Lifestyle
Experienced Truckers Share Valuable Driving Tips You Need to Know
America is currently facing a logistics crisis partly due to disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic and an acute shortage of truck drivers. If you have ever wanted to be a trucker, there is never a better time than now.
But the conditions and the pressures of work can easily have a toll on truck drivers, making it one of the riskiest professions. But some truckers have been in it for a lifetime and have managed to drive incident-free.
Keep reading as we share some valuable tips from experienced truckers that you may want to know early in your newfound career.
American Trucking Industry Statistics
The trucking industry employs approximately 3.5 million Americans representing 5% of all full-time employees. This industry is male-dominated, with only 10% of all truckers being women.
Other statistics indicate that the industry is 80,000 truckers short, a figure expected to rise as older truckers approach retirement. As a result, the existing truckers are often pushed to the limit to ensure that trucking companies meet the deadline, a significant contributor to truck accidents in recent years.
In 2020, over 4,865 people died in truck-related injuries in the U.S., representing a 1% decrease from 2019 but a 31% increase since 2011. If you want to get an in-depth look at the trucking accident rates, this list of truck accident statistics can be a good read for you.
Safety Tips from Experienced Truckers
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving means driving with an awareness that you could be the only driver on the road with safety in mind. According to most experienced truckers, many drivers do not know how to drive safely around big rigs. A study conducted by a Michigan university showed that over 80 percent of all crashes involving a trailer are caused by other vehicles rather than the truck.
Some defensive driving tips for truckers include being cautious about your blind spots, which can be relatively broad, and maintaining a wider following distance than an average car. With up to 80,000 pounds in tow, you will require a longer distance to come to a stop than an average car.
Ensure Your Truck’s Maintenance Is Up to Date
The responsibility of ensuring that the truck’s maintenance is up to date lies with the trucking company. Your life is at risk when driving a truck, so you may want to ensure that the company does what it is supposed to do.
You do not have to wait for the maintenance schedule to look for mechanical issues. Regular inspection of your truck before getting on the road is vital to ensure everything is in its right working order.
For example, you may want to physically examine the wheels to ensure they have the right pressure and that there are no loose screws. You may also want to ensure that all your brakes, brake lights, and turn signals are functional before getting on the road.
Get Adequate Rest and Sleep
Adequate sleep and rest are essential when operating big rigs. If you do not get enough of any, you risk sleeping while on the road creating a significantly high risk of getting into an accident. Federal laws stipulate a maximum of 60 to 70 driving hours per week and regular breaks that vary depending on the driving regime.
Most trucks come with automatic logs that indicate the number of hours they have been on the road. However, logging out doesn’t always mean the driver will get adequate rest.
Some truckers use the brakes to engage in other activities such as drinking, which could mean they don’t get enough rest to drive the following day safely. According to experienced truck drivers, if you feel drowsy during your drive, it is best to pull over into a rest area and take a break before proceeding.
Lifestyle
Kelli Lewis and Her Inspiration Behind KelliWorks
Kelli Lewis has made a name for herself through her virtual accounting firm KelliWorks which specializes in dealing with the finances of small and mid-sized businesses. The firm was established, keeping in mind the need for expert and technology-driven accounting services to cater mainly to small and mid-sized businesses. At a time when these small and mid-sized business owners were struggling with the inconsistencies in their accounting work, bookkeeping, and payroll management, Kelli came up with her firm that provided bookkeeping, financial strategy consulting, helping businesses to deal with their finances and giving solutions using technology, and payroll management.
Kelli uses her experience as a small business expert to help businesses still stuck with the conventional methods of accounting. Her firm, KelliWorks is remote and leverages the latest accounting technology and helps these small and mid-sized businesses find accurate and scalable solutions.
Kelli Lewis’ Inspirational Story in Being a Successful Small Business Expert
Born on April 5, 1985, in Orange, New Jersey, Kelli Lewis does not have any formal education, nor has she graduated from an educational institution. Kelli’s early years were spent on her mother’s recovery from a coma after a car accident. It was during that time while spending time with her mother at her rehabilitation, Kelli understood what it meant to be adaptable and perseverant. That, later on, went on to become the qualities she used in her business approach towards entrepreneurs. She built her career through hands-on experiences, an understanding of business operations and financial management, and mentorship.
Kelli’s story is inspiring because despite not having a formal degree, her business KelliWorks was created to encourage entrepreneurs to find their strength and build a team that compliments their workforce. Kelli’s understanding of how to sustain a business, future-proof business models, and implement financial safeguards have helped her guide businesses to navigate their obstacles.
She attributes her success at her business to the values she learned while growing up. She uses the experience gained through back-office management, business consulting, and accounting. That enabled her to understand the need to get rid of outdated accounting systems and come up with a modern one that was technology-based.
Her virtual accounting firm, KelliWorks offers a range of business and accounting consultations, and goes with the catchphrase, “KelliWorks, so you don’t have to”. They include:
● Bookkeeping and Payroll Management – This ensures accurate financial records and smooth payroll operations.
● Business Process Optimization – Helps to implement automated systems that will improve forecasting and financial decision making.
● Financial Strategy and Planning – Assists businesses with budgeting and cash flow efficiency. It reduces reliance on manual processes.
● Technology Integration – It utilizes cloud-based accounting software and financial tools to streamline business operations.
KelliWorks is dedicated to lessening the financial stress of small and mid-sized businesses by giving them support and proper financial guidance. The entrepreneurs are informed about the best practices they can adopt, the long-term successful financial strategies, and technology solutions. Their commitment to stay at the forefront of small business financial consulting is commendable. The firm deals with the financial aspects of the businesses and thereby helps the entrepreneurs concentrate on their business growth.
Running a successful business and managing a family can be a challenge. Kelli Lewis balances her family life with her work life by incorporating the systems that allow her business to function efficiently and effectively. Her boundaries between work and family are well-defined. Kelli sets a good example to those who are business-minded on how to cope with the pressures of being competitive and flexible when it comes to combining her personal and work lives together.
-
Tech5 years agoEffuel Reviews (2021) – Effuel ECO OBD2 Saves Fuel, and Reduce Gas Cost? Effuel Customer Reviews
-
Tech7 years agoBosch Power Tools India Launches ‘Cordless Matlab Bosch’ Campaign to Demonstrate the Power of Cordless
-
Lifestyle7 years agoCatholic Cases App brings Church’s Moral Teachings to Androids and iPhones
-
Lifestyle5 years agoEast Side Hype x Billionaire Boys Club. Hottest New Streetwear Releases in Utah.
-
Tech7 years agoCloud Buyers & Investors to Profit in the Future
-
Lifestyle6 years agoThe Midas of Cosmetic Dermatology: Dr. Simon Ourian
-
Health7 years agoCBDistillery Review: Is it a scam?
-
Entertainment7 years agoAvengers Endgame now Available on 123Movies for Download & Streaming for Free
