3 Pickup Truck Driver Mistakes That Scream Inexperienced
I don’t make the rules, I just write about them. Sorry, not sorry, but one important thing about driving a pickup truck is confidence. Lazy mistakes behind the wheel of big trucks can make you stand out as a beginner, which makes everyone around you a little nervous.
Three pickup truck driving mistakes to avoid
1. Slow that pickup truck down
Sure, there are street trucks and supercharged V8-powered beasts, but for the most part, trucks aren’t designed for speed. You can get an athletic SUV or car if you would like to enjoy a more athletic ride.
Trucks have a higher center of gravity, meaning they are easier to flip at high speeds and around sharp curves.
Plus, trucks are bigger and heavier than other vehicles in traffic. That means that they take longer to stop, especially in inclement weather situations.
Leave yourself with enough space to safely stop. Slamming on the brakes might not help you stop in time. It could increase the risk of losing control.
2. Be aware of your size
It’s no secret that trucks keep getting bigger. At 5’1”, I’m hardly any taller than the hood! Know how wide and long your ride is and compensate for it with extra space and awareness.
Take the time to learn where your blind spots are. Take the time to make sure they’re clear before turning, parking, or changing lanes. You don’t want to suddenly cut off another driver or force them out of their lane.
According to TW Driving School, it can be easy to miss blind spots while reversing or parking. Take your time and monitor your progress to avoid obstacles. Remember, trucks need more space while turning too.
3. Suddenly towing without being prepared
A lot of new pickup truck owners will immediately load up a trailer and start towing. But without being prepared or learning the basics, this can cause massive problems with swaying, stability, and breaking distances.
It can also increase the risk of losing control. Overloading your truck, meaning trying to tow and haul more than its payload capacity, only makes things worse. You also want to ensure your trailer is properly connected, so the brake lights illuminate.
Last but not least, turning and reversing a trailer can turn things into a whole different type of ballgame. Practice makes perfect.
