Tips for Driving Your Dump Truck Safely

A heavy truck like a dump truck can be a challenging vehicle to drive for new operators who don’t have the necessary experience. However, with a little practice, you’ll be able to master driving a dump truck safely and responsibly on any work site. You just need to understand the unique way that dump trucks work and bear in mind some things you’ll want to avoid doing to prevent accidents.

DeBary Truck Sales is your Florida dump truck dealer, located in Sanford. Below are some helpful tips on how to drive your dump truck.

When On the Road

If you’re driving your dump truck on city streets, it’s vital that you remain focused at all times. Of course, this always applies when operating any type of heavy machinery. If you are careless or speed, you could end up colliding with the vehicles ahead of you because you aren’t able to stop in time. Keep a good following distance between yourself and the vehicles ahead of you.

When you need to reverse, have a fellow worker get out and spot you so that they can help you guide the truck out of a parking lot or other snug area. Your spotter will alert you to stop or change course to avoid obstacles.

Always be aware of the height of your dump truck so that you don’t get stuck under low-clearance bridges, tunnels or other passages. You can do some serious damage to the truck and cause a major traffic jam if you get stuck somewhere your dump truck doesn’t fit!

When Loading

At a work site, it’s important to make sure your dump truck’s load is secured and balanced. Try to avoid filling the upper part of the dump box to keep its center of gravity lower. A higher center of gravity makes the truck liable to tip over. Always pack any materials low and distribute them evenly from side to side and front to back. Stretch a tarp over the load if you need to contain it; most states do require this.

Safety Tips

Only dump your truck’s load when your truck is situated on solid, flat ground to prevent any loose material from sliding out of control. Also, do not drive with the truck bed raised up! This might seem convenient over short distances, but it’s deeply unsafe because there may be power lines or other obstacles above you that you’ll hit with the truck’s bed.

Finally, make sure that you’re aware of the people and obstacles around you. You never, ever want to accidentally empty the truck bed on people or vehicles behind you. Make judicious use of headsets and hand signals and clear communication to ensure that everyone at a work site is far away from the place you plan to dump the load.

Seeking dump trucks for sale in Tampa? Stop by our dealership in Sanford, FL, to check out our selection of new and used dump trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves all of our Florida customers as well as everyone coming south from the greater Atlanta, GA, metro area.