Part of the fun of driving a semi truck is conquering the road and whatever it throws your way. Still, the best drivers know that safety is paramount, come rain or come shine (or come golf ball-sized hail outside of Kansas City). Here are seven accessories that can enrich the welfare of both you and your truck.
High Performance Headlights
Upgrading your headlights is an easy way to boost your semi’s safety quotient. Freightliner Columbia headlights, for example, can provide outstanding visibility, not only after nightfall, but also in a variety of gnarly weather conditions. What’s more, they’re a brilliant way to showcase your style — literally.
Device Mount
Keep your smartphone or tablet within easy reach while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel with a durable dash or windshield mounting system. Most mounts, such as the Maxx Mount tablet holder, offer 360-degree movement and are guaranteed not to scratch your device.
Safety Clothing
If you need to get out of your cab on the side of the road, you need to be visible, especially once the sun starts to set. A brightly colored reflective vest, sweatshirt, or jacket isn’t exactly the height of fashion, but when you’re hustling to get your truck back on the move, style doesn’t count; safety does.
Marker Lights
LED marker lights for trucks come in all shapes and sizes, presenting a variety of ways to keep you and your rig safe on the road. From retro-style beehive cab marker lights to clearance markers, LED lights offer longevity and toughness.
Colorful LED light strips can also provide a fun and affordable way to customize and spruce up your cab. They’re durable, too. Versa-Lite LED marker light strips, for example, are easy to mount, available in six different colors, and are designed to hold up against water, chemicals, shocks, and vibrations.
Tire Chains
There’s nothing quite like winter in Chicago, and there’s nothing quite like being stuck in the Midwest in January without snow chains. Help your rig get a grip with traction aids such as Quik Grip’s link-style chains, available in single and dual setups, neither of which require a chain tightener.
Pressure Equalization System
If you have a dual tire configuration, you know very well how difficult it can be to avoid distortion due to braking and bad air movement. A dual pressure equalization system, such as those made by Crossfire, can help you keep your tires’ pressure in check. Most systems install quickly and sport an easy-to-read pressure gauge for effortless appraisal of your tires’ pressure. Maintaining even pressure means greater longevity for your tires, as well as less time spent on maintenance and more time on the move.
Projection Headlights
Take things up a notch with sport-style projection headlights, which provide extra-bright illumination in the deepest, darkest, middle-of-nowhere night. Peterbilt 389 headlights incorporate easy, plug-and-play installation and come in an assortment of builds, including quartz, chrome, and blackout models.
Protecting the well-being of both yourself and your truck is key to owning the road — and not letting it own you. Keep safety first with these affordable and accessible semi truck accessories.
Safety Tips When Driving a Truck
In addition to regular truck engine maintenance, by using the right truck accessories, you have peace of mind knowing that you have a good and safe truck. Further, for you to be really safe when driving a truck, you have to know the safety measure when driving a truck for either short or long-distance trips.
The Stephens Law Firm explains that truck driving is a tough job because it requires long hours of driving in different weather conditions and almost all hours a day and even during the night. That’s why safe driving is highly recommended.
Check out these safety truck driving tips:
- Wear Your Seatbelt: There are truck drivers who don’t wear safety belts. However, it is the best way to reduce body injury.
- Avoid Using Your Smartphone While Driving: It’s illegal to use your gadgets while driving. Distracted driving makes you at a higher risk of accidents.
- Know and Follow Speed Limits: There are speed limits for trucks, so keep within the range to avoid accidents.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: This reminder is a basic safety tip that some drivers have problems dealing with. Never drive if you’re intoxicated because it will impair your physical faculties and judgment.
- Plan Your Trip: Because of unexpected events on the road, planning your trip makes you more prepared. Determine the driving hours, the best routes, and weather scouting for a safer journey.
- Be Mindful of Your Truck’s Space Cushion: Always consider the weight and height of your truck. This ensures that there’s always a safe space cushion on all sides to avoid accidents.
- Slow Down for Curves and Turns: Slow down when heading a curvy road and adjust lane changes accordingly.
- Maintain a Proper and Safe Stopping Distance: Enough stopping distance is important between your truck and other vehicles ahead of you. Reduce distractions and keep your eye on the road will avoid close interactions.