Every Aussie truck driver knows how challenging long hauls can be – endless highways, tight schedules, and heavy rigs. Over time, it’s easy for unsafe habits to creep into your driving routine. Unfortunately, these habits can be dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.

In this article, we take a look at a few common habits Aussie truckies fall into and discuss safer practices to adopt instead.

In this article, we’ll highlight everyday unsafe habits among truckies in Australia and discuss safer practices to adopt instead.

Staying vigilant about these habits will keep you safer, help reduce your truck maintenance costs, and keep your rig on the road (not in the repair shop or worse).

Common unsafe habits (and safer alternatives)

Driving while distracted

Using a phone, eating, and other distractions while driving a truck are extremely risky. In fact, distracted driving is identified as the leading cause of accidents among truck drivers. Distractions can range from texting or checking your GPS to eating lunch while driving. One Australian survey found that 42% of drivers admitted to eating while driving. 13% even confessed to texting without a hands-free device, and 9% are on social media. Taking your eyes or mind off the road for even a moment greatly increases the chance of a crash.

Safer habit: Driving requires complete focus. Keep your phone away and use hands-free only when necessary. If you need to text or call, pull over or wait for a break. Plan rest stops to eat.

Improper use of lights

Clear communication on the road is critical, especially when using light indicators. A common but discouraged truckie habit is flashing the right blinker to signal it’s safe to overtake. However, this can be unclear because it can signal to other drivers that they’re planning to turn. Others skip using indicators altogether, which only increases the risk of confusion and serious accidents.

Safer habit: Use your indicators solely for actual turns or lane changes and do so well in advance. Avoid using them as a form of communication. Instead, use a UHF radio on channel 40 for precise coordination with other vehicles. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes to prevent confusion and enhance safety.

Skipping on truck maintenance

When pressed for time, truck drivers may neglect daily checks and maintenance. Often, they skip pre-trip inspections unless required by company policy, which can lead to serious issues such as tyre blowouts or brake failure.

Safer habit: Make pre-trip inspections and regular maintenance a habit. Spend a few minutes checking tyres (pressure and tread), brakes, lights, indicators, and engine oil, and ensure your load is secure. Address any issues before driving to avoid breakdowns or accidents later.

Not taking proper breaks

Fatigue is a factor in at least 1 out of 4 crashes on the road, according to the National Roads and Motorists’ Association’s spokesperson, Peter Khoury. Drivers have admitted to experiencing microsleep (dozing off for a few seconds) while driving due to sleep deprivation and having no breaks during long-distance drives.

Safer habit: Prioritise sleep and follow maximum work hours (which requires 7 continuous hours of stationary rest). Plan your trips with enough time to take regular breaks, whether it be for a power nap or a quick stretch. It can make a big difference.

Speeding and tailgating

Speeding might save a few minutes, but it can also dramatically increase the likelihood of getting into an accident, especially in a 40+ tonne vehicle. Heavy trucks take longer to stop than a regular-sized car, so the timeframe to avoid a collision is much narrower. If a car ahead suddenly hits the brakes, and you’re speeding or tailgating, you might not be able to stop in time to avoid an impact.

Safer habit: Always obey speed limits and adjust your speed to road conditions, maintaining a 3-4 second gap behind the vehicle ahead. If you’re behind a slower vehicle, resist the urge to tailgate. Slow down or safely overtake instead when possible. Patience and defensive driving are key to safer roads.

Not wearing seatbelts

It’s 2025, but this still needs to be said. Some drivers, not just truck drivers, still refuse to wear seatbelts because of the myth that being thrown out of a car during an accident is safer than getting trapped inside a car in case it bursts into flames or is submerged in water. Odds are you’re more likely to survive when you’re wearing a seatbelt, especially when there’s significant impact force.

Safer habit: Always wear your seat belt, every trip, every time, no excuses. Modern trucks are built with seatbelt use in mind, and wearing one will not hinder your escape in the rare event you need to get out quickly. On the other hand, not wearing it could see you thrown into the windscreen or out of the cab in a crash. If you have a crew or passengers, insist they buckle up too. It’s the simplest and easiest lifesaving Habit you can practice while on the road.

Being complacent

Many experienced Aussie truck drivers have been truckies for decades, which proves their skill and dedication. However, it can also lead to a dangerous “I’ve got this” attitude. Seasoned drivers can become overconfident, leading to lax behaviour such as skipping mirror checks or rolling through stop signs, due to familiarity.

Safer habit: Regardless of experience, stay alert, follow traffic laws, and actively look for hazards. Conditions can change in an instant, and safety is a lifelong skill that requires a humble mindset and a willingness to learn.

Practice good driving habits for a safer road

Breaking unsafe driving habits can be tough, but it’s absolutely worth it for your safety and others’. Good driving habits can help you avoid accidents, which means less downtime, fewer repair bills, and potentially lower insurance costs.

If you’re interested to learn more, contact Ryno Insurance today. Our experienced team of truck insurance specialists can work with you to assess your risk profile and design a policy that supports your operation and safety. Let’s build the foundation for safer driving and smarter business. Drive steady. Stay safe. Keep moving.