The road can be dangerous, which makes preparation of the utmost importance. Still, no matter how much you prepare, you may still be in an accident, but there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances. The following are a few common causes of truck accidents and tips to prevent them. 

Common Accident-Causing Issues

The following are just a few things that you should pay attention to as a truck driver which have been noted as factors in truck-related accidents:

• Excessive speeding 
• Fatigue 
• Dangerous weather 
• Not following defensive driving procedures
• Driving under the influence
• Improper cargo loading
• Tire issues
• Bad brakes
• Failures in the engine

You probably already know how to ensure you are not affected by some of the issues mentioned, like driving slower in inclement weather or avoiding substances that may impair your driving. But, there are still some things that you may need a little help with.

Tips To Prevent Accidents

The following may help with some of the factors that could lead to an accident:

Fatigue

You can always make sure that you get a good night's sleep before heading out. One good tip is to ensure that you keep the temperature between 60 to 67 degrees, as this induces restful sleep. This is because your brain activates melatonin production better when your body is slightly cold. 

There may be times when you just need a little boost, and you can do that too with a simple sage and honey tonic. Add a few drops of sage oil to a cup of water, and add honey to taste. Take this tonic for a little pick-me up, as studies have shown that sage can increase mental alertness. 

Car Problems

The car problems that you may want to pay attention to--besides brakes and tires--are headlights and rear lights. You should also pay attention to the steering system. So check your fluid, or have the system checked before driving. The following are just some signs related to a bad steering system:

• Wheel vibrates, even when idling
• The wheel is hard to steer
• You hear whining or squealing when you try to turn

Talk to your mechanic as soon as you notice any of these signs, or stop your truck until you can get to the bottom of these issues. As you can see, knowing how accidents occur and decreasing your involvement in one can be done with just a little help.

If you still end up having an accident while driving your truck, contact a truck accident lawyer right away.