Driving Tips for National Safety Month: CDL-A Habits That Protect Your Record and Your Week
National Safety Month is a good reminder of something every professional driver already knows: safe habits keep you working. One preventable incident can cost time, money, and momentum, especially in today’s trucking industry where roadside inspections, CSA scores, and customer expectations matter more than ever.
Whether you’re searching for CDL-A truck driver jobs, trucking jobs near me, or local/regional trucking jobs, you want a carrier that supports safe driving and consistent freight. At Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., safety is a daily standard, not a once-a-year topic. Drivers hauling dry van freight, running flatbed loads, or handling specialized hauling and heavy haul freight all benefit from strong habits behind the wheel.
Below are practical driving tips that help CDL-A drivers stay on schedule, avoid DOT violations, and keep their careers moving forward.
1) Run Your Day Like You Expect a Roadside Inspection
Most clean inspections happen because drivers treat every trip like inspection day. That means keeping your truck, trailer, and paperwork ready.
- Do a consistent walkaround before leaving the yard
- Check tires, lights, brakes, and visible leaks
- Keep permits and documents organized
- Make sure your ELD and logs match the day’s work
2) Leave Space, Slow Down, and Win the Long Game
- Maintain safe following distance, especially in traffic
- Avoid aggressive lane changes around four-wheelers
- Reduce speed early in rain, wind, and work zones
- Use controlled braking instead of hard braking
3) Own Your Blind Spots and Your Mirrors
- Scan mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds
- Signal early and confirm space twice
- Never trust another driver to “give you room”
- Watch your trailer swing on tight turns
4) Flatbed and Specialized Drivers: Securement Is Safety
A smart securement routine includes:
- Re-checking straps and chains after the first 50 miles
- Watching strap wear points and edge protection
- Following DOT load securement rules every load
- Keeping spare securement tools on board
5) Fatigue and Focus: Protect Your Hours and Your Headspace
- Use break time before you “need” it
- Stay hydrated and keep meals simple
- Keep your cab organized and distraction-free
- Be honest about sleep and readiness
6) Pick the Right Carrier If You Want a Long-Term Career
Buchanan’s advantage is the freight mix and the culture behind it:
- Dry van stability for steady freight
- Flatbed and specialized hauling for drivers who want to grow
- Heavy haul capability for more demanding freight needs
- A driver-first operation built on professionalism and experience
Apply for CDL-A Truck Driver Opportunities at Buchanan
If you’re looking for CDL-A driver hiring now opportunities with a carrier that values safety and professionalism, explore the options here:
More driver tools and resources: Truck Driver Resources
Helpful Links
If you want a trucking job where safety habits are respected and supported, not rushed and ignored, Buchanan is worth a serious look.
Truck Driver Resources
Start Your CDL-A Job at Buchanan | Roadside Inspection Checklist to Stay Rolling | Trucking Tire Chain Laws for Truck Drivers | Trucker’s Guide to the CVSA Roadcheck Inspection | The 5S Method to a Cleaner Cab
