OK, so you’ve bought all your packing supplies from the local moving company and have decided to rent a moving truck on your own. Sure, this might save you a little money in the long run, but what if you’ve never driven a moving truck before?
First of all, driving a moving truck is a lot different than driving your car. If you feel uncomfortable driving a truck, you might be better off hiring the moving company to do that, too. However, if you feel like you can handle it, we want to share some of these safety tips with you.
• Open the glove box and skim through the moving truck’s owner’s manual, if there is one.
• Get familiar with the switches and gauges. Always know where the windshield wiper and headlight controls are located.
• Adjust your mirrors before you drive anywhere.
• Get the height and width information and make note of it. This is important for going over bridges and through tunnels.
• Watch for road signs pertaining to trucks – you’ll be driving one after all!
• Don’t forget to use your turn signals.
• The moving truck, especially when loaded, could weight up to ten times more than your car – never tailgate and make sure you have enough time to brake.
• Always use the emergency brake.
• Try to park in spaces where you can simply pull out rather than back out.
• Before you load up the moving truck, drive it around your neighborhood or in an empty parking lot to get a feel for it.
Jon Huser.