Movers Guide: 6

Make it a safe trip

Know Where To Find And How To Operate All The Controls.

Locate and try out the windshield wipers, lights, heat and air conditioning controls, radio and turn signals. Familiarize yourself with the gauges, controls, warning lights and buzzers that surround you.

Always Use The Correct Type Of Fuel For Your Tuck And Check All Fluid Levels, including oil, windshield wiper, transmission and brake fluids. Check them repeatedly throughout your trip. Your Budget representative will show you how.

Find a Comfortable Driving Position. Adjust the seat and steering wheel to the proper height and angle.

Adjust Your Mirrors. Take special care adjusting the passenger side mirror - it will be your only good viewing source for the right side of the vehicle. If your mirrors are adjusted properly, you should be able to comfortably view either side of your truck as well as the lanes beside you.

Fasten Your Safety Belt.

Review The Emergency Procedures Manual found in every truck. It outlines the steps to follow in case of any emergency. Important: Note how to properly mark a disabled vehicle with the reflectors provided.

Practice Driving Your Truck In An Empty Parking Lot Before You Begin Your Trip. The stripes make perfect guides for practicing backing, turning, stopping and parking.

Take Your Turns Slow And Wide. Trucks need more room to turn than cars. Taking corners too fast can cause your payload to shift and possibly cause damage. This holds true for exit turns and highway offramps, so slow down to a speed that feels slightly too slow.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time To Stop And Brake Early. Trucks need longer stopping distance than cars - you should leave yourself at least one vehicle length for every 10 MPH. Watch the traffic ahead of you. The height of the truck gives you a better view of the road; use it to anticipate and react to approaching traffic conditions.

Pass Other Vehicles With Care. Trucks take more time to accelerate, so allow yourself more time and room when pulling out into traffic. Take Special Care Backing Up. Don't back up if you have a choice. If you must, ask someone to guide you while you're in reverse. Never back up while a tow dolly is hitched to the back of the truck - there are simply too many pivot points (the truck rear wheels, the tow dolly wheels and the towed vehicle wheels).

Your Budget representative will show you everything you need to know about safely operating your truck with a car in tow. Watch For Low Clearance Height. Trucks are tall, so pay close attention to the potential hazards above you, such as low tree branches, low roof overhangs, your residence, garages, low bridges or tunnels (watch for posted road signs), drive-through restaurants, banks, hotels, motels, covered gas stations, etc.

If you are unsure of the clearance, get out of the truck and look, or ask someone outside to guide you. Check with your Budget representative for the specific overhead clearance your vehicle requires. And remember to allow extra time for unexpected delays or detours.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time To Stop And Brake Early. Trucks need longer stopping distance than cars - you should leave yourself at least one vehicle length for every 10 MPH. Watch the traffic ahead of you. The height of the truck gives you a better view of the road; use it to anticipate and react to approaching traffic conditions.

Obey Traffic Regulations. speed limits vary by city and state as well as by road conditions. Always drive at a speed that is comfortable for you. You don't have to travel at the maximum speed limit - in fact, driving at slower speeds gives you extra reaction time you may require. Most of all, never speed to make up for lost time - it is illegal and potentially dangerous. Avoid Traveling In Bad Weather. Wet pavement will increase the time and distance you need to stop, so slow down and be careful. Traveling in foul weather is very tiring; if you must travel, make frequent rest stops along the way. Do not travel in severe conditions. We will work with you on extra day and mileage charges if you are delayed due to severe weather.

Do Not Drive More Than 6-8 Hours Per Day. Take a rest break every 2 hours. If possible, do not drive the same day you pack and load; you will be too fatigued.

Be Extra Cautious The Last Days Of Your Trip. Most accidents happen during this period. Drivers are tired. They rush to finish the trip. They are usually driving at night in an unfamilar area. This combination of circumstances is difficult enough without the added burden of driving an unfamiliar vehicle, so take your time and be alert.

Never Drive While Tired Or Under The Influence Of Any Substance That Might Impair You (drugs, medications or alcohol).

Never Rely On Stimulants To Keep You Awake. If you are tired, always stop and rest.

A Toll-Free Number Displayed On The Dashboard puts you in touch with a Budget representative 24 hours a day - we're always ready to assist you.

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