Here are 10 safety tips to keep you and others safe when driving a box truck:

Seatbelt use is required by law for your safety. Unfortunately, 1 in 6 truck drivers do not wear a safety belt, putting themselves at risk in the event of an accident. Over 40% of crash-related deaths are attributed to a failure to buckle up. Don’t be a statistic.

2. Avoid Cell Phone Use
Nearly every state bans cell phone use and texting while driving. This distracting, careless, illegal practice causes 1 in 4 accidents in the U.S.

3. Mind Your Speed
Speed limits are there for a reason, including those listed explicitly for large trucks. Bigger, heavier vehicles loaded with cargo take longer to slow and stop. They are also more at risk for spills, rollovers, and crashes on curves and off-ramps.

4. Watch Your Space Cushion
Keep a cushion of space around all sides of your cargo truck, including the top, to prevent accidents.

5. Know Your “No Zones”
Passenger drivers are often unaware of box truck blind spots or “no zones”. A "no zone" is where crashes are most likely to occur. Typically, these include the area behind your side mirrors and directly behind the vehicle.

In conventional models, there is an additional blind spot to the side, just in front of the cab. Keep a careful eye on these areas, particularly when turning or changing lanes.

6. Maintain Your Distance
Pay attention to traffic flow, maintaining ample stopping distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The larger the truck, the more distance you must leave to allow ample braking distance.

A small pickup traveling at 65 mph, following a 1.5 second reaction time, takes around 316 feet to come to a complete stop, while a semi-truck takes about 525 feet.

A good rule of thumb is to leave one vehicle length per 10 mph of speed. For example; 60 mph = 6 car lengths.

7. Be Mindful of Weather
When driving in dangerous conditions, such as wind and rain, increase your space cushion and stopping distance, and decrease your speed.

8. Don’t Neglect Vehicle Maintenance
Don’t neglect pre-trip safety inspections, ensuring cargo is secure, and essential components like tires and brakes are in good working order.

Address service and maintenance needs in a timely manner to ensure safety.

Need info on what to look for? Check out the Most Common Problems with Boxtrucks.

9. Avoid Alcohol and Drug Use
Operating your vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs, including medications that can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive, should be avoided at all costs. Drugs can cost you your job or worse – result in injury or death.

10. Take Care of Yourself
Safe driving often has more to do with you than your vehicle. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest, so that when you do operate your truck, you are fresh and focused, which is crucial to alertness and safety.