you that catch your attention. These distractions can take your eyes off the road for too long and can cause accidents to occur.

For example, “rubbernecking” is a form of an external distraction that can lead to further accidents. Furthermore, billboards, phones, music, and even natural scenery can be external distractions. You might not think you’re facing distraction, but you’re putting yourself at danger by not completely focusing on the road.

INTERNAL DISTRACTIONS

The second set of trucking distractions are internal ones. Internal distractions are thoughts that take your focus on the road. These thoughts can be harder to identify, but it’s important to recognize them before they become too distracting.

Internal distractions tend to happen after something else. Say you have a fight with your spouse before you drive. Odds are, your mind is going to be thinking about that fight, taking your focus off of driving. Overthinking can lead to a decrease in reaction times, and lead to accidents that could have been prevented.

STAYING FOCUSED

While these trucking distractions can seem overwhelming, you can take steps to help keep yourself focused. For external distractions, it’s all about limiting your exposure to them. Keep your phone up, pick your music before you leave, and keep your eyes on the road ahead.

Internal distractions can be a bit more tricky to handle. It helps to take some time to clear your head and relax as best you can before driving. If you notice you’re getting distracted by your thoughts, try to take a break for a moment to regain your focus.

Trucking distractions are just another risk that truck drivers have to be aware about. However, once you’re aware of these distractions, then you can start to work to limit them. Limiting these distractions will help make your driving experience all the safer.