As a commercial truck driver, you will likely face a number of challenges while out on the road. Understanding the challenges you will face can help you to overcome them so that you can have a more rewarding and lucrative career.
Truck drivers can spend 12 hours or more in a truck driving out on the roads while trying to make critical deliveries. During those hours, drivers must often face serious road conditions while also battling other drivers. Along with driving defensively for themselves, commercial truck drivers must also drive defensively for the many other motorists who do not understand the responsibilities of a commercial driver or the risks they face.
One of the biggest challenges faced by commercial truck drivers is actually other drivers. Along with continually cutting off semi-trucks, motorists will sometimes pull out in front of commercial drivers and then slow down. This can be particularly dangerous on hills because commercial truck drivers must downshift on hills and are not able to get their speed back up. When this occurs, it can create very dangerous driving conditions for everyone.
Skilled commercial truck drivers must always be on the alert and watchful for other drivers in order to ensure the safety of everyone. Drivers must pay attention to every direction, looking left and right, in mirrors, and ahead of them.
Yet another common complaint from commercial truck drivers is that motorists don’t pay attention while out on the road. This has become particularly problematic in an age in which texting and driving has become all too common.
Weather conditions can also prove to be problematic in terms of challenges on the road. Icy roads can often pose a problem when drivers do not adhere to safe driving conditions. Unfortunately, too many people will try to speed right past a slow-moving rig, even when the road is covered in ice and snow. Too frequently, such drivers will lose control of their vehicles, causing a multi-vehicle pileup.
Commercial truck drivers must also ensure they adhere to regulations regarding limitations on the amount of time they are allowed to drive while still delivering cargo on time. With tight deadlines, traffic jams, and other problems that can slow down a driver, such restrictions can place a tremendous amount of stress on drivers.
At the same time, drivers must also ensure they are taking care of their own health. This is a challenge that can be difficult to overcome when a driver is stuck out on the road, going from one delivery to the next. Many times, drivers find they have few dining options available aside from fast food and truck stops. The time spent away from home and family can also play a serious role in the health and happiness of a long-haul commercial truck driver.
A commercial truck driving career can be satisfying and rewarding, but it is important to understand the challenges presented. Doing so can help drivers to understand the problems they may face, presenting a better opportunity to create viable solutions for those problems.
