How Truck Drivers Should Deal With Heavy Traffic In India

Traffic can be difficult for car drivers, but it is immensely stressful for truck drivers due to the size of the load and the vehicle. So, here are a few tips for truck drivers on how to deal with heavy traffic.

A truck driver's profitability is determined by the timely delivery of goods in the most efficient manner. However, traffic congestion is increasing as more vehicles are being adopted as a daily means for commuting to the office or even for recreational purposes. This is affecting the turnaround times of goods being transported by trucks. While it is not anyone's fault, truck drivers or any vehicle driver for that matter, get frustrated stuck at traffic bottlenecks. 

But what can be the solution to this problem from a truck driver's perspective? As a truck driver, you sometimes have no option but to go through heavy traffic congestion. However, here are a few things you can do to make life much easier. Want to know what they are? In this blog, let’s delve into how to deal with congestion. 

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How To Deal With Heavy Traffic Congestion? 

There are several things you as a truck driver can do to avoid traffic congestion to deliver goods on time. However, in certain unforeseen situations, you might have to deal with traffic bottlenecks that could have been caused due to an accident, for instance. The best way to avoid traffic congestion is through route planning before you set out on a trip. But, if in case you are caught in a traffic jam, here are a few useful tips. Read on: 

1. Maintain A Slow Speed: 
   When driving your truck around corners or ramps in full-load conditions in traffic, it is recommended to slow down and drive cautiously. The chance of a rollover is significantly high when navigating corners of the slope. So, it is best to drive slowly. However, you might find smaller cars and pickups honking for you to speed up. Stay calm and drive slowly as safety should be your priority. It is a factor that decides your profit outcomes as well.
2. Stay Composed And Calm:
   When you are stuck in creeping traffic conditions, it might prompt you to drive faster or overtake another vehicle. This can be dangerous especially when carrying heavy loads as the chance of a rollover, as we discussed in the first point, is increased significantly. The probability of a collision can become higher when speeding up in traffic. So, it is best to stay calm and composed and drive slowly until you get to an open road.
3. Always Look At The Surroundings:
   As a truck driver, you should always be alert of your surroundings to avoid collisions. Tall and heavy loads onboard the truck mean that you need to be sure of what is around your vehicle. Blindspots are more likely to cause a collision and smaller vehicles like cars might not be aware of it. So, always check your mirrors, and keep an eye out for underpasses and other vehicles around you which can cause an accident, due to the load board.
4. Avoid Changing Lanes Constantly:
   Next, make sure to not change lanes unnecessarily in traffic. The probability of an accident increases each time you as a truck driver change lanes. This is especially important for tractor-trailer drivers. It is because, the only means to know what is behind the trailer is the mirror, unless someone is there to guide standing outside the vehicle. Driving into the unknown increases the risk of a collision. So, always stick to the left lane which is meant for heavy trucks. 
5. Use A GPS To Navigate:
   Make sure to rely on GPS in situations where you find out before the trip that there is traffic congestion ahead. This way you can optimise your route by choosing the ones that have lesser traffic or free flow of traffic. So, it is recommended that you use GPS to plan out routes before heading out on cargo transportation trips with your truck.
6. Keep Supplies Handy:
   Be prepared for unexpected delays which can hinder your turnaround times. Keep in stock emergency supplies such as water bottles, food supplies, and essential equipment and tools for the truck, in case an uncontrollable instance occurs such as an accident causing traffic congestion. 
7. Plan Your Route Considering Traffic Hours: 
   Make sure to avoid entering city limits, especially during the rush hour which is typically from 9 am to 10 am and  5 pm to 7 pm. This is typically the office hours and entering the city limit during these hours can become difficult for you. 
8. Drive Cautiously In Harsh Weather Conditions: 
   Finally, make sure to drive slowly in harsh weather conditions especially if there is traffic congestion. This is because the risk of a collision in traffic is significantly high with harsh weather in play, such as rain. Such conditions cause aquaplanning.  So make sure to keep the truck in good condition. This includes ensuring that the fog lights are working, and the tyres are in optimal condition. Additionally, make sure to engage the headlights in "low beam" so that the visibility of smaller vehicles is not affected. 

Conclusion: Why Is It Important To Follow These Tips? 

Given that the risk of an accident is significantly increased while driving a truck through traffic due to several factors that we have discussed in this blog, it is recommended that truck drivers follow these tips. Following these recommendations not only ensures that you and others on the road are safe but also helps you ensure that you are a reputed driver. This is key to a credible fleet business and driving profitability. 

FAQs   

How To Safely Drive In Traffic? 

Heavy traffic and congested roads can be stressful for truck drivers. But, safety should be of utmost priority. To ensure safety, you need to drive the truck at slow speeds while carrying heavy loads to avoid rollover accidents, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoid changing lanes unnecessarily. 

What Happens When You Drive In Heavy Traffic? 

Driving heavy vehicles in traffic can become stressful. The road would be crowded with trucks, cars and other vehicles, having no space to overtake or get out of traffic congestion. You as a truck driver would be driving the vehicle at slow speeds, probably creeping behind other vehicles. This can increase driver fatigue and the chance of a collision. 

How To Avoid Heavy Traffic? 

Heading out on cargo transport trips a few minutes before the rush hour can bring your truck to a grinding stop due to traffic congestion. It is recommended to optimise routes by conducting route and trip planning before heading out on long-distance trips. Relying on GPS is the easiest and the best way to avoid traffic bottlenecks. 

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