As the top-rated provider of Class A driver jobs throughout PA, at TQM Logistics, we understand that safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to the road. That’s why we ensure that our drivers utilize best practices — before they hit the road, while they’re driving, and once they’ve reached their destination. 

If you were to look at the figures from the Department of Transportation (DOT), you’d see there is an interesting correlation between truck driving accidents and a drivers’ experience — however, it’s probably not what you’d expect. Let’s take a look and see exactly what is so surprising about the results. Check out this brief video, then read more as we go into each point more deeply:

Accidents While Driving 

You may be surprised to hear that drivers with a year or two of experience are more prone to driving accidents than newer drivers. But why is that? For starters, new drivers are less likely to talk on the phone, fiddle with the radio, or eat while driving. And not only that, but many will slow down properly when approaching off ramps and exits. 

Conversely, more experienced drivers can become overconfident in their abilities. When this happens, they lose their healthy “fear” of the road, which can lead to misjudgment issues, like collisions with other vehicles as well as jackknifes and rollovers. 

Accidents While Backing Up

One of the common types of accidents that does happen to newer drivers is collisions while backing up. Often, rookies don’t fully understand the angles of the trailer and the way it reacts to certain turns and movement. Additionally, inexperienced drivers have a tendency not to “get out and look” (GOAL) at what’s behind them. In these instances, it can lead to poor decisions, incorrect maneuvers, and accidents. 

New truck drivers also tend to get anxious when backing up in a parking lot, at a loading dock, or any other area that features restricted space. There can be a multitude of distractions — anything from barking dogs, pedestrians, and impatient drivers honking their horns — all of which can make them nervous and cause a collision in their haste to move the vehicle. 

The Experience Factor

Once a new truck driver has settled into their routine and is more comfortable with the interstate system, lane control, shifting, and arriving at terminals and loading docks, they can become more relaxed — but this is generally where the danger lies. This type of overconfidence can lead to speeding around curves, down hills, and on exit ramps, distracted driving, and all types of other issues. 

The best way to combat this “laziness” and overconfidence is to always respect the road. Every single action, or lack thereof, that a driver does affects not only them, but the people around them as well. Understanding that trucking is a serious responsibility is essential to taking this career seriously and with the respect that it deserves; So please, be safe out there at all times. 

For more information, or to apply for Class A driver jobs in NJ, contact us today.