Top Safety Tips for Long-Haul Truck Drivers to Stay Safe on the Road

Long-haul truck drivers are the backbone of the American supply chain, responsible for transporting essential goods across millions of miles of highway each year. The work is demanding, and unfortunately, it is not without risk. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), thousands of fatalities each year involve large trucks and buses, along with well over a hundred thousand injury accidents. 

Effective safety isn’t a single action—it’s a system. Thoughtful planning, space management, hazard awareness, equipment care, fatigue management, and regulatory compliance all work together to reduce accident risk and protect cargo, equipment, and operating authority.

Below are comprehensive safety tips for long-haul truck drivers, supported by industry research and regulatory guidance.

1. Plan each trip in advance

Route planning may sound simple, but it is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and delays. Even experienced drivers benefit from reviewing routes ahead of time. Pre-trip planning allows drivers to avoid high-traffic areas, low-clearance bridges, or weight-restricted roads that may pose challenges for large commercial vehicles.

In addition, reviewing weather conditions, construction updates, and speed regulations along the route reduces uncertainty. Unexpected detours or road closures may cause stress and fatigue; being prepared with alternate routes lowers those risks. 

Truck-specific GPS units and routing software are useful, but they should complement—not replace—manual checks and situational awareness. Many FMCSA materials emphasize planning and scanning to detect trouble early (work zones, stalled vehicles, congestion), so the rig can be slowed or rerouted with plenty of time and space. 

2. Understand and respect vehicle limitations

Large combination vehicles need more space to maneuver and stop. Route selection should reflect vehicle length, height, and weight, avoiding roads and facilities that aren’t built for CMVs. On open roadways, maintaining adequate space ahead is one of the most effective accident countermeasures.

FMCSA’s driver-safety guidance gives a clear rule of thumb for following distance: leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length when traveling under 40 mph, and add one additional second at higher speeds. For a 72-foot tractor-trailer, that means a minimum of seven seconds at 40 mph and eight seconds or more at higher speeds—and even more in rain, snow, or limited visibility.

Rear-end accidents are a persistent pattern in large-truck collisions, and they most often involve the truck striking a vehicle ahead after traffic conditions change. Keeping that space “cushion” provides time to perceive, decide, and brake smoothly rather than abruptly.

3. Monitor and minimize blind spots

Every truck has blind zones that cannot be fully eliminated, no matter how many mirrors are used. These areas typically include the space directly in front of the cab, immediately behind the trailer, and along both sides of the truck. On the driver’s side, the blind spot may run from the cab’s front bumper all the way back to the trailer; on the passenger’s side, it extends from the door to the rear of the sleeper unit.

FMCSA’s Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers recommend scanning about 15 seconds ahead (roughly a quarter-mile on interstates), while checking mirrors every 8–10 seconds to spot vehicles entering no-zones and to detect hazards early. Planning lane changes well in advance and signaling early reduces the need for sudden maneuvers that increase risk.

4. Stay alert and maintain composure

A significant share of truck-involved accidents stems from passenger-vehicle errors—drivers who misjudge a truck’s speed, merge into no-zones, or brake suddenly in front of a heavy vehicle. Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) found that passenger-vehicle driver actions alone contributed to about 70% of fatal two-vehicle car-truck crashes, while truck drivers alone were coded as the only contributing party in 16% of those cases. The takeaway is not the blame, it’s a reminder to expect unpredictable behavior and drive defensively. 

Because passenger vehicle drivers may not always understand the limitations of trucks, truck operators must remain vigilant. Staying calm in stressful situations, anticipating sudden lane changes, and expecting unexpected maneuvers helps prevent escalation. If shaken by an event, it is better to pause and regain composure before continuing the trip.

5. Secure cargo properly

Shifting or loose loads can trigger jackknifes, rollovers, lane departures, and roadway debris—putting lives at risk and exposing carriers to penalties. Federal cargo-securement rules (49 CFR 393 Subpart I) require cargo to be contained, immobilized, and secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling, and to prevent shifting that could affect vehicle stability or maneuverability. The right gear—chains, straps, load bars, dunnage, airbags—depends on commodity and configuration; correct use is mandatory. 

Beyond legality, thorough securement is a frontline safety practice. Verifying securement at pre-trip, during en-route checks, and after any emergency maneuvers is a simple discipline that prevents severe incidents.

6. Commit to regular maintenance

Mechanical condition is a proven accident factor. In the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), brake problems were coded for nearly 30% of trucks in the accident sample—making brakes the most frequently recorded associated vehicle factor. While “associated factor” does not always mean “primary cause,” it underscores the safety value of routine inspections, adjustments, and timely replacement of components (brakes, tires, steering, suspension, and lights).

Federal regulations mandate at least one documented vehicle inspection per day. Going beyond the minimum—by proactively scheduling preventive maintenance—helps avoid breakdowns, improves operational reliability, and supports stronger safety ratings.

7. Manage fatigue effectively

Driver fatigue degrades reaction time, hazard perception, and judgment—often without the driver realizing how impaired they are. The most recent finalized federal data show that 693 people were killed in 2022 in accidents involving a drowsy driver; that’s 1.6% of all traffic fatalities and slightly lower than 701 fatalities in 2021.

Fatigue impairs reaction times, slows decision-making, and increases the likelihood of lane departures and accidents. Recognizing early signs of fatigue (microsleeps, drifting, difficulty focusing) and using planned rest breaks prevents escalation. Fatigue management is a safety commitment, not just a compliance checkbox.

8. Take breaks strategically

Breaks are both a legal requirement and a proven fatigue countermeasure. FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules for property-carrying drivers cap driving at 11 hours within a 14-hour window and require 10 consecutive hours off-duty before the next driving shift, with a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative driving hours. Integrating those pauses into trip plans (in safe, well-lit locations) helps sustain alertness, comfort, and consistent decision-making throughout a long day.

Short breaks during shifts—even a few minutes to stretch, hydrate, or move around—can restore alertness. Pauses also help reduce stress and keep drivers engaged over long distances. Incorporating regular stops into trip planning supports safety and compliance simultaneously.

9. Drive predictably and communicate intentions

Large vehicles require extra time and space to maneuver, which makes predictability essential. Consistently using turn signals, maintaining a steady speed, and taking wide turns carefully give surrounding motorists the time they need to react.

Frequent lane changes, sudden braking, or abrupt maneuvers increase the likelihood of collisions. Defensive and predictable driving habits enhance road safety not only for truck operators but for every motorist nearby.

10. Keep commercial truck insurance and safety records current

Even with best-in-class safety practices, incidents may still occur. Commercial truck insurance protects drivers, carriers, shippers, and the public against financial loss, and maintaining accurate filings is part of federal compliance. FMCSA safety ratings and company snapshots are publicly accessible and influence shipper decisions and contract eligibility, so keeping records current and performance strong is good risk management and good business. 

Final thoughts

Long-haul trucking is vital to the nation’s economy, but it is also one of the most demanding and high-risk professions. By following proven safety practices—from route planning and preventive maintenance to fatigue management and defensive driving—drivers can significantly reduce risks.

At the same time, businesses that prioritize safety culture and compliance protect not only their workforce but also their reputation and financial stability. For carriers seeking to align safety with insurance protection, GIA Group’s agents provide expert guidance on truck insurance coverage.