Big rigs can have big costs associated with
them. By sheer virtue of the size of commercial trucks, and the damage they can
inflict during a crash, an insurance policy can carry a hefty price tag.
Although maintaining coverage on your vehicle can be costly, not having
insurance or not carrying adequate insurance, poses a bigger financial burden.
As an owner/operator, it pays to drive smart
and research ways to keep your premium at a minimum. While you’re on the
lookout for discounts, keep in mind the following three issues that can drive
up your insurance rates:
High-tailing it down the highway. Research shows that speeding is one of
the most common causes of truck accidents. Pushing the pedal to the metal is
dangerous in a normal sized car, but speeding in a vehicle that exceeds 50,000
pounds can have deadly results. As an owner/operator, you’re aware that your
commercial truck takes a longer time to brake, and if you lose control while
you’re flooring it, you can damage not only other vehicles and property, but
other drivers.
Falling asleep at the wheel. Driver
fatigue is a real issue that affects many truckers. Because drivers earn their
livelihood on the road and make more money the more routes they take, they
compromise their safety (and the well-being of others) when they get sleepy on
the job. Experts say that driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as being drunk at the wheel.
Wandering eyes. As an owner/operator, you understand that although you get to see the
beautiful countryside during your routes, driving a big rig is a lonely life.
It’s easy for your mind (and your eyes) to wander as you search for ways to
break the monotony that comes from hours and hours behind the wheel. Chatting
on CB radios, sneaking a peak at your mini-TV and talking on cell phones can
easily distract you and cause an accident.
One misstep on the road can sink you
financially, or at the very least earn you a ticket for a traffic violation.
Driving the speed limit, getting plenty of rest and keeping your mind sharp
while behind the wheel can help keep your insurance premiums low.
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