The Commercial Driving Experts from UPS Have Tips for Safer Driving

Christmas is literally just around the corner, and while Santa prepares his reindeer and sleigh, his own on-ground elves are preparing their magical trucks for last-minute holiday deliveries. While they may not be sporting pointy ears and green tights, the delivery team for companies like UPS and DHL are honorary elves that are worthy of the title. These hardworking men and women, who drive around the clock in order to deliver your presents on-time this holiday season, are putting in more hours than the big guy in the red suit. Without their dedication, you would have to actually drive to a store to purchase gifts for your family, rather than complete your shopping from the convenience of your home or office. Those drivers behind the wheel of those big brown box trucks are navigating through the holiday season thanks to a set of hard and fast rules that they swear by.

Driving Tips from the Commercial Delivery Drivers

Whether you drive a large commercial vehicle yourself, or you are simply driving your loved ones from one family gathering to the next, the commercial driving experts from UPS and DHL have some words of wisdom. After spending more time on the road in the past month than most people will all year, these drivers have come to a few conclusions that they thought were worth passing along. Aimed at keeping you and your loved ones safe, these tips can make your holiday season a happier, more fruitful one.

While some of the following professional tips may seem a bit like common sense, you would be surprised by how many people don’t follow conventional wisdom when behind the wheel. Take a look at the following advice, and see if the professionals can help you navigate this holiday season more effectively, and a bit safer, than in years past.

• Don’t Rely Solely on GPS: As convenient as GPS is, and as easy as it has made our daily lives, it is important not to rely on it as a sole means of direction. Before you head out on the roads this holiday season, take a look at your route and have a general idea of where you are going, and how to get there. If technology has taught us anything, it’s that it isn’t always reliable. Rather than get stranded on the side of the road in an area you are unfamiliar with, take time to memorize your route before heading out the door.

• Be Familiar with Driving Patterns: This may be more applicable to commercial drivers, but it can help to know everyday driving patterns in your area, and where traffic tends to be more congested. Cain Moodie is the Senior Vice President of Network Operations for DHL Express in the US, and he stressed to BBC Autos this month: “Most important: territory knowledge. Taking alternative routes to avoid peak traffic and understanding the habits of drivers around you.” Cain knows all too well how imperative this skill can be, but also notes that driving applications like Waze can help drivers who are less familiar with an area tremendously.

• Don’t Turn Against Traffic: This may seem like an obvious tip, but the experts from UPS urge drivers to practice it this holiday season. While turning left into traffic is totally possible, it may not be the safest or the quickest way to navigate the busy streets this Christmas. Rather than make a left turn without the help from a traffic signal, go with the flow of traffic and optimize your route so that it works in your situation. BBC Autos reported that nearly every professional delivery truck driver offered this as a top tip, noting that, “The fewer lanes of traffic a delivery person needs to cross, the quicker and safer the journey.” While you shouldn’t go out of your way or off-route to avoid left turns against traffic, study your route and see if there are better routes available.

• Constantly Scan Your Surroundings: The best way to stay on top of potential on-road hazards, is to be aware of them. Dan McMackin is a former driver trainer for UPS, and is currently the brand’s PR manager. McMackin offered this insight in regards to staying on top of your surroundings: “We teach our drivers to move their eyes every three to five seconds. It makes it an active process as opposed to passive one. People rarely use their mirrors for what they’re designed for.” UPS also trains its drivers to make and maintain eye contact with pedestrians who are crossing the street, so that both parties are aware of one another’s presence. Finally, commercial truck drivers also urge people to keep their eyes on the road in front of their vehicle, rather than on the car in front of them. This will help keep you focused on the actual roadway, and keep distractions at bay.

• Keep Those Tires Inflated: With the cold temperatures setting in, the tires on your car are more susceptible to low pressure. Ignoring the low tire pressure warnings can lead to decreased fuel economy, and can even result in a flat tire. To ensure that your vehicle is running properly this holiday season, keep up with tire maintenance and inflation.

• Give the Other Guy Some Space: We aren’t talking about your travel companions, because let’s face it – there is nothing spacious about cramming a car full of your family members and Christmas presents. Rather, give the guy in front of you some space. Rather than tail the vehicle just ahead of your own, keep a safe distance between it and yourself. The three-second rule is a good one to follow in this instance, or more for increased peace of mind. Commercial delivery drivers for UPS, for example, are taught in their training courses to maintain a distance of anywhere from 8-12 seconds. The larger and more packed down your vehicle is, the longer it will take to come to a full and complete stop. Keep this in mind as you travel this holiday season, and maintain a distance from the car in front of you that you feel comfortable with.

Whether you are a professional commercial driver, or are heading out with your family this holiday season, keep these tips in mind from the delivery experts.