Tips for Truck Drivers: How to Break Bad Driving Habits
Although I couldn’t find the origin of the quote, “I’ll drop you like a bad habit” came to mind when I started thinking about this article.
In my experience, to drop a bad habit is a long and difficult process and requires a lot of self-awareness and vigilance. A quote I read said “the only way to get rid of a bad habit is to replace it with a good one.” To establish a new habit, like a practice routine or exercise regime, it takes 28 consistent repetitions.
So, being that this is a safety article for professional drivers, we’ll be discussing bad driving habits and behaviors and their impact on public and personal safety. Being that we are all professionals that have dedicated a significant amount of time and energy to our licensure and certification to do what we do, we should not be complacent about any of these bad driving habits. We’ll start with some statistics:
Speeding:
Distracted Driving:
Impaired Driving:
- In Minnesota, 20% of traffic fatalities in 2017 involved drunk drivers, accounting for 72 deaths.
Aggressive Driving:
- Behaviors such as tailgating, erratic lane changes, and road rage are linked to a significant number of accidents, though exact figures vary by region.
Fatigue:
- Drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 100,000 crashes annually in the U.S., leading to an estimated 1,500 deaths.
Why Bad Habits Stick
Bad driving habits don’t just develop overnight—they’re often the result of shortcuts, stress, or overconfidence behind the wheel. As professional drivers, the stakes are higher for us. The size, weight, and nature of our vehicles mean that even small mistakes can have catastrophic consequences. Having the self-awareness to recognize these habits is the first step toward changing the behavior.
The Ripple Effect of Bad Habits
One of the biggest dangers of bad driving habits is their ripple effect. For example, speeding might save you a few minutes, but it increases stopping distance and reduces reaction time, putting everyone on the road at risk. Similarly, distracted driving doesn’t just affect your safety—it endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow motorists. As professionals, our actions set a standard for others, whether we realize it or not.
Breaking the Cycle
Dropping bad habits isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely necessary. Here’s how we can start:
- Acknowledge the Problem
- The hardest part of change is admitting that we have room for improvement. Reflect on your driving habits—do you speed to make up for lost time? Do you check your phone at red lights? Recognize the behaviors that need to change.
- Replace, Don't Eliminate
- If you’re prone to distractions, replace the habit with proactive preparation. For example, set up your GPS, playlist, or hands-free device before starting your trip. If you struggle with fatigue, build regular breaks into your schedule.
- Leverage Technology
- Modern vehicles are equipped with tools like lane departure warnings, fatigue monitoring systems, and adaptive cruise control. Use these technologies as an extra layer of safety while you work on improving your habits.
- Stay Consistent
- Remember, it takes time to form new habits. Commit to practicing good driving behaviors daily. Over time, these actions will become second nature.
The Three Categories of Cooperation
Being aware of your own attitude toward constructive criticism is possibly as important as being aware of the behaviors themselves. To live in open defiance of the standards of the DOT is to walk an uncertain path that could lead to fines, license revocation, and even jail time.
1. Receptive
Receptive drivers are open to feedback and eager to improve their habits. They value safety and take pride in their professionalism. When presented with data or guidelines, they actively seek ways to comply and often go above and beond minimum requirements.
- Characteristics:
- Open to constructive criticism
- Quick to implement new safety practices
- Likely to encourage others to follow suit
2. Resistant
Resistant drivers may understand the importance of safety but struggle to change due to ingrained habits, skepticism, or lack of motivation. They might comply when monitored but revert to old behaviors when they feel unsupervised.
- Characteristics:
- Hesitant to adopt new policies
- May downplay the risks of their bad habits
- Comply inconsistently
3. Defiant
Defiant drivers actively resist compliance, often seeing safety rules as unnecessary or restrictive. They may believe their experience or skill compensates for risky behaviors, making them the most challenging group to work with.
- Characteristics:
- Openly dismiss safety guidelines
- Exhibit aggressive or careless driving behaviors
- Require frequent interventions
The Professional Responsibility
As professional drivers, we have a responsibility that goes beyond ourselves. Our choices impact everyone we share the road with and the companies we represent. Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about creating a culture of responsibility, respect, and care on the road.
Closing Thoughts
Dropping a bad habit may be tough, but it’s worth the effort. Every small change we make behind the wheel can save lives, reduce costs, and enhance the professional reputation we’ve worked so hard to build. Let’s challenge ourselves to be better drivers—not just for us, but for our families and the families of those we interact with.
So, the next time you catch yourself slipping into a bad habit, remember: replacing it with a good one isn’t just a goal—it’s your duty as a professional.
