Driving a heavy-duty vehicle requires a specialised skill set. Despite proper training, a lot of road knowledge is required to control these vehicles on the road. Controlling heavy vehicles includes multiple aspects like traffic management, distance monitoring and using driver-assist features. That said, catering to these aspects is necessary to avoid accidents, reduce travel time and increase road performance.
For your convenience, here we have mentioned some tips and tricks to control heavy-duty vehicles that will help you in driving these gigantic vehicles properly.
Ways To Control Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Truck drivers must ensure road safety, truck drivers must follow safe following distance guides and traffic rules and regulations. Alongside following road safety rules and regulations, drivers must be completely aware of their vehicles and how to control them in difficult driving conditions.
Mentioned below are some tips to control heavy-duty vehicles on the road.
Keep Scanning Road
A key element in heavy-duty vehicle control is the continuous observation of the road. Generally, drivers panic when an unexpected object appears in between the road leading to an uncontrolled vehicle. Therefore, it is important to scan the road and keep an eye on road signs or any movement that can be a hazard.
The scanning time of one area should be at most 2 seconds. Move your eye to another area after this time period. Please remember that observation does not mean not paying attention on the road, it is to monitor roads and areas alongside the road simultaneously. If you are driving a heavy vehicle for the first time opt for EDI heavy truck driving course and polish your skills.
Manage Speed
There are fixed road speed limits in the UAE, but it is not necessary to drive at the maximum. Drive at a speed that provides you enough time to respond, apply brakes and stop the vehicle at a distance. Ideally, you should have at least 5 seconds to respond and stop the vehicle at a safe distance from the hazard.
After braking, make sure to smoothly accelerate the vehicle. Rapid acceleration will not only cause jerking in the vehicle but can also cause multiple mechanical issues such as coupling. Moreover, immediate acceleration can also cause expedited wheel spinning and drivers can lose vehicle control.
Create Buffer
Buffering is to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles regardless of the speed. The maximum difference between two vehicles reduces accident risk and provides additional response time. That said, buffering is generally useful when a potential hazard is present on the road. For instance: pulling vehicles away from the roadside to avoid animals crossing the road. Or, moving away from a parked car to avoid collision with the pedestrians.
Alongside truck drivers, car drivers are also responsible to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle. for more information read our blog on how to drive safely around heavy vehicles.
Maintain Crash Avoidance Space
Crash avoidance space refers to a safe distance from other vehicles when driving a heavy-duty vehicle on the road. This distance is not only from the vehicle in the front, but it is with all the vehicles on the road.
To maintain the crash avoidance space response and reaction time are the two main factors to consider. Typically, a reaction time is 1.5 seconds and a response time is 3 to 4 seconds. Adjust your vehicle speed and distance from other cars according to it.
To easily calculate the difference, find an object on the roadside, a traffic sign, a tree or a pole. Start counting when the rear end of the vehicle in front of you crosses that object. Ideally, you should cross the object after four seconds. If not, then you are moving too fast and the avoidance space is not proper.
Reduce Chances of Jack-Knife and Trailer Swing
Swinging and jackknifing in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles is a common phenomenon that can lead to uncontrolled vehicles. To avoid these situations, make sure that all the tyres have proper air pressure and brakes are in working condition. Moreover, the weight should be ideally distributed between the axles to control the vehicle.
Select Appropriate Gear
Drivers are required to select the appropriate gear according to the driving conditions. For instance; when entering into a sharp curve, the driver should select a lower gear with maximum torque. This will allow drivers to turn the vehicle at a lower speed and accelerate smoothly.
Similarly, when going up the hill, shift down the gear prior to the incline to reduce engine lugging. Furthermore, use the torque efficiently and prevent engine revs from falling below the maximum level. You might need to shift two or more gears to provide a vehicle with the required torque.
Be Cautious of Road Edges
The road and transport infrastructure of the UAE is known for its build quality. However, despite its quality, the road edges are soft and sometimes might not be able to bear the load of a heavy vehicle. Therefore, when leaving the bitumen, reduce your speed to the minimum and use turn signals to warn the traffic behind you. It is also suggested to stop the vehicle in emergencies only, as stopping the car on the road can lead to penalties in the UAE.
These were different tips and tricks to control heavy-duty vehicles when driving in the UAE. Heavy-duty vehicles are widely used in the Emirate to transport goods from one Emirate to another and also to the nearby GCC countries. That said, if you are also planning to leverage this lucrative business, browse through these used heavy vehicles for sale in the UAE and buy your heavy vehicle as per your budget.
Besides, if you are new to the Emirates, read our blog on RTA laws for heavy-duty vehicles to get an overview of the legalities associated with heavy vehicle driving.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on emission controls for heavy-duty trucks.
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