How Far Should a Truck Driver Look?

Commercial truck drivers are taught to watch the conditions around them as well as the actions of others at all times. When truck drivers learn these techniques, they are taught to recognize a hazard or emergency before it becomes an accident for themselves and other people sharing the roads.

Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Part 383.113, on-road driving skills are covered that a truck driver must possess. One of these skills is a very obvious ability to use proper visual search methods that all truck driver are instructed to use at some point. Visual searches are of utmost importance because they help truck drivers see ahead and to the sides, use their mirrors properly, and see to the rear when some things will go unnoticed.

What Does the General Rule Say?

As a general rule, truck drivers are urged to look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicle to prevent accidents. When a truck driver is driving at lower speeds, this will usually come out to about a block. At highway speeds, it’s a quarter of a mile. By looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead, this does not mean that you should not pay attention to things that are closer. A good truck driver will look at the road from all views, paying attention to multiple aspects of the road. This is the best way to prevent accidents as well as save the lives of many.