Female truckers sound off on driver safety

During our recent #Truckers4Safety contest, truckers from across the country told Teletrac Navman what they wish people knew about safety, sharing their top driver behavior tips from the road. 

In looking at the findings, we found something interesting –

22% of the submissions came from female drivers. 

In an industry where the percentage of American female truckers hovers between 4 and 6 percent*, we were pleased to see such high representation of women among our safety-conscious participants. 

Entries from these drivers touched on many of the same themes as male drivers, providing insight into top-of-mind safety practices and concerns, including:

• Leaving enough space. One of the top finding among all truck drivers, leaving a safe following distance also proved to be a significant observation (35%) for female drivers. 
• Lane shifts/passing/merging. The fourth most-cited safety practice for all contest entries tied for first place among women, with 35% saying drivers should take extra care during highway maneuvers like passing and merging. 
•  Awareness of surroundings. The third most-shared safety tip overall (29%), being alert to changing conditions and surroundings, was also popular advice from female truckers. 

Check out some of the tips from the truckers themselves: 

• “I wish the average driver and truck driver alike knew that when a truck driver opens up their following distance, that doesn't mean you should jump in between the two vehicles. I try to maintain a safe following distance at all times not only to give myself an out, but to have time to react to and given situation ahead. Also, if you are going to pass a big rig, go on and pass. Stop just hanging right at the driver's door or our blind spots. " – Marilyn
   
• “Lane changes: Turn on turn signal well in advance of lane changes. Allow other drivers to see your intention. Count off at least 5 clicks of signal and gradually begin shifting lanes, after visually checking lane at least 3 times. We have to overcompensate for other drivers to keep everyone safe.” – Judy
   
•  “When driving on the highway in a car or pickup, slow down or change lanes away from a disabled big truck. If you see a big truck on side of the highway, they will have their reflectors out to warn you they are broke down. Save a life! Slow down if you can't change lanes. Be aware of trucks on side of the highway.” – Donna
   
•  “Pay attention and do not drive fatigued. Leave in enough time so you do not have to rush. Following distance is so important. If every driver would remember during rush hour that the space they see is not an opening for them to jump in and out of traffic. During busy traffic hours if everyone would have more patients and stop trying to pass the next vehicle we would be able to travel so much smoother. If I could tell regular drivers one thing it would be that a truck cannot stop as fast as a car, so please stop risking your life by cutting them off.  I see this everyday and everyday I see an accident.” – Janice

To learn more about how technology can help you implement a driver safety program, call 1.800.835.3872 or visit www.teletracnavman.com.

*Source: ATA Truck Driver Shortage Analysis 2015