Getting your Commercial Driver License is a big achievement — congrats! Whether you’re fresh out of training or just starting your first solo run, safety should always be your top priority. At ASC Technical Institute in El Paso, TX, we train future truckers to be skilled, confident, and above all, safe on the road.
Here are 10 practical safety tips every new CDL driver should follow as they begin their career. Consider this your road map to success and safety.
1. Do a Full Pre-Trip Inspection — Every Time
Before you start your route, don’t skip your pre-trip inspection. Even if the truck looks fine, it’s what you don’t see that can cause problems. The OSHA “Safe Driving Practices for Employees” quick card emphasizes the importance of consistent vehicle inspections.
What to check:
- Brakes and brake lights
- Tires (pressure and wear)
- Fluids (oil, coolant, windshield washer)
- Mirrors, lights, and horn
- Trailer connection and cargo securement
Tip: Use a checklist every time so you don’t miss anything. It only takes a few minutes and could save your life — and someone else’s.
2. Know Your Blind Spots
Your truck has four major blind spots: in front, directly behind, and on both sides. Smaller vehicles often ride in those zones without realizing it. To maintain safety, it’s best to check your mirrors regularly. Organizations like the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggests checking them every 8 – 10 seconds!
Also, signal early giving other drivers plenty of notice before you change lanes. When in doubt, wait. It’s better to delay than to risk a side-swipe. For even more training, watch this video from the organization called Share the Road Safely.
Tip: Install extra mirrors or cameras if allowed. The more visibility you have, the safer you’ll be.
3. Take Corners Slow and Wide
Sharp turns and tight corners are a challenge for new drivers. Take them too fast, and you could clip a curb — or worse, roll the trailer. Corners are one of the easiest places to make a mistake, but also one of the easiest to get right with practice and patience.
Remember:
- Slow down before the turn
- Use your trailer wheels as your guide
- Watch for pedestrians and vehicles sneaking up
4. Leave Plenty of Following Distance
Unlike cars, tractor trailers can’t stop on a dime. In fact, a fully loaded tractor trailer traveling at highway speed can take up to 525 feet to stop. It’s best to stay at least 7–8 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In bad weather, double that. Keeping your distance also gives you time to react to traffic, potholes, or unexpected detours.
5. Watch the Weather and Your Speed
Rain, snow, fog, high winds — they all make driving harder. Stay updated with a weather app, and always adjust your speed accordingly. If conditions are dangerous, pull over at a safe location, communicate with dispatch if you have one, and wait it out. No load is worth your life. It’s okay to be cautious — that’s what pros do.
6. Manage Your Hours Helps Manage Your Fatigue
New drivers often feel pressure to go, go, go. But pushing past your limits is one of the most dangerous things you can do. According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, after 17 consecutive hours awake, impairment is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of 0.5. It also says most adults need 7 – 9 hours of sleep each day for adequate rest.
Make sure you know and follow your Hours of Service (HOS) limits. Also get good rest during your off-duty time and take regular breaks when you are driving. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Stay sharp and rest when needed.
7. Use Your CDL Training
You didn’t go through CDL school just for the license. Everything you learned from defensive driving to road signs to trip planning matters. At ASC Technical Institute, our graduates learned proper shifting techniques, weight limits, bridge clearances and more. This wasn’t just to pass the exam. It was to keep you safe on the road. Your CDL training is your toolbox. Use it often.
8. Secure Your Load Like a Pro
Whether you’re hauling a flatbed, dry van, or tanker, proper load securement is critical. Shifting cargo can throw off your balance or cause serious accidents. If you wouldn’t want your load falling on your car, make sure it won’t fall on someone else’s.
Checklist to secure your truck’s load:
- Use the correct number of tie-downs
- Double-check before leaving the yard
- Re-check at every stop
9. Stay Alert in Truck Stops and Yards
Believe it or not, most accidents happen at low speeds in parking lots, shipping yards, or fuel stops — not on the highway. Knowing this can help you be more alert in such places. You can use caution and practice driving slowly, scanning constantly, watching for pedestrians or other trailers, and using your hazards when in crowded areas.
Tip: Just because you’re off the road doesn’t mean you’re off duty.
10. Ask Questions and Keep Learning
No one expects you to know everything right away. The best CDL drivers are always learning, asking for advice, and improving their skills. Don’t be shy and ask experienced drivers for feedback. Participate in online forums or watch videos of truck safety. After you’ve been driving a while, it’s also a good idea to take refresher safety courses or get advanced endorsements.
If you trained with us at ASCTI, you can always reach out. We support our graduates long after they’ve left the classroom. Our Career Services office is here to help you navigate the ever-changing job market in the trucking industry.
Safety Is Your Best Skill
At ASCTI, we believe safety isn’t just a lesson — it’s a lifestyle. As a new CDL driver, you’re starting an exciting, rewarding career. But it’s also a serious responsibility. Every decision you make behind the wheel affects you, your cargo, and everyone else on the road. So take your time, stay alert, and drive smart. The more experience you gain, the more confident you’ll become — and it all starts with safety.
Ready to Start Your CDL Journey?
Whether you’re new to trucking or looking to upgrade your career, ASCTI in El Paso, TX, offers hands-on, expert-led CDL training that puts safety first. Call us today or get started online.